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:
Revisit Moonfell Wood in this stunning remaster of the hidden object classic!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Well, Color Me Wrong
PostedMay 20, 2024
caseyduhamel
fromGreat Places, Great Faces, Great Govenor-South Dakota!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I usually avoid games with elves like the plague. But the positive reviews were enough to persuade me to buy this bit of genius. Like "My Brother Rabbit" (which I now adore)- never would I buy a game like this, but the overwhelming positive reviews made it an absolute buy. And I'm so glad I did- it's the game play-outstanding! Not linear! So, even if you find elves and fairies annoying, as I do, I thoroughly enjoyed this game. The storyline was solid, beautiful graphics, but it's the game play- some of the puzzles were really hard! And try to find those fairies- not easy. This game is Aces!
I recommend this game!
A legendary ghost ship has returned, and ghostly sailors walk the streets!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Could Be The Fox's Best!!
PostedApril 25, 2024
caseyduhamel
fromGreat Places, Great Faces, Great Govenor-South Dakota!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Friendly Fox has always been one of my favorite developers. A few of years ago, when all we really had was Elephant, Eipix, and Domini games monopolizing the world of casual gaming, this Friendly Fox came trotting along and completely raised the bar and changed the gaming paradigm. The Dark City series is, without a doubt, their best effort. In this particular game, they have outdone themselves- if that's possible. The Dark City series takes us all over the world to a specific country's major city during the Victorian/Georgian era (late 1800's-early 1900's). The plot revolves around a particular strange legend associated with that city. What a brilliant idea but it has to be done well. This game, as the other Dark City editions, does not disappoint! The graphics are outstanding, I mean really good! I get really tired of ghost stories, I know they have their place, but the market is glutted with them. What I love about this series is what starts out as a ghost story has a human mystery behind the rouse- LOVE IT!! The Amsterdam details are fantastic- true to the era. Even the dog in the opening sequence is indigenous to the Norway/Netherlands region (Norwegian Elkhound). Keep your eye on the collectibles and morphers: could be one-could be four. The HOPs aren't annoying or frustrating and the puzzles can take time, but I always find them enjoyable. My only beef with this series would be that if you're going to travel the world, the country's citizens should have appropriate accents. This has not been the case with this series- all the characters of the different countries (I think except for London, England) had straight up American accents (ex: Dark City Paris-truly awesome storyline, great graphics, disappointing vocals). That takes away from the games' atmosphere. However, in this game we do get a British accent which at least tells us we're not in Kansas anymore. Enjoy! Highly recommend!
I recommend this game!
Lifeline is a playable, branching story of survival against all odds! Help Taylor make life or death decisions, and face the consequences together. Or see what happens when you make a different choice.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Text Gaming At its Best!
PostedApril 12, 2024
caseyduhamel
fromBrilliant game by Dave Justus
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
How many would rather watch TV than read a book? Your imagination is more frightening than any celluloid monster. I love this game and have actually grown attached to Taylor. I care about him. You have to think and make decisions which effect the entire outcome all via a communication system, OUTSTANDING!!
I recommend this game!
My Brother Rabbit is a beautifully drawn adventure set in a surreal world that mixes reality with a child’s imagination
Overall rating
5
/
5
Surreal, Bizarre, OUTSTANDING!
PostedApril 5, 2024
caseyduhamel
fromGive This Game A Chance! You Won't Be Sorry Unless You're One Of Those That Just Don't Get It.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, 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
I really didn't think this game would interest me at all (I'm not all about cute and cuddly and avoid games that feature cats like the plague, nothing against cats but don't want them starring in my games) but when you look at the enormous disparity between the ratings- well, I had to check this out. First, let me say the one-star ratings are not deserved and the one-star people just don't get it and I feel badly for them. This is a very, very different game, the puzzles take work in that you have to find the clues to lead to your success; no hand holding here. The graphics are fantastical and whimsical- they represent a loving brother's story created for his sister. And penmom is right about the tissues. In a morass of the same ol' same ol', Artifex Mundi has done a marvelous job of bringing us something totally and completely different...and very touching. Thank you, Artifex Mundi, for this gift.
I recommend this game!
Overcome ever-present horrors in a haunted house full of mysteries!
Overall rating
5
/
5
SOMETHING DIFFERENT!!!!!
PostedJanuary 4, 2024
caseyduhamel
fromHappy New Year from South Dakota!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, 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
Do you like puzzles? Then this is the game for you! Leave it to Brave Giant to come up with this funny, whacky premise- you have to solve puzzles in his bedroom in order for this sleep deprived fellow to get some shut-eye. Some are quite tricky. You earn coins that are used to buy hints. You'll need them! I'm loving this- along the lines of the "find Waldo" games and other similar non-conformist games. This game's a hoot- if you don't like quirky puzzles, this is not for you. As for me, I'm happy as a clam in spite of my having contracted covid! This game is helping me chase away the covid blues. Stay safe everyone.
I recommend this game!
Help Santa’s elves pull off a miracle on a magical night!
