Laflamme's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:1,743
- Reviews Submitted:109
- First Review:November 28, 2011
- Most Recent Review:July 5, 2013
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Investigate a mysterious, medieval monastery and reveal the terrifying truth!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
This Angel cried over the final Puzzle
PostedOctober 31, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game.
I did the Beta and was looking forward to the release of another True Adventure. They did change a bit around - if I remember correctly the third chapter used to be the second one. The 20 tomatoes had to be collected individually. The tone of the game remained unchained though.
The Good:
+ HD graphics
+ helpful hints in stages (did not use, can be turned off)
+ difficulty adjustable individually
+ lots to do
+ helpful hints in stages (did not use, can be turned off)
+ difficulty adjustable individually
+ lots to do
The Neutral:
o walkthrough provided by the developer on the page and as a separate download absolutely not useful
o game length a bit short for a true adventure
o game length a bit short for a true adventure
The Bad:
- some achievements not really explained
- no clear story advancement
- you see the culprit for the first time during the showdown and do not interact with him
- no clear story advancement
- you see the culprit for the first time during the showdown and do not interact with him
Bottom Line: The game is passable, but not much more.
Unearth your forgotten childhood memories to reveal the secret of the ancient labyrinth.
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Durkon was right all along! (*)
PostedOctober 27, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game plus bonus content.
NERDRAAAAAGE! Well, never bully the dorky kid, you might get more than you wish for. That bunch of kids learned the hard way, and let's put it this way: The chief and the doc didn't fare much better...
The Good:
+ unique setting
+ graphics very well done, typical activities / children's camp gone bad presented in a believable way
+ game length
+ good hint function (shows way to next task when you click if there's nothing to do in the current screen)
+ interactive map with jump function (didn't use it much...
+ ...because most tasks can be solved within three screens, then a new section opens up
+ objects were not placed back into repeated scenes
+ achievements done as badges...
+ graphics very well done, typical activities / children's camp gone bad presented in a believable way
+ game length
+ good hint function (shows way to next task when you click if there's nothing to do in the current screen)
+ interactive map with jump function (didn't use it much...
+ ...because most tasks can be solved within three screens, then a new section opens up
+ objects were not placed back into repeated scenes
+ achievements done as badges...
The Bad:
- ...however, the "no misclick" badge does not work (I solved numerous screens perfect and did not get it)
- a dryad is not the scariest opponent there is
- a dryad is not the scariest opponent there is
Bonus Content: The Bonus chapter makes you save the doc. The end is satisfactory without the full story. Duration for me was about 90 minutes. The rest is a few (ugly) wallpapers and concept art. The music did not work for me - maybe you will only hear it after you save it to hard disk. The strategy guide is the standard that we came to expect.
Bottom Line: I enjoyed the game for the setting. Yes, the riddles were mostly easy; yes, it started a tad bit scary, and then the walking trees were a tad overdone; and yes, the story was crystal clear from the halfway point, but this is still a great game. Get the game as SE at least, but get the CE if you want to know a bit more.
(*) Durkon: "Order of the Stick" Dwarf Priest, is convinced that trees are on warfare against him.
I recommend this game!
Rescue your daughter, Hannah, from the clutches of an evil witch before it's too late in this chilling Hidden Object adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Elisha Cuthbert would be delighted
PostedOctober 25, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game and the bonus content.
ERS is trying something different! Yes, ERS! I didn't believe it either.
We all know that ERS is capable of doing great intro videos. This time, more of those can be seen during gameplay.
There are no Hidden Object Scenes, this game could be described as a True Adventure Light.
There are varied puzzles, some of them I haven't seen before, but all of them are ridiculously easy. Might have something to do with the chosen difficulty (Casual), but usually this affects only the duration of time before the skip meter fills.
Well, three puzzles were a little bit more complicated. For the "demon slider" I had to consult the SG about where they wanted to have each face. The second one (number slider) required a bit of strategy where to move each number and when to put it in an upright position. For another one, the explanation sounded complicated, but once you realised what they want from you it was ridiculously easy.
There are no Hidden Object Scenes, this game could be described as a True Adventure Light.
