caseyduhamel's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:3,948
- Reviews Submitted:150
- First Review:October 29, 2019
- Most Recent Review:April 12, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you uncover who’s behind the haunting of the McKirk estate?
Overall rating
5
/
5
167 of 180 found this review helpful
A Vast Improvement Since Five Orange Pips
PostedDecember 23, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromMerry Christmas and Happy New Year from South Dakota!
Skill Level:Intermediate
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
(322)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Firstly, I love when developers give us something different like murder mysteries instead of saving the world, or saving other worlds, or saving my missing sister, brother, mother, father, cousins, in-laws, well, the whole family. I was not going to purchase this game as I had played the first installment and was not impressed- there was no mystery to the mystery (we knew the culprit from the start) and the game play and storyline was tepid. Also, it really chafes me when characters played in countries other than America speak with straight-up American accents. And that bothered me in Five Orange Pips- took me out of the story's atmosphere. Here we had the British granddaughter of the most famous British detective ever...speaking with an American accent. Total lack of cultural detail. If I remember correctly, all the characters in that game spoke with American accents. So, I took a chance and purchased Ms. Holmes again to see if the series was starting to mature. TAH-DAH! British accents!! And good ones too! Wonderful!! The graphics and characters are gorgeous and very well executed, wonderful palette with scenes full of appropriate color and detail that really immersed me into the story (love the passing ominous clouds!). As is Elephant is want to do, they hit you with puzzles and HOPs immediately. The HOPs don't have a match-3 option, so you have to play through the junk piles but they are well presented and can be solved with a minimal amount of frustration. Most of the puzzles are tough! Love the new takes on typical puzzle models. Really enjoyable- might take some time though! Now, a couple of things that did make me roll my eyes- right off the bat we are hit with the two oldest tasks in the casual gaming world: the broken key in the keyhole and the thorny bush. Maybe Elephant was just trying to get them out of the way as soon as possible but those two tasks need to be banished from the gaming environment permanently as they are older than the dirt I usually have to dig up that's right next to the thorny bush. Be gone bush and key!!! Then there's the inexplicable items found in inappropriate places. I, Sharlotte Holmes, master detective, need a match to light a candle in my office. One would think a master detective would have a book of matches hanging around. But no, my client gives me her file packet containing her dossier...and a box of matches. This makes no sense...what are matches doing in her file packet? And then there's the dreaded mailbox...what the heck was going to be in this one? The operative word here is "MAIL"...do we dare hope? YES, there's mail in this mailbox...plus two inexplicable items, but hey- MAIL!
And the ghostie- she needs to float a bit more, her movements are a bit stiff and mechanical. BUT (there's my big 'BUT'...did you really think I would leave it out?) the positives absolutely outweigh the negatives in this much improved installment of Ms. Holmes. Great graphics, great characters with depth, terrific storyline, puzzles that really take some thought, enjoyable HOPs. Elementary that dear Dr. Watson would be very impressed.
And the ghostie- she needs to float a bit more, her movements are a bit stiff and mechanical. BUT (there's my big 'BUT'...did you really think I would leave it out?) the positives absolutely outweigh the negatives in this much improved installment of Ms. Holmes. Great graphics, great characters with depth, terrific storyline, puzzles that really take some thought, enjoyable HOPs. Elementary that dear Dr. Watson would be very impressed.
I recommend this game!
The bad kids are taking over the Polar Express!
Overall rating
4
/
5
59 of 65 found this review helpful
It's Christmas- A Time To be Generous
PostedDecember 9, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromMerry Christmas from South Dakota!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Christmas games have to be judged a little differently because they will always be of the family-friendly genre which is absolutely understandable. So, there will be a level of cuteness that some of us adults who don't have children in the home will just have to learn to enjoy as it is part and parcel of the genre. If you can't handle the cuteness factor (especially in the voice-overs), don't buy the game.
First the positives: thank you, Domini, for leaving the color purple at home. The graphics are very well done and I for one really enjoy the interactive scenes where things roll, tweet, run, fall, break, bounce etc. Great job there. And I love the find-'ems. Domini unusually has great scavenger hunts for these collectibles, but these are especially good as they are informational. A definite plus. The storyline is good as a Christmas story- it's Christmas and our young hero's name is Christopher...coincidence? lol And the puzzles are lots of fun and some are real head-scratchers- couldn't play difficult mode on all of them. The hops are enjoyable as well, not as difficult as they could be but remember, kids are playing this game. And there's the match-3 option should you get stuck.
