caseyduhamel's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:3,948
- Reviews Submitted:152
- First Review:October 29, 2019
- Most Recent Review:June 13, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Something is terribly wrong in the toy world, and only you can help!
Overall rating
5
/
5
85 of 94 found this review helpful
Not Your Usual Christmas Game!
PostedDecember 17, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This lovely Christmas adventure takes place in a Bavarian someplace. As in many Christmas stories (Babes in Toyland comes to mind), you enter a toy populated land to find your best friend Fritz. He is your young toy-making partner and both of you had been under the tutelage of the Master Toymaker (who slightly resembles Santa). What struck me first and foremost (and with much appreciation) are the beautifully executed graphics. I was blown away- they truly appear to be hand drawn, that's how good they are. Christmas games, as a rule, have a rather "loud" palette. The games shout "CHRISTMAS!" in each and every scene. Not this game. The palette is wonderfully soft and pastel, like a new snowfall. The Christmas décor is gentle and lovely. The game does not rely on Christmas music, instead opting for something different: symphonic music which sets the mood for that particular scene. The characters are very detailed and move with very good fluidity. There are your usual fun-to-find goodies, four to a scene- two collectibles, two morphs. You have to look for them but its not frustrating. Speaking of frustrating- the HOPs. No worries here, even without the Match-3 option. The HOPs are fun and engaging with different variations that make the HOPs much more enjoyable than your usual junkpile. And, I never met a puzzle I didn't like and I enjoy these very much. Also, there is a little story telling mouse that lives in a little castle that will be added to your control bar, alongside the map. He is part of the game as he trades parts of the story for treats- that's a new one! Also, the name of the fantasy area you will be exploring is Spielland, which is German for "Play Land". Add this wonderful tale to your Christmas collection for your whole family to enjoy. You won't be disappointed. Merry Christmas!
I recommend this game!
Can you reach your new family in time for Christmas?
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 28 found this review helpful
Merry Christmas Domini!
PostedDecember 10, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A wonderful addition to the Christmas genre! Holiday games have to be judged differently than other games. Most will be family friendly-this quality may not appeal to some. So yes, the voice overs may be a bit childish in this particular game but that is to be expected. From the opening introduction scene we are treated with a classic Christmas song. The actual game sound track is not running a continual loop throughout the game; instead the very Christmassy tunes introduce each scene then stop. Many may appreciate this. Every Christmas story has its villains: Scrooge, the Grinch, The Nutcracker, Babes in Toyland. It wouldn't be a Christmas story without a villain- even Santa says "Have you been naughty or nice?" In this story, the villain is a nasty (albeit benign) overachieving elf with ulterior motives; you play a toy searching for your home and this elf is your nemesis. The graphics are excellent, they shout "Christmas"!- NO PURPLE!!!!! ANYWHERE!!!! THANK YOU DEVS!!!!!!! I completed the puzzles in difficult mode...well, mostly lol. They are fun and I really enjoyed them, you'll recognize a couple. The HOPS had some new twists that made playing the HOP actually enjoyable (I am not a HOP girl). But the HOPs were more puzzle-like so I really appreciated that. You've got three types of collectibles to hunt- always fun...morphs (Christmas presents), Christmas Goodies, and coins in the close ups. You'll use these to buy goodies in the bonus extras section. What I really appreciate is the little indicator to the left of the inventory bar. It lets you know what is available to find in the scene. How many of us get on a roll in a game and forget the pick-up goodies? I know I do. This game is a wonderful definite addition to my Christmas gaming collection. During these difficult times it is wonderful to escape into the wondrous Christmas landscape. Thank you Domini and Merry Christmas everyone! :-)
I recommend this game!
Can you bring back magic and rescue your mom in time for Christmas?
