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:
Help Christine explore the spooky Ashburg Asylum and find her missing grandfather in this dark Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 24 found this review helpful
Curse of the Opera: The Prequel
PostedJanuary 28, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Review after finishing the game:
The Good:
+ game length
+ useful map! (no quick travel function though)
+ good voices
+ little used riddles
+ story ties in with Curse of the Opera (connection at the end)
+ decent difficulty (no sparkles)
+ useful map! (no quick travel function though)
+ good voices
+ little used riddles
+ story ties in with Curse of the Opera (connection at the end)
+ decent difficulty (no sparkles)
The Neutral:
o Spider! (fairly big, you have to get rid of it; several in hidden object scenes)
The Bad:
- story not always logical: How did the detective get through the door that I had to open by solving a riddle?
- Items are placed back into Hidden Object scenes
- final door riddle slightly frustrating
- Items are placed back into Hidden Object scenes
- final door riddle slightly frustrating
Bottom Line: Essential game if you played Curse of the Opera. However, since this one is the prequel you will spoil yourself the story of Opera, so play the other one first.
I recommend this game!
Appraise Malgrey Castle, learn about it’s enigmatic inhabitants, save your boss, and learn what drove your co-worker mad!
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 56 found this review helpful
Russian developer goes Vampire
PostedJanuary 17, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Review after finishing the game:
The Good:
+ funny!
+ very well done voice-overs
+ good mix of mini-games
+ hint does not recharge if it directs you to the correct screen
+ they tried lip-synced animation and mostly succeeded...
+ very well done voice-overs
+ good mix of mini-games
+ hint does not recharge if it directs you to the correct screen
+ they tried lip-synced animation and mostly succeeded...
The Neutral:
o ...but not always
o lots of spiders (small, you have to interact with them)
o lots of spiders (small, you have to interact with them)
The Bad:
- lots of random clicking (no penalty though, and hint refills quite fast)
- scare factor zero
- pretty forward story with no twists and turns
- scare factor zero
- pretty forward story with no twists and turns
Bottom Line: A very different vampire game that doesn't go the usual romantic heartthrob way.
I recommend this game!
An evil dwarf collects the souls of those who enter the neglected park! Will you be able to rid the world of his presence?
Overall rating
4
/
5
36 of 38 found this review helpful
On top of the search list: The Story
PostedJanuary 15, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Review after finishing the game:
The good:
+ decent game length
+ (hard!) achievements
+ good graphics
+ Match 3 minigame (although already matching tiles have to be matched again)
+ hard hidden object scenes
+ map with fast travel function (also announces hidden object scenes)
+ (hard!) achievements
+ good graphics
+ Match 3 minigame (although already matching tiles have to be matched again)
+ hard hidden object scenes
+ map with fast travel function (also announces hidden object scenes)
The Neutral:
o not much of a story (Rescue your brother! and done)
o found hidden objects are put back into the scenes
o found hidden objects are put back into the scenes
The Bad:
- ...hard hidden object scenes can become frustrating (although there is a negligible mis-click penalty)
- some items necessary for progression VERY hard to find
- some items necessary for progression VERY hard to find
Bottom Line: Good game with negligible story; scare factor was zero for me. Became a bit tedious at the end when every location had one more hidden object scene.
I recommend this game!
A warlock's curse has trapped you in an otherworldly cemetery! Explore Hidden Object scenes and save the warlock's victims!
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 66 found this review helpful
A sequel that's not really a sequel
PostedJanuary 10, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Review after finishing the game:
The Good:
+ usual ERS Game Studios graphics quality
+ game length
+ good storyline (no different eras this time around)
+ riddles solvable without having to consult a walkthrough
+ shortcut to the cemetery...
+ game length
+ good storyline (no different eras this time around)
+ riddles solvable without having to consult a walkthrough
+ shortcut to the cemetery...
The Neutral:
o ...but not back
o Once again, adults did voice children.
o Once again, adults did voice children.
The Bad:
- and so this game ties in with Part 1 how?
- Spiders! (not big ones, but several... at least they spared us their Mama)
- first little girl storyline ridiculous (rope might break through any second and I have to do mundane tasks in the village???)
- Spiders! (not big ones, but several... at least they spared us their Mama)
- first little girl storyline ridiculous (rope might break through any second and I have to do mundane tasks in the village???)