Now for the negatives: same maneuvers all the time!!! Every game, same thing!!! I know the Domini developers are imaginative- Domini, put that imagination to work!! No more thorny bushes to hide stuff so we have to get mittens, or oven mitts. I'm sick of your thorny bushes as I am of the broken key in the lock that requires the usual newspaper (in this case a tray) to slide under the door so we can push the key out with something thin and it falls on the conveyance on the floor under the door. We get the broken key out and *voila!!*, the key is magically repaired with a new ornate handle on it! As usual, we have to slide something under the lever holding the door shut...I could go on and on but I'd just drive myself crazy. It's the same moves in every Domini game, every time and I, for one, am tired of it. And they really have to stop congratulating me for those notes.
So, as it 'tis the season to be jolly and generous, I'll give this game four stars. But Domini, please, utilize those imaginations you employ there and change up your paradigm. It really is getting terribly old. Oh, and Merry Christmas! :-)
First the positives: thank you, Domini, for leaving the color purple at home. The graphics are very well done and I for one really enjoy the interactive scenes where things roll, tweet, run, fall, break, bounce etc. Great job there. And I love the find-'ems. Domini unusually has great scavenger hunts for these collectibles, but these are especially good as they are informational. A definite plus. The storyline is good as a Christmas story- it's Christmas and our young hero's name is Christopher...coincidence? lol And the puzzles are lots of fun and some are real head-scratchers- couldn't play difficult mode on all of them. The hops are enjoyable as well, not as difficult as they could be but remember, kids are playing this game. And there's the match-3 option should you get stuck.
Now for the negatives: same maneuvers all the time!!! Every game, same thing!!! I know the Domini developers are imaginative- Domini, put that imagination to work!! No more thorny bushes to hide stuff so we have to get mittens, or oven mitts. I'm sick of your thorny bushes as I am of the broken key in the lock that requires the usual newspaper (in this case a tray) to slide under the door so we can push the key out with something thin and it falls on the conveyance on the floor under the door. We get the broken key out and *voila!!*, the key is magically repaired with a new ornate handle on it! As usual, we have to slide something under the lever holding the door shut...I could go on and on but I'd just drive myself crazy. It's the same moves in every Domini game, every time and I, for one, am tired of it. And they really have to stop congratulating me for those notes.
So, as it 'tis the season to be jolly and generous, I'll give this game four stars. But Domini, please, utilize those imaginations you employ there and change up your paradigm. It really is getting terribly old. Oh, and Merry Christmas! :-)
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a merciless arsonist from destroying San Francisco?
Overall rating
4
/
5
130 of 143 found this review helpful
The Little Origami Dog Visited For Thanksgiving!
PostedNovember 27, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromImagine that, a little origami dog comes a-callin' for Thanksgiving!
Skill Level:Intermediate
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
(322)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Being thoroughly honest, Domini and I have a love/hate relationship (well, "hate" is too strong a word but it goes with the cliche). We've seen their offerings bomb and we've seen them rise above like a Phoenix from the ashes. We're hopping the Phoenix freight train for this one. First- let me get my biggest beefs with Domini out of the way (some which they've improved on, some not)- calm down that color palette! The world is not neon and it certainly isn't purple- BUT (there's that big 'BUT' again), in this game the purple is at a minimum and used properly- an improvement. But still, please ease up on the color saturation; it can become overwhelming. Attention to detail: this game takes place in San Franscisco in the early 1900's, around 1920. America has been its own country for almost two hundred years. Why then is Melinda, the San Fran cop, wearing a uniform cap that sports Her Majesty the Queen's Constabulary Metropolitan Police badge on it? <sigh> I know it's no big deal to some but those kind of details drive me nuts. Attention to detail- it's important!! Detail keeps the player in the moment! And please stop congratulating me for everything I do. It's silly.
But then, some scenes have great detail that keep the moment real like floating clouds in the sky, people passing by, cars driving along. Love that. And Domini's scenes are always very interactive- I love clicking on everything in the scene and everything does something- it breaks, runs, barks, hisses, chatters, falls over; you name it, it does it. This simply adds to the interactive fun.