Overall rating
4
/
5
42 of 51 found this review helpful
Delightful Christmas Story
PostedDecember 3, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
We have to judge this game differently as it is a Christmas game. Hands down, Christmas Stories Nut Cracker has been the best in this series. But, this is a wonderful addition. It has the usual Elephant bells and whistles but the devs have thrown in a few twists to make the experience different, especially the HOPs. The devs did sneak in the dreaded purple to the palette, but not to the point where you need special glasses to play the game. Collectibles( 3 types: morphs, figures, puzzle pieces), especially the morphers (wrapped presents) are fun to find and can be challenging. I was very surprised at the quality of the graphics, just beautiful and gets you in that Christmas spirit. The sound track is delightful. Don't expect Christmas music, but it does set the mood very well. Cut-aways very smooth, characters have fluidity of motion. V-Os are well done and don't sound like actors rolling their eyes because this was the only Christmas gig they could land (believe me, I know). The puzzles range from easy to difficult even in casual mode. The map is a little difficult to read simply because of the size of the designation symbols. Not a big deal. If I could give this game a 4.5, I would. The only thing holding me back from a 5 star rating is the fact that, yes, it is the same ol' "save a relative" game with the same Elephant emblem scavenger hunt, BUT- there are new things to do in the puzzles, the collectibles definitely add to the game, the Hops and puzzles are a great pastime and some are definite head-scratchers. So, judging this as a Christmas game- GREAT JOB, DEVS!
I recommend this game!
An adventure in Austrian artwork and antiquities with Mia Faircroft!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Could Have Been a 5 Star
PostedDecember 2, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Graphics- excellent. Level of difficulty- ridiculously simple (some puzzles) to impossible to find objects (some HOPs). All in all, the HOPs are very crisp and clear but a few of the objects are impossible to find without the help of the hint button. The puzzles: some way too easy, some took some thought. My beef with this game is this- monotony. There needed to be much more variety regarding the actual HOPs and puzzles- same three types over and over again. And way too much useless readable dialogue. That was so over the top I just skipped right through it as much of it didn't advance the storyline and just involved needless boring chit-chat. Some gamers might really love this...up to you, but I'll recommend it. There's a lot worse out there!
I recommend this game!
A mysterious invitation promises rare treasures but exposes dark secrets!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
Count on Grandma
PostedNovember 24, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Well, gamers have been begging for something different in this arena and we're almost there. First, let's get it out of the way, it's the same old find this emblem to open this emblem to feed that cat to get that flashlight to scare the crow etc. You know what I mean. BUT- secondly- NO PINK AND PURPLE!! In fact the graphics were very very good. I wouldn't say excellent (that's reserved for hand drawn), but the scenes are very enjoyable. Very different storyline- punishment for one's obsessions with collectibles (color me very guilty!!!) The puzzles range from easy to very hard (even in casual mode). There is no match-3 option in the HOGs but the HOGs are fun, challenging and doable. Not at all irritating or frustrating. Fun-to-find collectibles and puzzle pieces- that always adds to the game and it does so here. One thing that depresses me though- caged birds, pretty much what this game is based on. In one scene you must catch a Blue Jay and cage it. That is so sad- Blue Jays aren't meant for cages, they are completely wild. So, that was a downer for me. I have a parrot and he rules the household. He was hand raised and his cage is wide open- he goes where he wants and talks to us constantly. And loves his Reese's Pieces :-). So, the whole caged bird thig was kinda sad, but all in all, a good game, great effort but the dev team, and a refreshing storyline. Worth buying!
I recommend this game!
When volcanic eruptions uncover hidden caves in Samoa, you can’t wait to decipher the ancient texts inside! But this educational expedition quickly takes a dangerous turn when someone steals your research! Legend says the Maori hid a powerful artifact, and there’s no telling what damage it could do in the wrong hands! Can you find the artifact and save the world in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
39 of 50 found this review helpful
Domini Redeems Itself!
PostedNovember 19, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Let's face it- Domini has put out a few clunkers as of late- predictable, incredibly boring (the Halloween offerings), I believe that is the complaint of many of the reviews you see today- rehash after rehash after rehash. The same ol' same ol'. Which is actually understandable because if a developer is running a series, eventually that developer will run out of ideas. It happens, even on TV: Seinfeld went out on a high note, the Brady Bunch not so much. You can tell a series is running out of ideas when new characters have to be introduced- usually babies (so long fantastic series "Mike and Molly). But, finally, even in today's casual gaming world of stultifying CG graphics comes this gem from Domini. They've been listening! I am fascinated with the Maori- whoa, no other developer has touched that before! The graphics, although cg (I am a devoted fan of hand drawn and colored graphics but those days are gone- too time consuming for this game-a-day venue) are beautiful! No pink or purple- hurray! The HOGs are user friendly and I love the match-3 option. I love the fact the game is multicultural. The game operated smoothly on my pc. Some of the puzzles definitely took me a day or two to get through- where there is a will there is a way! lol I am so appreciative of these developers getting away from fantasy land, because as they say, nothing is stranger than truth. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
I recommend this game!