Bottom Line: Still a good game, but the first one was better.
I recommend this game!
Murder, She Wrote
Help the world-renowned author, Jessica Fletcher, solve murders! Piece together the clues to crack cases in Murder, She Wrote!
Overall rating
4
/
5
63 of 83 found this review helpful
Jessica Fletcher writes about some all new cases
PostedJanuary 5, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This games follows the classic Murder she wrote show; Jessica Fletcher solves some all-new cases.
Positive points included changing hidden objects for return visits, a nice storyline, and a hidden object list without vowels that have to be found first on typewriter keys (since when is Y a vowel tough?).
Some points:
- Voice acting worked for me since I only saw MSW as German dubbed version. I don't know the original voices - none of them seem to be in this game.
- Great minigame concept with the number plates and the logic clues.
- Introduction and solution videos were jumpy. The game is sloppily programmed in this aspect.
- You can actually deduce what's going on. The TV show had the tendency to leave out important clues to the case.
- Replay value is zero - since you obviously know the murderers.
- What's the point of a timer when you have 19 to 16 minutes (out of 20) left after each level?
- While voice acting is great, mimics and posing is terrible; most of the times characters aren't looking at each other, but rather up to the ceiling.
- Great lasting power - you can do one case a day since they aren't connected.
- Great minigame concept with the number plates and the logic clues.
- Introduction and solution videos were jumpy. The game is sloppily programmed in this aspect.
- You can actually deduce what's going on. The TV show had the tendency to leave out important clues to the case.
- Replay value is zero - since you obviously know the murderers.
- What's the point of a timer when you have 19 to 16 minutes (out of 20) left after each level?
- While voice acting is great, mimics and posing is terrible; most of the times characters aren't looking at each other, but rather up to the ceiling.
- Great lasting power - you can do one case a day since they aren't connected.
Bottom Line: Keep more cases coming!
I recommend this game!
Gotcha: Celebrity Secrets
You are Gaby, an amateur celebrity blogger, desperate to ditch her dead-end job for the exciting world of celebrity gossip.
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 19 found this review helpful
A very different Hidden Object Game
PostedJanuary 5, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Finished the game and loved it. It's definitely a different approach to hidden objects when said objects are people in a crowd. You can choose between timed and untimed mode, however, if you want to earn the achievement to finish every level on expert time you will have to play it timed - which I did, so I had to replay some of the later levels, where the crowds were really dense.
Added difficulty came from changing crowds, floating crowds (actually that level was easy), turning on / turning off light, looking at level through binoculars / keyholes. You have to find people either by full view, portrait shot, silhouette or description. However, if you manage to remember how people look like it might get easier.
Wonder if somebody had compiled a list of celebrities in the game: I'm not that great a spotter, but I recognized Kelly Osbourne, New Kids on the Block, Brad Pitt, Alyson Hannigan and Goldie Hawn, among others.
Bottom Line: If you want a different approach to the HOG genre, buy this game.
I recommend this game!
When a friend gets kidnapped in a historic theater, you, as Nancy Drew, are plunged into a desperate race against the clock!
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 24 found this review helpful
Who kidnapped Nancy's friend in a movie theatre?
PostedJanuary 5, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This is the 5th game in the Nancy Drew series, which was released in 2001. Unfortunately, it shows:
* Graphics are sometimes a bit blurry on a high definition 23'' screen
* ...and they are dated.
* I only counted 4 riddles / mini games. (Note-Slider, Keylock-Slider, type Numbers in correct order, box puzzle)
* Some phone numbers are absolutely useless since nobody answers.
* ...and they are dated.
* I only counted 4 riddles / mini games. (Note-Slider, Keylock-Slider, type Numbers in correct order, box puzzle)
* Some phone numbers are absolutely useless since nobody answers.
On the positive side...
* the voice acting was spot-on as usual,
* we got more than our share of suspects and people to talk to,
* and I was really surprised who the culprit was. (I expected somebody else.)
* we got more than our share of suspects and people to talk to,
* and I was really surprised who the culprit was. (I expected somebody else.)
The game was a bit on the short side, and - like Scarlet Hand - you would have had to take down notes. (Which I refused to do and referred to a walkthrough instead after reading through the instructions once.)