Overall rating
4
/
5
BUSY BUSY BUSY
PostedDecember 14, 2023
caseyduhamel
fromMerry Christmas from South Dakota!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Whew! OK, I'm writing this after only playing a few hours but here are some take aways that I find significant: Domini games- in all its different manifestations - and I really don't get along (remember their "purple" days?) but once in a great while I am surprised. Not so here. One thing that annoys me: you can't traverse the Domini world you're in unless you access the map. You can't go back and forth on your own, you have to go through the map. I really don't like that. I like to walk around. The scenery; it looks like Christmas exploded in every scene. The scenes are so busy it's hard to focus all the while mixing a 50's look with high-tech. Make up your mind, Domini. An outstanding game that was also very busy looking was "Enchanted Express", which I LOVED, because all the busyness was done along a very consistent theme in a very attractive way which celebrated Christmas instead of screaming it. Back to this fable- the storyline is ok, Christmassy enough. I mean how many different Christmas tales can you come up with? The collectibles are definitely fun, three types: Christmas morphs, gifts, and what the developer calls "seats" which had me extremely confused. "Seats"?! What the heck is that?! Turns out they're wooden reindeer for a carousel. Still fun to find and you've got your reminder on the left side to let you know if one of the collectibles is present. The HOPs are blindingly Christmassy, just warning. There's always the switch to match three. And of course, there's all the emblems to find to open things to fix things to lead to the next step. But the animation is good as is the artwork, busy as it is, it is still very nicely done. I give it four stars- a good effort. And the Domini playing board is always very well done. I just wish they'd let me walk around the environment on my own instead of always having to go through the map. Merry Christmas everyone!
I recommend this game!
Travel across a wintery wonderland for over 200 levels of holiday Match-3 fun!
Overall rating
5
/
5
THE BEST!
PostedDecember 8, 2023
caseyduhamel
fromMerry Christmas and Happy Hannukah from South Dakota!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a wonderful match three game: the developer added so many different ways to go here. The Christmas music is so subtle and beautiful- I put mine on the loudest it could be, as well as the ambient sounds: fireplaces crackling, wind blowing, loved it. This game is very challenging- you have to think- no hand holding here. This is a lovely game to add to the Christmas season- because it's not just a holiday, it's a season. This game is outstanding and I wish all the BFG community a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah xoxo
I recommend this game!
Every passenger is another piece of the puzzle...
Overall rating
4
/
5
Maybe Domini/DO/Relax Should Just stick to HOG's
PostedNovember 23, 2023
caseyduhamel
fromGreat Places, Great Faces, Great Govenor-South Dakota!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, 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
For so many years Domini has disappointed many, though they do have their fans. Every once in a while a gem will pop through their repertoire, but for me, that's a rarity. Too many times I've wasted money on inane story lines, idiotic tasks and really mediocre graphics. Remember the "purple" days? Eew! So, I just felt like relaxing with a new HOG game, this one popped up, I bought it not knowing it was a Domini production- as soon as that super-pointed swaying cursor (which I like) introduction came up, I knew I'd been had. "Relax Games" indeed. But you know what- it's not half bad. The voicing is quite good except the mouths don't move. The graphics are pretty equal and on a par with most today's visuals. And it is simply a HOG game- and nicely done, I might add. I enjoy murder mysteries, especially on a train. And for a production giant like Domini to go back to basics, that's pretty cool. Some of the usual Domini annoyances are there, but no biggie. If you're in the mood for a nice, non-frustrating HOG game, you can't go wrong with this. Happy Thanksgiving all!!
I recommend this game!
Forbidden Secrets: Alien Town Collector's Edition
Investigate strange goings-on in the eerie town of Fort Nightingale!
Overall rating
5
/
5
They Just Don't Make "em Like This Anymore
PostedNovember 22, 2023
caseyduhamel
fromGreat Places, Great Faces, Great Govenor-South Dakota!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Forbidden Secrets: Alien Town Collector's Edition
(117)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
From the graphics, voiceovers, storyline, strange music, very challenging puzzles and collectibles- this is outstanding! And I look for these older games because the games of the present and for the last few years have been the same old story with the same old pastel, washed out cg graphics. There is a minimum of hand-holding in this wonderful game and talk about atmosphere!! Do yourself a favor- grab this one! This is right there on top with True Fear, except for the completely different storyline. I haven't played a game this good in a while-unfortunately, you have to hunt these old gems down and that takes time. Maybe Big Fish could list these games by date?
I recommend this game!
An investigation that will open up a new world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
IT'S UP TO YOU NEW YORK, NEW YORK!
PostedNovember 2, 2023
caseyduhamel
fromGreat Places, Great Faces, Great Govenor-South Dakota!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, 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
4
/
5
Being a native New Yorker, Queens to be exact (how I ended up in South Dakota is still hazy), I have to say that the graphics depict old school New York City very, very well. We're talking the 40's-50's NYC, when women were dames and all men wore fedoras and ties regardless of the season. I have all of the New York Mysteries series and the way the city itself is presented in all of the editions is really spot on (Central Park in Fall- excellent). I even appreciate the developer's attempt at the voicing of New York accents. They're not authentic, but the effort is definitely there and lends to the atmosphere- which leads to me to a minor disappointment. Atmosphere- that is really important to me. And although the graphics excel, I wouldn't call them stellar; they've got a tiny bit of "cookie-cutter" to them. I like the storyline in that it concerns art and if New York knows anything, its pizza, bagels, and ART. I've learned to overcome the "ooooooh, scary!!" basis of the story and just accept the paranormal aspects of the series. Love the fact this game is puzzle heavy and they are not easy and require work and thought. I love me some puzzles and collectibles- two in every scene, so no worry: is there? or isn't there? Two in every scene-go find 'em. I'm enjoying this game very much and appreciate the dev's efforts here to bring old school New York back to life (the dev team has probably never even been to NY-or the U.S. for that matter). It's very nostalgic for me- the good old days when there was a hot dog stand on every NYC corner, a fresh doughnut in every coffee cup ("regular": New York-ese for milk, 2 sugars), and a monster in every art museum messin' up da joint. Sheesh, fuggedaboudit!
I recommend this game!