There are varied puzzles, some of them I haven't seen before, but all of them are ridiculously easy. Might have something to do with the chosen difficulty (Casual), but usually this affects only the duration of time before the skip meter fills.
Well, three puzzles were a little bit more complicated. For the "demon slider" I had to consult the SG about where they wanted to have each face. The second one (number slider) required a bit of strategy where to move each number and when to put it in an upright position. For another one, the explanation sounded complicated, but once you realised what they want from you it was ridiculously easy.
Graphics were very well done (the planetarium scene was a tad blurry), I also liked the map with the hints what to do on location. What I did not like was that I have to click myself repeatedly through numerous long-solved locations to get to the ones at the end of the path with open tasks. Those quick travel portals opened by the ghosts helped a little, but I would have liked more of them. Also, they were opened with still open tasks there, so you immediately had to return there the regular way.
The story was run-of-the-mill, well executed within its boundaries. A bit scary, but no threat since you were adequately equipped - this way the witch lost much of her danger. Would have liked to find the book pages in order though.
Also, positive: Most of the riddles could be solved with items in the same room. Negative: Some riddles were opened too early - see "code picture in the entry hall".
Bonus content: For once, the game ended satisfactorily. The bonus chapter just goes all Kim Bauer on the daughter again. However, it's a bit more difficult than the regular game, and I got stuck more often. For any others: Once you ignored Chris de Burgh and paid the Ferryman check for an arrow pointing right! As usual, forget the rest of the boni.
Bottom Line: For ERS, this game borders on innovation! Their games are usually great as SEs, I recommend buying that one as CE.
I recommend this game!
The Game of Life ®
Spin the wheel and choose your path – the possibilities are endless! Stay single or say “I do”. Retire rich or lose it all. Anything can happen in The Game of Life!
Overall rating
3
/
5
76 of 115 found this review helpful
It's the old problem with an adaptation of a classic board game...
PostedOctober 24, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Yes, this is more or less the classic board game Life, which I had a s a kid. If you know it, you know what to expect. There are a few differences:
1) I think the board game had more numbers on the spin wheel. This game stops at 10.
2) The game has more mandatory stops. Board game: Career, Wedding and Retirement choice only.
3) The game has more chance cards. Board game: Participation, Avoidance, Get off free.
4) The game offers a career change, in the board game you are stuck with what you get.
2) The game has more mandatory stops. Board game: Career, Wedding and Retirement choice only.
3) The game has more chance cards. Board game: Participation, Avoidance, Get off free.
4) The game offers a career change, in the board game you are stuck with what you get.
So, it might be a good alternative to play if you are into it, when you are alone at home and would like to go for a round. However, there are a few points that drag the experience down:
- Windowed mode only. The board is kinda small this way.
- Thus you never know how far it is to the end.
- While you can speed up the tempo, there really isn't much to do while the AI takes the turn.
- Some buttons aren't really explained; you will have to find out for yourself what e.g. "Invest" does.
- Thus you never know how far it is to the end.
- While you can speed up the tempo, there really isn't much to do while the AI takes the turn.
- Some buttons aren't really explained; you will have to find out for yourself what e.g. "Invest" does.
Bottom Line: Gather up a few friends and play the board game!
I don't recommend this game.
A terrifying explosion has destroyed a secret bunker and you have been called in to investigate! Capture the culprit before it’s too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
A necklace is scattered - make it whole again!
PostedOctober 19, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game.
Agent Kate is at it again! This time you are looking for the necklace of Alexander the Great's wife, which is scattered into pieces. You will still have to open lots of crates, nooks and crannies.
The Good:
+ decent length, although some of the 8 chapters are quite short
+ graphics improved over Part 1
+ diverse minigames, replayable in the menu
+ interactive map, fast travel function
+ graphics improved over Part 1
+ diverse minigames, replayable in the menu
+ interactive map, fast travel function
The Neutral:
o "String not found" message when tabbing out of a scene - the arrow still works though
o giant robot spider warning!
o not widescreen
o giant robot spider warning!
o not widescreen
The Bad:
- story a bit hit and miss, the ending left me kinda puzzled
- some hidden objects tiny and hidden
- some hidden objects tiny and hidden
The Bottom Line: I can only say the usual thing for a sequel - if you liked the first you will not be disappointed by this one, especially since they really worked on the graphics this time. (Also, if you remember the story better than me you might not feel as lost as I am.)