The game was not bad, but there are a lot of better games in the series. It would have been great in 2001, but in 2012 I cannot - in good conscience - recommend it anymore.
I don't recommend this game.
Find Your Own Way Home
A reporter from Entertainment Now needs your help to find Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon before a huge record release party!
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 21 found this review helpful
Can't fight this Feeling anymore...
PostedJanuary 4, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
After finishing the game I can say that it was a great one. Especially since it is essentially a promotion game, of which there are some REALLY bad ones out there. The developer put a lot of thought into style, variety and gameplay.
After the demo I ran into some more minigames (traffic lights, keeping the boat together for example), adding to variety.
Graphics were clear and sharp. Other forum reviewers had problems with that, not me. But yes, some objects were a bit small. Yes, it was a bit complicated figuring out the level with the photos (double-click on the negative, keep holding the mouse buttons until you found it on the screen and a white square lights up, left-click to take the picture). Also, the hints seem to be limited to 10 seconds before you have to wait for a reload. But I didn't need any hint early on. earning the "7 levels without help" achievement easily.
All in all I only got three minor issues with the game:
- some objects are too small
- "Keep on loving you" and "Find your own Way home" are not posted into the MP3-player and can only be heard during the final level and during the photo montage at the end
- "Can't fight this Feeling" is not in the game
- "Keep on loving you" and "Find your own Way home" are not posted into the MP3-player and can only be heard during the final level and during the photo montage at the end
- "Can't fight this Feeling" is not in the game
Bottom Line: If you are into REO Speedwagon this game is a must play. If not I can still recommend it if you are into hand drawn scenes and objects.
I recommend this game!
Investigate the disappearance of the chancellor's daughter and uncover the long lost kingdom of the exiled Frog Prince!
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 36 found this review helpful
She shouldn't have kissed that Frog....
PostedJanuary 4, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Review after finishing the game:
The Good:
+ fractured objects!
+ map
+ very good graphics
+ Spin on the classic Brothers Grimm story...
+ ...that also touched other fairy tales a bit
+ very decent game length
+ map
+ very good graphics
+ Spin on the classic Brothers Grimm story...
+ ...that also touched other fairy tales a bit
+ very decent game length
The Neutral:
o the spider (not big) that came back time and time again was quite unnecessary
o like the first game, morphing objects didn't really serve much of a purpose other than refilling your hints faster
o some backtracking - although your map tells you where to go
o like the first game, morphing objects didn't really serve much of a purpose other than refilling your hints faster
o some backtracking - although your map tells you where to go
The Bad:
- some of those fractured objects were REALLY hard to find
- some riddles were more trial and error than thinking
- some riddles were more trial and error than thinking
Bonus Content:
The bonus content sets up the third game in the series, Rise of the Snow Queen. I found it a bit harder than the regular game, but was finished in about 45 minutes. The rest - as usual - is nothing to write home about.
Bottom Line: If you are into Frogs this one is a must buy.
I recommend this game!
Celtic folklore seems to be more truth than lore when the Samhain festival goers disappear! Find the missing people and save the day!
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 52 found this review helpful
Samhain just became a little bit more real than expected
PostedJanuary 4, 2012
Laflamme
fromAustria
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Review after finishing the game:
The Good:
+ adequate graphics
+ achievements
+ slight twist to some hidden object scenes, like having to find a dip net to get objects in a pond
+ length of game
+ achievements
+ slight twist to some hidden object scenes, like having to find a dip net to get objects in a pond
+ length of game
The Neutral:
o All riddles (safe for the very last one during the bonus adventure) very easy
o as usual an "area complete" would have been nice...
o the end came a bit abrupt
o as usual an "area complete" would have been nice...
o the end came a bit abrupt
The Bad:
- ...which would have saved lots of useless running around...
- ...cause it was not always clear where to proceed next
- story was a bit hit and miss (where did that procession of people go to?)
- ...cause it was not always clear where to proceed next
- story was a bit hit and miss (where did that procession of people go to?)
Bonus Content:
The story leading up to the events through the eyes of the main character's husband. Good length. Story Hidden object scenes and riddles are needed for overall achievements.
Bottom Line: Good game, but the regular edition will do. The bonus content provides a bit of back story and the usual doodads but is not necessary to understand the whole game.
I recommend this game!