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:
Uncover a secret that lies beneath the surface of a traditional ryokan! Stop the terrifying ghost before it has its revenge!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Japanese Ghost Story
PostedAugust 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
5
/
5
Nancy Drew goes Japan. Bess and George are in the same city for an expo, but - as usual - she only contacts them via phone. She should have stayed with them, cause she ends up in a traditional Ryokan, which is supposedly haunted.
The Good:
+ all the Japanese clichés are in there (reserved family, self-made clothes, ghosts, ceremonies...)
+ Nonograms, Sudoku and Renograms
+ hard Bento logic puzzle
+ scary at times (secret bath! WHOA!), mitigated by the fact that it's quite predictable when the haunts are coming
+ two different endings (which aren't really that different)
+ spot on voice acting (Japanese accents did not sound fake to me, those roles were cast with Asian people)
+ more phone interaction with Bess and George...
+ Nonograms, Sudoku and Renograms
+ hard Bento logic puzzle
+ scary at times (secret bath! WHOA!), mitigated by the fact that it's quite predictable when the haunts are coming
+ two different endings (which aren't really that different)
+ spot on voice acting (Japanese accents did not sound fake to me, those roles were cast with Asian people)
+ more phone interaction with Bess and George...
The Neutral:
o ...but they don't give you many hints, if any
o not quite logical: you are snooping through the Ryokan and night and nobody notices at all
o also not quite logical: the Subway Puzzle. Say you have to take the "U1" for three stations - would you get off the train twice to board the next train of the same line again? (at least they give you a short cut after the first time)
o not quite logical: you are snooping through the Ryokan and night and nobody notices at all
o also not quite logical: the Subway Puzzle. Say you have to take the "U1" for three stations - would you get off the train twice to board the next train of the same line again? (at least they give you a short cut after the first time)
The Bad:
- only three locations outside the Ryokan
- plot hole: you have to stay in Yumi's Apartment because of no more trains that are running - I have taken trains at later times already
- the game does not tell you how often you have to repeat Bento and other things to get an award
- plot hole: you have to stay in Yumi's Apartment because of no more trains that are running - I have taken trains at later times already
- the game does not tell you how often you have to repeat Bento and other things to get an award
Bottom Line: The neutral and negative points are fairly negligible if you are into scary, puzzle-heavy adventures. Definitely one of the better Nancy Drew games.
I recommend this game!
Escape Whisper Valley
A sudden rockslide has left you trapped in an abandoned mountain village. Can you find the clues that will lead you back home?
Overall rating
2
/
5
Same old, same old...
PostedAugust 14, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Having played Escape Rosecliff Island, this game is what I suspected. You are stranded in a valley and meet no people during the whole game. (At least they tell you that beforehand this time around.) The story is told in a sentence: "You are stranded in Whisper Valley due to a rock slide, now escape."
The Good:
+ some clues need more steps than one
+ game is long
+ some clues require thinking
+ compared to Rosecliff Island there are more minigames
+ game is long
+ some clues require thinking
+ compared to Rosecliff Island there are more minigames
The Bad:
- game is repetitive
- some wrong clues
- riddle clues are repetitive
- minimal story
- the final escape level is the only interesting one
- some wrong clues
- riddle clues are repetitive
- minimal story
- the final escape level is the only interesting one
Bottom Line: Tragically, the Match 3 bonus game is more interesting than the game itself.
By the way, I finished the game with 10 hours 36 left. If anybody ran out of time, please tell me what happens. I have no motivation at all to find out myself.
I don't recommend this game.
Find a kidnapped teenage girl and save yourself in Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek, a fun Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 24 found this review helpful
No ghosts in Vermunt - but lots of missing people
PostedMay 11, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game and bonus content in regular mode.
You play a detective assigned to investigate the disappearance of a girl in a remote little town in Vermont. While you are there a storm hits and you are cut off from civilization. You find out that more people have disappeared in the past. Why are people running around like Zombies when the bell tolls? Can you save the girl?