I recommend this game!
Discover the Red Riding Hood Sisters and defeat the nefarious Wolf Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
DP #4: Cutely dressed Sisters vs. Mist Wolves
PostedSeptember 29, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game plus bonus.
The fourth game of the series brings back all the elements that I loved: Beautiful graphics, FROG scenes and a twisted storyline made up of Rotkäppchen (Little Red Riding Hood, Grimm Brothers) and The Boy who cried Wolf (Aesop).
The Good:
+ beautiful graphics
+ great video cut scenes
+ FROG scenes are harder this time, with some items not being so obvious
+ they spared us the trademark Giant Spider this time around
+ fairy tale match-up riddle
+ morphing objects...
+ great video cut scenes
+ FROG scenes are harder this time, with some items not being so obvious
+ they spared us the trademark Giant Spider this time around
+ fairy tale match-up riddle
+ morphing objects...
The Neutral:
o ...were sometimes tiny and time-dependent, which isn't really necessary
o there could have been more and varied riddles
o there could have been more and varied riddles
The Bad:
- lots of senseless to-and-froing
Bonus Content: The story took me about one hour to complete. It ties in with the story and plays before the events with the Riding Hood Sisters. The rest is the usual (wallpapers, saveable soundtrack, some concept art and puzzles that are repeated from the game) stuff you are getting with a CE.
Bottom Line: If you loved parts 1-3 you will love this game too. Next one should be Aschenputtel (Cinderella).
P.S.: Those wolf pups were really cute.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Find the premature buried girl - or will the ghost be there first?
PostedSeptember 14, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Somehow I missed this game when it first came out and was surprised to find a third one during a recent sale. Review based upon completion.
This is the third spin on a classic Edgar Allan Poe tale, this time it's - Surprise - The Premature Burial. In the original there's a narrator from the ego perspective, no love story and no Auguste Dupin. As usual I have to say that I do not like literature being tampered with - in this case I can kinda forgive it since I was not familiar with the original story.
The Good:
+ graphics
+ introductory video
+ game length
+ introductory video
+ game length
The Neutral:
o somebody please tell the person who speaks Dupin how to pronounce "Monsieur"
o some very strange pronunciation of French names from the other voiceover artists
o some very strange pronunciation of French names from the other voiceover artists
The Bad:
- interactive clues in HO scenes not always clear
- in a few occasions senseless running around since you don't know what to do next
- in a few occasions senseless running around since you don't know what to do next
Bottom Line: Another well done part of the series.
I recommend this game!
Discover the fate of your exiled kingdom, save your people and end the ancient evil that started it all!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
This is NOT a conclusion!
PostedSeptember 4, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game plus epilogue with 36 achievements. Rating Bars are true for the main game - the epilogue would get 2 Stars overall, and 1 bar for Fun Factor and Storyline.
This is the supposed conclusion of Sophia's story. She went through three games to find her people, so it was time for the end. However...
The Good:
+ graphics much better than the third game
+ 43 achievements
+ 87 minigames that are mostly ridiculously easy
+ decent game length (main game: 5:56 hours and 3:06 for the second try)
+ well written strategy guide
+ 43 achievements
+ 87 minigames that are mostly ridiculously easy
+ decent game length (main game: 5:56 hours and 3:06 for the second try)
+ well written strategy guide
The Neutral:
o some strange voices
o some minigames repetitive
o some minigames repetitive
The Bad:
- this is supposed to be a conclusion???
- one in a row and column minigames tedious
- one in a row and column minigames tedious
Bonus Game:
Is this some joke that I don't understand? In a game that is supposed to be, and I cannot stress this enough, a conclusion, the epilogue ends in a major cliffhanger!
The rest is 15 bonus nonograms - most of them can be solved in about 10 seconds, and about 5 wallpapers and concept art. I did not bother to listen to the soundtrack.
The rest is 15 bonus nonograms - most of them can be solved in about 10 seconds, and about 5 wallpapers and concept art. I did not bother to listen to the soundtrack.
