caseyduhamel's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:3,948
- Reviews Submitted:148
- First Review:October 29, 2019
- Most Recent Review:December 23, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
A late-night subway ride takes a bizarre turn into a mystical cemetery. You have been summoned by a strange entity to free the cemetery’s lost souls. Will you succeed, or is this the end of the line?
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
FINALLY THEY DID IT!!!
PostedNovember 10, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Leave it to ERS Studios. Something brand new but totally different! You love eerie and gothic- you got it right here! Tired of rescuing relatives (usually your sister), you got it right here- you have to save your dog, whom by the way is an English Cocker Spaniel (as opposed to the American variation)- as a canine professional, I was shocked at this attention to detail! No morphs, puzzle pieces, figurines...to get your pup back from this netherworld you must find his medals- his awards! Obviously one good pedigreed pup! The graphics, although completely CG, are easy on the eye and totally immersive in the experience. The graphics, VO's and cut-aways are very well done and smooth. Puzzles are a joy, the HOGs are user friendly (not junk pile). The entire game is very atmospheric (atmosphere is very important to me because I am looking for escapism) and the best of the Redemption Cemetery Series. Apparently, ERS has been listening to the reviewers! BRAVO!!! FINALLY!!! Thoroughly enjoying this!
I recommend this game!
Follow the trail of the mysterious woman in white and discover the secret behind her terrible task!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Non-Linear Excellence
PostedNovember 9, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It seems like most of the negative ratings for this game have to do with the non-linear aspect of this wonderful adventure. Well, that's their loss. Life isn't linear either, we don't always go from point A to point B to reach C...sometimes we hit Y or Z and have to go back to A so we can hit X (marks the spot!). The graphics are gorgeously atmospheric hand draw/colored artworks- the cut-scenes are flawless, detailed and I love the addition of actual actors. Artistically, it flows beautifully. The story is engaging, the plot fun, great puzzles and I actually enjoyed the HOGs. I purchased this game in 2020, so it executes six year old technology which absolutely surpasses today's lazy, high-tech cookie-cutter, assembly-line, vapid casual gaming. 'Tis a pity. Dev's need to re-discover their art. Love this game!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a vengeful spirit before it's too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Oh, The Good Old Days!
PostedNovember 5, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Vendel is quickly becoming my favorite dev. How many of us miss the days of hand drawn and hand colored graphics? EVERYBODY!!! This is a wonderful, challenging game. The HOGs didn't even annoy me! Storyline is very engaging, the graphics just beautiful and atmospheric. The VOs are a mix of American and English- which makes total sense. I love the puzzles- they ain't easy! If you love haunted English villages, do yourself a favor- this one is a keeper! Loved it, great job devs!
I recommend this game!
Can you and your friend escape death's clutches in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Doesn't Deserve The Horrible Reviews
PostedNovember 2, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
OK, granted, not my kinda Halloween game. I like mine a bit more traditional. First off, my game ran perfectly, not one glitch, not one slow load. I actually enjoyed the HOGs; they usually annoy me. Graphics, not stellar but still a good effort. One dimensional characters that I really didn't even care about. VO's were good. The bonus game flowed well into the main game. The morphers, collectibles and puzzle pieces were a challenge to find, for sure. I enjoyed the puzzles- some were tough, some easier. Yeah, some of the objects you have to find to move the story forward don't make sense but at least its not the dreaded locked mailbox that takes three parts to unlock and the mailbox contains no mail, just toenail clippers...cuz we all know we keep our toiletries in a locked mailbox...wonder if the mailman has the key? That must be why I haven't been receiving my mail lately. Hey, there are plenty of worse Halloween games out there-I know, I played one before this one. That one was horrendous. Defying Death is a good game- not great- but good and worth playing. And, I swear, this is my last Halloween game this year. I know I've said that before but this time I really mean it! Get the game and Happy Halloween!
I recommend this game!