The Good.
+ very decent game length
+ very well done cutscenes
+ beautiful graphics
+ evidence board
+ tough HO scenes (for me, even though objects are mainly hidden in plain view)
+ map shows where to go next (only in regular mode), and you will need that feature!
+ the game managed to scare me twice
+ voiceovers
+ items are not put back into HO scenes
+ very well done cutscenes
+ beautiful graphics
+ evidence board
+ tough HO scenes (for me, even though objects are mainly hidden in plain view)
+ map shows where to go next (only in regular mode), and you will need that feature!
+ the game managed to scare me twice
+ voiceovers
+ items are not put back into HO scenes
The Neutral:
o sound effects do not update (the bell still tolls after it's destroyed)
The Bad:
- too much running back and forth (especially through the inn to the farm - a quick travel function really would have helped)
- culprit not very threatening (you actually only meet him once) - no trapping, no locking up somewhere
- culprit not very threatening (you actually only meet him once) - no trapping, no locking up somewhere
Bonus Content: The bonus chapter deals with the missing girl 30 years ago and is not necessary to understand the game. Compared to the regular game this seems very short in comparison. Other stuff: The usual wallpapers and concept art. You can also replay the cutscenes and all the HO scenes (changing object lists, no find all).
Bottom Line. See all the plusses? They more than weigh out the minusses, so go, play the game yourself!
I recommend this game!
Journey into the Nightmare Realm and save Emily from an imaginary world that has been taken over by darkness!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 28 found this review helpful
This Game is not a Nightmare
PostedMay 9, 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 and the bonus content. However, I only found 29/33 origami, so I don't know what the unlocked bonus for that is.
This one starts out very creepy. Some being, apparently one of those "extractors" (which feed upon children's creativity) loosens a rock that causes an accident, apparently killing a father of one. (You will find some more dead beings later on.) For me, it was not so clear what killed the father. Four years later, that being kidnaps the daughter. The mother and the uncle of Emily, the daughter, follow the Extractor to the Nightmare Realm. (Thank goodness the nightmares do not involve big spiders - thank you!)
The Good:
+ graphics (a bit blurry in HO scenes though)
+ fantastic videos and animations
+ items are not put back into repeated HO scenes
+ hilarious 33rd origami! (looking for them gives you something to do)
+ map that shows you where to go next (no fast-jump-function though)
+ fantastic videos and animations
+ items are not put back into repeated HO scenes
+ hilarious 33rd origami! (looking for them gives you something to do)
+ map that shows you where to go next (no fast-jump-function though)
The Neutral:
o game is rather short, but decent if you include the bonus chapter
o like I said above, graphics in HO scenes could be crisper and sharper
o like I said above, graphics in HO scenes could be crisper and sharper
The Bad:
- for me, some questions were left open (what role did the Uncle play in the accident and Emily's kidnapping?)
- no voiceovers! (for me a must if I am to shell out more money for a CE)
- no voiceovers! (for me a must if I am to shell out more money for a CE)
Bonus Content: The Bonus Chapter deals with the goings-on of the Uncle who almost drowns when the Extractor floods the hole he is trapped in. You get to help another Mom and Child pair and receive some background information. The bonus chapter is not necessary for the understanding of the game and has decent length. Rest of bonus content: Concept art, music, wallpapers and some step by step manual for 4 origami figures.
Bottom Line: The game starts out eerily, but loses that touch quickly. You do not feel threatened often by the Extractors. It's still a great, recommended to buy game. If you don't care about more story background get the regular version.
I recommend this game!
After overcoming the Dreamless Castle and Moonfell Wood, you have come to the rugged, mountainous snow-peaked Goblin Kingdom!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 6 found this review helpful
Sophia seeks Goblin help
PostedMay 7, 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
1
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game with 24 out of 29 achievements.