Bottom Line: The non-epilogue ending is the much more satisfying of the two - so avoid the CE!
I recommend this game!
Stop a mechanical monster before it destroys an entire town in Depths of Betrayal! Uncover the truth and stop the terrifying machine!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
The Human Factor
PostedAugust 28, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The invention of a robot golem did go horribly wrong. Why did all those people who worked on the project just vanish? As a scientist you are attacked and try to get to the bottom of things.
The Good:
+ unusual steampunk setting
+ traditional ring searches for that developer
+ ...with some items that have to be manipulated first
+ quite long game time
+ traditional ring searches for that developer
+ ...with some items that have to be manipulated first
+ quite long game time
The Neutral:
o no traditional HO scenes (may be a letdown for some people)
o too many (strange scientist) names
o on one occasion the hint system sent me in circles without showing me anything
o videos could be fullscreen
o no animated faces on voiceovers
o too many (strange scientist) names
o on one occasion the hint system sent me in circles without showing me anything
o videos could be fullscreen
o no animated faces on voiceovers
The Bad:
- the old problem with the ring searches, the objects you have to find have nothing to do with the item you are supposed to find
- you can't shake the feeling that there are still things to do when a chapter changes (for example, I never found out what was the meaning of the drawing in the prison cell)
- you can't shake the feeling that there are still things to do when a chapter changes (for example, I never found out what was the meaning of the drawing in the prison cell)
The Bonus Content:
The story picks up right after the (satisfying) end of the regular edition. So, for the full experience you will have to buy the CE. Loose ends are tied up in the regular game though, they just open two strands again. Gameplay took about another hour for me.
The Strategy Guide is more or less only useful for minigame solutions, in any other situation the hint system works fine.
As usual, the wallpapers and concept art is one-time-view only and nothing to write home about.
The Strategy Guide is more or less only useful for minigame solutions, in any other situation the hint system works fine.
As usual, the wallpapers and concept art is one-time-view only and nothing to write home about.
The Bottom Line: If you are into steampunk and IHOGs this game is an essential buy. Otherwise it might not be your cup of tea.
I recommend this game!
Strange figures have taken over a small town in Hallowed Legends: The Templar! Stop the Knights of the Templar!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
If this is France why is everything in English?
PostedAugust 25, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
You know from my other reviews that I like to structure them in a neat, tidy positive, neutral, negative list. I will have to break this one up a little this time.
You are summoned to a small town in France because of a family letter. As soon as you get there you are threatened by a Templar, in addition to that somebody blows up the town's dam.
+ graphics are good,
+ videos well done
+ videos well done
+ integrated real life actors...
- who don't move their lips when speaking
- who speak English, not even with a French accent
- so why set this story in France???
- who don't move their lips when speaking
- who speak English, not even with a French accent
- so why set this story in France???
+ diverse puzzles
o some of them could have been explained better
o some of them could have been explained better
+ it's clear what to do at the beginning
- however, later on gameplay becomes more and more confusing the more areas open up...
- ...because we do not get an "Area complete" sign...
- ...which leads to a lot of running around like a headless chicken
- however, later on gameplay becomes more and more confusing the more areas open up...
- ...because we do not get an "Area complete" sign...
- ...which leads to a lot of running around like a headless chicken
+ map
o that tells you where you are...
o ...and nothing else
o that tells you where you are...
o ...and nothing else
+ interactive HO scenes...
+ ...that require items from your inventory from time to time...
- ...but open up even if you don't have the required item in the inventory...
- ...which leads to confusion
+ ...that require items from your inventory from time to time...
- ...but open up even if you don't have the required item in the inventory...
- ...which leads to confusion
Bonus Gameplay: Additional scenes pick up immediately after the conclusion of the story. So, essentially it puts a twist on the ending, and clears up a loose end. It closes up some areas, making it easier to understand and navigate. Play time was around 45 minutes. There are two different endings with marginally different results, depending on a decision right at the end. Essentially it's nothing to write home about, the normal ending does it too.
Bottom Line: Starts out good, gets tedious later. If you like the series, have a look, if not, you don't miss much. No recommendation to either side.