Uncover the mystery of Huxley’s Boarding House before time runs out!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
MCF Makes A Come Back!
PostedNovember 17, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I had pretty much given up on this series as I had many others simply because the game dynamics (plot, puzzles etc.) had become rehashed so many times- the same thing over and over: save the world, save two worlds, save your sister or your half-sister or a multitude of siblings, dwarves, dragons, wicked queens, other-worldlies, lazy cg graphics, lazy script, lazy plot. I guess you get the point. And, if you have been reading the reviews, this has been the biggest complaint: a lack of originality. Now, granted, if a developer is running a series, you eventually run out of ideas (same happens on TV save for but a few series). Well, Eipix has apparently been listening to the gamers on BFG because this is a truly fun, immersive, brain-tweaking game. The cg graphics as far as scenery is really very good (personally, I am a huge fan of hand drawn graphics but I know that is time prohibitive), the characters move a little stiffly but are still well presented with appropriate accents and personalities- multi-dimensional characters are a big plus as they add to the storyline to keep us engaged. And so many different twists to the same old find the morphs, collectibles etc. Not gonna give it away here. The HOGs were actually fun and the puzzles were definitely a challenge. I really enjoyed this game- I actually read every note and book page, I felt an engagement with the characters and loved the different plot. Thanks for hearing us, Eipix! Can't wait to see more!
I recommend this game!
Embark on an epic match-3 journey with your old friends from Rivermoor. Travel across the kingdom of Silverdale as you track down a bandit thief!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
The Game That Never Ends
PostedNovember 12, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I did enjoy this game- and still am a year later as it never ends! The boards are huge, the hidden areas are quite hidden, you might miss just 1 tile out of over 1,000 keeping you from achieving the coveted ribbon. I finally completed the main game and am on the bonus game...so that'll take another six months. You get a LOT of game for the money! And the puzzles are fun. If you want to relax and do some non-committal gaming while knocking back a few- this is your bet!
I recommend this game!
A paranormal festival is held hostage by a mystery man demanding the truth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 62 found this review helpful
An Elephant Improvement, But...
PostedNovember 12, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
<sigh> I guess it has finally come to the point where I must admit to myself that we will no longer see the wonderful hand drawn and colored graphics of a few years ago. Such a shame that technology has taken that away as you can see for yourself the gaming offers we see today. That hand-drawn type of artwork held so much depth and heart. It's like comparing the Disney masterpiece Snow White, unparalleled to this day in its imagery and scope, to Lego Batman. That being said, we have this issue from Elephant Games. Apparently the devs did not get the memo regarding the overuse of pinks and purples. But, Elephant did manage to take the same ol' and turn it into a bit of an interesting story. Granted, we are saving people again, but this has an interesting twist. I did really enjoy the puzzles and the HOGs were actually fun- even without the match-three option. There is a hermetic flair to this game and as Tarotist and Tarot historian I was quite impressed with the presence of an extremely historically significant Tarot deck in one of the HOGs. Barely anyone in the Tarot community knows about that deck, so that was a HUGE bonus for me! The graphics are good and well done (please no more pink and purple), characters could move a bit more fluidly. I love the fact the Asian character has a heavy New York accent! And that is a wonderful point: Elephant made the characters of this game multicultural- bravo! Was the game fun- yes indeed. Great graphics...well, there's been better. I actually cared about the characters as you have to make decisions regarding them. So kudos to Elephant for taking the usual vapid ho-hum and give us something to enjoy.
I recommend this game!
A Halloween visit with distant relatives becomes more than you bargained for!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Great Game...But Vampires...Again?
PostedNovember 11, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game is definitely a well put together project with quality graphics, fun puzzles, find-em goodies and HOGs w/ interesting variants. I give it an 6+ on the spookiness meter (which goes up to 10, not 11 all you Spinal Tappers) as this is kid-friendly. Smooth cut-aways, juvenile dialogue, characters movements could have been smoother. All in all, a great game for Halloween...EXCEPT...Vampires have nothing to do with Halloween (Samhain- pronounced Sow-in). Halloween is an ancient Druidic (Wiccan in the modern sense) celebration when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest. That's why the Catholic church followed Samhain with All Saints Day on November 1st. Vampires and the whole vampiric culture has been done to death...or un-death if you will. They shouldn't be inserted in a storyline where they don't belong just to sell a product. Let's get back to a traditional Halloween...Druids, Wiccans, the forest dwellers, cauldrons, spellcasting...BOO!!
I recommend this game!