Sophia is at large again. After escaping the Dreamless Castle and crossing Moonfell Wood she now reaches the Goblin Kingdom to seek help. Of course it will be more complicated as it seems.
The Good:
+ adequate game length
+ (some tough) achievements
+ varied minigames...
+ (some tough) achievements
+ varied minigames...
The Neutral:
o ...but at least 95% of them are ridiculously easy
o voiceovers only for the storyteller (as usual)
o very easy HO scenes
o voiceovers only for the storyteller (as usual)
o very easy HO scenes
The Bad:
- I don't know if my 23'' resolution has something to do with that, but the graphics are blurry and not sharp at all
While some achievements are very tough to complete (find optimal solutions for riddles - but they don't tell you which ones beforehand) an experienced player will likely breeze through the game. I am ready for Sophia to finally find her people.
I recommend this game!
Create the romance of a lifetime! From the perfect proposal to cutting of the cake, bring this charming adventure to life!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Nice, but not great
PostedMay 1, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
One can summarise the game in four short words: "Nice, but not great."
This installment is much better than the early games in the series, but for me does not come close to Las Vegas. Graphics are nice, as others stated and some objects are tiny, if not minuscule - even on my 23'' widescreen. Wouldn't want to look for such objects on my old 17'' inch screen.
Music is nice, but I heard La Donna e mobile a bit too often. More variety would have been nice.
Other things that would have been nice:
- More interaction with the couple.
- Opening presents like in Vegas, instead of a huge list of objects.
- A bit more variety on scenes, some of them I had to play too often.
- And yes, as a bearer of the XY I'm not really the target group, but please spare me the differences between the various footwear that women like to buy for hours on end. I love to wear my Reeboks and sandals, and can't care less about pumps, boots, split toes and so on. Same for various handbags. Also, not just once, but twice!
- Is it just me but did every Italian tradition in this game go down the drains in wedding crises, and I had to replace stuff with modern things?
- More interaction with the couple.
- Opening presents like in Vegas, instead of a huge list of objects.
- A bit more variety on scenes, some of them I had to play too often.
- And yes, as a bearer of the XY I'm not really the target group, but please spare me the differences between the various footwear that women like to buy for hours on end. I love to wear my Reeboks and sandals, and can't care less about pumps, boots, split toes and so on. Same for various handbags. Also, not just once, but twice!
- Is it just me but did every Italian tradition in this game go down the drains in wedding crises, and I had to replace stuff with modern things?
As I said above, nice, but not great. If you are into the series, definitely have a look though.
I recommend this game!
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles Collector's Edition
Charles Baskerville is the latest victim of a centuries-old curse! Help Holmes break the curse before the next murder occurs!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 21 found this review helpful
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is spinning in his grave... but the game is good
PostedApril 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
3
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game plus bonus story.
Sherlock Holmes is summoned to Baskerville Manor to lift a curse from the family that manifests in a dog. You know the story... or do you?
The Good:
+ game length
+ good graphics
+ achievements
+ special abilities
+ interactive map that shows a picture of the location and has a quick-travel function
+ varied minigames...
+ good graphics
+ achievements
+ special abilities
+ interactive map that shows a picture of the location and has a quick-travel function
+ varied minigames...
The Neutral:
o ...that are all run-of-the-mill and one (mine navigation) is recycled from another game (with the same solution)
The Bad:
- original story has been tampered with... heavily
Bonus content: Gameplay in the Bonus Content took me about 90 minutes, and I think it is essential for the understanding of the story. You will get a bit of closure in the regular game, however, and open questions are only solved after the bonus. Further features include a replay opportunity for HO scenes and minigames, three songs, the four video clips and a very short book that summarises the story on page 1 and then shows the Baskerville portraits again.
Bottom Line: Sherlock Holmes goes magic (yeah right) in a travesty of the Baskerville story. However, the game itself is pretty good.