So, here we have a great story- not going to go into a lot of detail as others do that waaaaay better than I. This game has great puzzles! Loved 'em! New twists! I played most on difficult mode, some I just couldn't. Thoroughly enjoyed the twists on the HOPs, not the usual junk piles- and you've got your Match-3 option should you need a little help. We also have our find- 'ems. I really have fun with these and we've got three types here: statues, newspaper clippings, and puzzle pieces in the close-ups. Adds to the interactive fun and can be challenging to find.
The voice overs are believable- no valley girls!!!! Our villain is a bit over-acted, but hey, he's a villain so he's allowed (love his medieval plague mask). The ambient music fits very well and the storyline is fresh, definitely not a rehash of the same ol' grind. So, Domini, you and your little dog are certainly welcome at my house for Thanksgiving. Thanks for this- a definite recommend. Happy Holidays everyone!
But then, some scenes have great detail that keep the moment real like floating clouds in the sky, people passing by, cars driving along. Love that. And Domini's scenes are always very interactive- I love clicking on everything in the scene and everything does something- it breaks, runs, barks, hisses, chatters, falls over; you name it, it does it. This simply adds to the interactive fun.
So, here we have a great story- not going to go into a lot of detail as others do that waaaaay better than I. This game has great puzzles! Loved 'em! New twists! I played most on difficult mode, some I just couldn't. Thoroughly enjoyed the twists on the HOPs, not the usual junk piles- and you've got your Match-3 option should you need a little help. We also have our find- 'ems. I really have fun with these and we've got three types here: statues, newspaper clippings, and puzzle pieces in the close-ups. Adds to the interactive fun and can be challenging to find.
The voice overs are believable- no valley girls!!!! Our villain is a bit over-acted, but hey, he's a villain so he's allowed (love his medieval plague mask). The ambient music fits very well and the storyline is fresh, definitely not a rehash of the same ol' grind. So, Domini, you and your little dog are certainly welcome at my house for Thanksgiving. Thanks for this- a definite recommend. Happy Holidays everyone!
I recommend this game!
Pendle Tower was once a lavish high-rise hotel, but a new renovation has awakened a long-dormant secret within its foreboding halls.
Overall rating
5
/
5
143 of 168 found this review helpful
GrandMa's House For Thanksgiving!
PostedNovember 23, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromOver the river and through the woods to GrandMa's house we go...
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, 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
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is terrific. I'm half way through and am enjoying every minute of it. First and foremost; the graphics and palette- wow!! The effort on the graphics is grand in scope (literally), very well rendered, and the colorists took their time resulting in a beautiful, realistic yet pleasing palette. Very well done! Secondly the story- great ghost story, but it's what surrounds the story that makes this effort so much fun. We've got our find 'ems but we are not inundated with them- two collectibles to a scene and a puzzle piece in the close up. Great, that's enough- perfect. The scenes themselves are not overly busy with chores but there is work to do- and you have to think! Imagine that! I love the puzzles- lots of new twists there and a few will take some time. GrandMa put some thought into these puzzles! The HOPs are fun, I'm enjoying all of them. (I think more effort was put into the puzzles). The voice acting, well, it's decent and at least it's appropriate for Britain in that the accents are pretty close to authentic English accents. Too many times, the voice acting in other games have really gone down in quality as of late, very lazy efforts. The best V-O acting I've ever heard was in the Adam Wolfe series- that deserves a V-O Oscar. But, the voice acting in this game does not lower its overall quality and Her Majesty called to tell me she's enjoying playing the game very much (LOL). I love the little cameos of Madame Fate that appear: talk about a classic!! First MCF ever and a fantastic quality HOP game, hours of fun! I'm having a great time visiting GrandMa's house for Thanksgiving! Happy Turkey Day and thanks to Big Fish and GrandMa!!!
I recommend this game!
A vengeful monster has found a way to stop Christmas!
