caseyduhamel's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:3,948
- Reviews Submitted:153
- First Review:October 29, 2019
- Most Recent Review:August 23, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Arthurian legends are just stories, but sometimes fiction hides the truth.
Overall rating
4
/
5
69 of 70 found this review helpful
Story Is Right Up My Alley
PostedJune 19, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSD, Good Ol' U.S. of A.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Dark Alleys: Penumbra Motel Collector`s Edition
(134)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm not a huge fan of Domini Games. The reasons are always the same- lack of attention to detail, truly absurd scavenger hunts that make no sense, flat storylines, and (my favorite) the abuse of the color purple. BUT (and, hey, that's a big 'but'! lol), I have usually really enjoyed their Hidden Expedition series due to its historical take on legends and myths and the absence of fairies, dwarves, etc. A more cerebral game play, shall we say. And for me, King Arthur is a biggie...I would go so far as to say huge as I actually travelled to Glastonbury, England (the Tor and Chalice Wells) and to Caerleon, Wales (possibly Camelot) for my own personal Arthurian research. I am in the middle of linking the Arthurian bloodlines to the French Merovingian bloodlines via Charlemagne. And this game hits them all!! Though the game's central Arthurian local is Cornwall and Doxmary Pool- all viably correct Arthurian hotspots- I was thrilled to find the devs had entered this kingliest of kingly realms. So right there, for me, the storyline is worth the price of admission. Why not five stars? Well, the usual Domini faux pas. They really went nuts on the purple in this one- the entire palette isn't just loud, it roars. The VO's are not believable and amateurish. Why must every Domini female lead sound like she's fresh off the plane from California? The lack of attention to cultural detail: example- in Rome, "police" is spelled "polizia", not the English "police". Also, Italian police speak with an Italian accent when they are speaking English, not a New York accent. That really chafes me. But, I did enjoy the find 'ems, the variations on the HOPs, got through on the puzzles on difficult mode and if you look past the purple (which is hard to do), the graphics are actually good, not stellar but good. The scavenger hunts were actually believable for the most part. I had to get into a mailbox, which I dreaded, but HEY- I actually found mail in it, not toenail clippers or a chain saw! There's the usual chores to complete, you know what they are. But, at the end of the day, the storyline really wins it for me! I'm a happy gal!
I recommend this game!
Can you find your husband and escape an otherworldly foe?
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
A Puzzler's Delight!
PostedJune 5, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSD, Good Ol' U.S. of A.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, 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
Thank you, Mad Head...I thought you were leaving me there for a while, going the way of the "Big THREE". But, you are back. Terrific graphics on this game, which to me are a huge part of the narrative. Yeah, we're saving a loved one again, but you devs are making it fun and immersive. Love those find 'ems- those skulls ain't easy! lol I wouldn't recommend this game for beginners, it can get a bit complex. Took me two days just to get out of the hotel! And that's the way adventure gaming should be! In these days of instant gratification and split second information, isn't it nice to have to think, ponder, and try...and try...and try...until-BINGO! Great game, thanks Mad Head
I recommend this game!
In The Wild Case, go on a first-person point-and-click adventure and explore a remote village located deep within a mysterious forest.
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Ahhh, Just Like The Old Days
PostedJune 5, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromDosvedaniya (look it up! lol)
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Mahjong, 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 reminds me very much of one of my very favorite games- Deja Vu. Both are Russian and both boast the outstanding graphics that present us with a post-Soviet world. The neon palette doesn't exist here. It's Russia. Now this game is a bit more fantasy than Deja Vu. Deja Vu was an incredibly well done mystery involving the search for a missing fiancé in post-Soviet Russia. Plus there was the added bonus of info cards giving the fascinating history and way of life of Soviet Russia. This game has us searching for the reason behind the morphing of indigenous Russian predator mammals (bears, boars etc.) into red-eyed, "steroid-pumped" aberrations. A good story, for sure. My beefs: although there are no vocals and all dialogue is readable, the mouth movements are really kinda silly. Which is a shame because the artwork on the scenes rock- looks hand drawn. Best kind. Also- every character needs you to perform a favor in order for you to get one simple act completed. Not going to give anything away here so let me give a made-up example. You want an ice-cream. But the store is closed. You try to find what time it opens so you ask a local vagabond what time the store opens and he won't tell you until you bring him a drink of vodka. But, since the store is closed you have to ask the locals if they have any vodka. Well, yes, one comrade does but he won't give you any unless you paint his truck. So now you have to find paint. See what I mean. Still, very much like the adventure games of old- no HOPs and lots of favors to deliver. I'm really enjoying this!
I recommend this game!
Can Camelot survive the wrath of the Green Knight?
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 38 found this review helpful
As My Italian Gramma Used to say: "Datsa Good!"
PostedMay 24, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota, Good Ol' US of A
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Oh thank you, thank you. Not a top three developer but what a fantastic world they have placed us in. The graphics and accents are terrific. You say "Camelot" I am there! Other reviewers have covered the detail very well here- thanks penmom. If you want a really good storyline and love to step into the the days of the Hero Knights, and of course immerse yourself into King Arthur lore (I actually went to the Tor in Glastonbury where he is supposedly buried), this game will take you to where no aircraft can during these awful covid times. Thanks to the devs and Big Fish for bringing this to us who long for adventure...and want to get the heck outta Dodge!! xoxoxo
I recommend this game!