I recommend this game!
Discover The Island’s past as you travel back in time! Explore the familiar paths and take on new quests in The Island: Castaway 2!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 11 found this review helpful
Prequel to The Island: Castaway
PostedApril 20, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game with all but one achievements.
You are playing Yati, a little orphaned boy who is living on a tropical island with his tribe. Incoming are some white sailors. Let the trouble begin. This is a prequel to the first game.
The Good:
+ long game
+ lots to do
+ great voiceovers
+ achievements
+ always clear what to do
+ ties in with the sequel / prequel
+ lots to do
+ great voiceovers
+ achievements
+ always clear what to do
+ ties in with the sequel / prequel
The Neutral:
o graphics are clear and bright, but people are very low res
The Bad:
- chapter achievements can only be collected during the relevant chapter (I missed the C3 one)
- potions for Ancestor's woods and Swamp
- Yati's digestive system is overactive
- potions for Ancestor's woods and Swamp
- Yati's digestive system is overactive
Bottom Line: Despite the Bad category this is a very good adventure game, and I heartily recommend it.
I recommend this game!
Journey into the mythical Snowfall Kingdom and investigate the disappearance of children in Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A worthy CE for Snow White
PostedApril 14, 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
5
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game in casual mode, plus Bonus Chapter and all Bonus Puzzles.
This is the third game in the series and deals with Snow White, who is now an evil Snow Queen in the Swiss Alps.
The Good:
+ great graphics
+ great cutscenes
+ voiceovers
+ FROG
+ collectible story gems
+ three difficulty modes
+ native widescreen
+ guide tells you in which chapter you are
+ unique path and association puzzles...
+ great cutscenes
+ voiceovers
+ FROG
+ collectible story gems
+ three difficulty modes
+ native widescreen
+ guide tells you in which chapter you are
+ unique path and association puzzles...
The Neutral:
o ...which repeat quite often
o voiceovers not always lip-synced
o voiceovers not always lip-synced
The Bad:
- nothing really, but you could say it's the same game again with a new story, and that HO scenes are mostly easy
Bonus Content: A take on Hänsel and Gretel, took me about one hour to complete. It ties in with the main story, but is not necessary to play for the understanding of the game. Big spider warning for the bonus content. (The spidey stays around until the end.) Could not read the Parable since I missed the sixth gem. Six bonus puzzles (4 paths, 2 associations) were easy and have been completed within 15 minutes. Other than that there are the usual cut scenes, music, wallpapers and concept art.
Bottom Line: A worthy expansion of the story and a great CE. I can recommend getting the CE for the full experience, but you won't miss much if you play the regular one. Bring on Little Red Riding Hood (but lose the giant spider, please)!
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Little story in a supposed Thriller
PostedApril 13, 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
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Review based upon completion of the game.
You run through a mental asylum. You are locked in. Apparently you are poisoned. I have no idea what's going on.
The Good:
+ graphics are well done
+ varied minigames
+ hint system reloads fast and mostly works
+ HO scenes not frustrating
+ varied minigames
+ hint system reloads fast and mostly works
+ HO scenes not frustrating
The Neutral:
o game acts up when tabbing out
o scare factor starts out good, but goes to zero once you are in the garden
o scare factor starts out good, but goes to zero once you are in the garden
The Bad:
- story does not make sense...
- ...the little there is...
- ...which you even have to piece together yourself through journal clippings (that are difficult to find in-journal cause it does not jump to a new entry, but you have to find yourself what you've read or not)
- ...the little there is...
- ...which you even have to piece together yourself through journal clippings (that are difficult to find in-journal cause it does not jump to a new entry, but you have to find yourself what you've read or not)
Bottom Line: The technical side of the game is well done (I did not have any glitches), but the storytelling is sub par. Way sub par. Maybe it's explained better in the CE version, but I cannot recommend the game for this reason in the normal version at all.
I don't recommend this game.