Sister's Secrecy: Arcanum Bloodlines Collector's Edition
Ariel's twin sister, Belle, has been kidnapped and it's up to you to assist in her rescue!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Not a Lover of Dragons, But...
PostedMay 24, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota, Good Ol' US of A
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hey, don't hate me because I'm not thrilled with dragons, elves dwarves, vampires, ad infinitum in fantasy land. I love conspiracy, real hermeticism and esoteric magick. I'm a bit of a realist and a history buff, but that's just me. I'm not going to count this game down because of the fantasy presence- I bought it, so I should play it. And I'm glad I did- really quality stuff here- graphics, dialogue, storyline. And it ain't easy play folks! Hurrah, thanks for the challenge...don't hold hands too much. Give it a shot! :-)
I recommend this game!
Can you keep this bewitching case from becoming your last?
Overall rating
5
/
5
79 of 98 found this review helpful
I Love Me Some Grandma!
PostedMay 6, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota, Good Ol' US of A
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, 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
Grandma delights us again- outstanding graphics (entering upon the surreal), great voice-overs, a strong storyline and back story to support a great project. I was taken in right away by the opening scenes- I'm not going to give away anything here, but I can honestly say I can always depend on Grandma! This one's fun and challenging, money well spent- visit Grandma's house!
I recommend this game!
Can you rescue your children from a dangerous board game in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
49 of 49 found this review helpful
Friendly Fox Is A Big Contender!!
PostedMay 2, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota, Good Ol' US of A
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, 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
The "Big 3" definitely have to move over and make room! Friendly Fox blends outstanding graphics created with a beautiful palette, mix in a healthy dose of imaginative and engaging story lines and great voice-overs that don't sound like the VO actors just rolled out of bed. Great puzzles and very different HOPS! I really enjoy the team's ability to take a legend, folktale, or fairytale and put their own spin on it, turning it into wonderfully immersive game playing. Very few developers are able to do this. This little Friendly Fox is quickly becoming my favorite developer. Do yourself and step into this multifaceted wonderland!! You won't be disappointed!
I recommend this game!
Experience an epic quest through the magic of Solitaire!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Fun Solitaire Game- Nothing To Write Home About
PostedApril 20, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota, Good Ol' US of A
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, 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
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
First of all- bugs in the system: I trouble with the map and I was sometimes not awarded the 1star 10 pts I had earned. The visuals pop, they are very very good. But as a game, it needed more oomph, more side games, more depth. Definitely challenging at some parts but becomes boring after a while. Nice way to pass the time.
I recommend this game!
Join Mia Faircroft as she seeks the true heir of the MacDougal castle.
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
THIS IS NOT AN ADVENTURE GAME- FAR FROM IT!!
PostedMarch 30, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota, Good Ol' US of A
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
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
If this is like the other Faircroft Antiques HOPs, run far, run far far away!
I don't recommend this game.
An arsonist is burning down the Mountain Kingdom's forests!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
All Series Reach An End...Just Ask Jerry Seinfeld
PostedMarch 30, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota, Good Ol' US of A
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
3
/
5
Just gonna keep this short and sweet. Whenever a producer of an artistic fictional medium- be it novellas/novels, visual art, TV series, or computer games, eventually that series will run its course. TV series, especially sitcoms, are a prime example. Eventually the developer of a computer HOAG series will run out of ideas. It happens- nothing to be ashamed about- ya just gotta know when to tap out- leave on a high note. That said- I am not a fan of fantasy adventure/HOP games. That's just me- I'm a realist. Just my opinion, not disparaging the genre in anyway as I did love Harry Potter (even that great author ran out of ideas!). What caught my interest in this game- a type I would normally not purchase, was the artwork. That's a biggie for me as it creates the atmosphere- that's half the battle. The artwork here is actually quite good- Eipix teaming with another developer helped to steer them away from that invasive, annoying neon palette. The scenes and graphics set the tone very nicely. Everything is time appropriate- THANK YOU, DEVS! Nothing yanks you out of a particular time piece than an item that was created decades, centuries, eons after the time period of the presented opus. Really wrecks the experience. So, no western saddles and bridles on these medieval ponies! <whew> The music is lovely, very befitting. Beefs: Cutaway characters movements and voiceovers are not good- especially a main character, Kai. His voice- considering the virility of his character, is laughable- I mean really bad. Why did the devs sink on this? My control panel- inventory, map, hints et al. is very crowded with extraneous stuff that could have been a bit more spread out without intruding into the scene. The story- quite the misuse of artistic license from the original fairy tale, but hey, that's show biz. Some of the puzzles are a bit simplistic, always enjoy the collectibles, lots of assembly HOPs (I like those). Worth the buy? Sure, why not? But the series I fear Dark Parables is reaching its end- kinda like the remakes of Frankenstein- at some point you realize the original is the best. This storyline became a little stale after some gameplay, but still, the graphics, puzzles and HOPs were a saving grace. Apologies- this was not short! lol Have a great day, friends, stay well and safe :-).
I recommend this game!