Overall rating
5
/
5
93 of 103 found this review helpful
Another Great Entry In The Christmas Stories Series
PostedNovember 20, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromGreat Places, Great Faces- South Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, 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
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wonderful to see how Christmas is celebrated in other countries! Well, short and sweet- it's your typical Elephant game in that it follows it usual paradigm, but this is truly fun. The graphics and colors are terrific- very realistic without being cartoonish and really reflect the Christmas spirit. As does the sound track- not actual classic Christmas tunes, but fun and joyous enough to make sure you're smiling throughout the whole game. The characters are very cute as is our little Yuleman- how can a Yuleman not be cute? The find 'ems are fun (always enjoy them)- there are two types: cards and puzzle pieces in the close-ups. The v-o's fit this genre just fine. The puzzles are always fun- I love puzzles and I am learning to really enjoy HOPs especially when games like this add new twists. I love Elephant's Christmas Stories series, especially The Nutcracker and Enchanted Express- both outstanding. And to the naysayers of this little gem- a lump of coal and a "Bah, Humbug" to you!! Merry Christmas!!
I recommend this game!
Act as Adam Wolfe, an investigator of the paranormal. Discover an occult world hidden in modern San Francisco!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Please Beam these Games To The Future!!!
PostedNovember 10, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromLove the Haircut On My Mad Head!!!
Skill Level:Intermediate
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
OUTSTANDING! Not gonna go nuts here with details as this is a review on a five year old game. (2016) Fast forward to 2021 and I just found this gem (and it's following game). Color me incredibly impressed- the voice-overs, the character acting, the storyline, the action, the artwork...please, Mad Head, bring this into 2021-22. we just don't see HOPA games of this quality and imagination anymore because, according to the Big Three, it's quantity over quality. And this isn't really a HOPA game, it's a PAHO game. Mad Head and Friendly Fox are the future of gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you rescue a child with magical powers in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
41 of 51 found this review helpful
Friendly Fox Hit this One Out Of The Park
PostedNovember 5, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromToday Has Been Proclaimed National Friendly Fox Day- if you see one in your backyard, thank it!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, 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
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
To take something excellent, and then make it more excellent...what do you call it? Superpufabulous? Sorry, it's the only word that comes to mind. The Fox never disappoints- but this little opus really surprised me- the artwork, the atmosphere. The ambient music is so sadly melancholy. The voice overs are excellent; they can't get any better. The plot- sooooo different from the usual...and the artwork- did I mention that? Surreal- like Dali and Picasso had a baby but the baby wasn't obnoxious. (let's face it, you can't game with Picasso art but the scenery can be influenced by it). The use of light and dark is done so well. And the puzzles are great- a good time there. The HOPs are well done also and I enjoyed everyone of them but I am more of a puzzle enthusiast. It come down to this- our Friendly Fox took something great and made it even better- improved story, improved artwork, improved atmosphere, improved VO's, different puzzles (they ain't easy!), HOPS, characters- you name it: it's a Fox of a different color- Bravo, Fox! Big Three, one of you guys just got knocked off the bench
I recommend this game!
Can you stop dangerous specters from destroying the city in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
66 of 72 found this review helpful
Friendly Fox, We Welcome You With Open Arms!
PostedOctober 21, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromGreat Places, Great Faces- South Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
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
(322)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As we now expect from Friendly Fox, who have come to be known as outstanding developers, we have a HOPA game with fantastic graphics and a very compelling storyline. I am a huge fan of the Dark City series, although in my estimation Budapest was the Buda-best. This game is beautifully atmospheric and the graphics are as good as they get. Cut-away animation is a bit stiff and mechanical but it doesn't take away from the game. The palette is gorgeous and the scenes are lit beautifully. The background music, when present, is very befitting the scene. I love the morphs- these are toughies, in some cases very small...love a challenge. The collectables can be found with a little effort. The puzzles range from kindergarten to PhD- still a nice variety and you'll see some you haven't seen before. The HOPs are enjoyable and pretty much follow the rules when trying to add something new to HOPs- we've seen these "new twists" before, so, kinda not new. The storyline is terrific; Friendly Fox always produces a terrific tale. And this tale, well, can you say "TESLA"? Heck, yes!! Characters are well drawn but my one beef with the characters is this- the voiceovers. I really don't like when the games take place in countries other than America or Canada but all of the denizens of those other countries speak with straight-up American or, sometimes, British accents- that really chafes me because it takes me out of the atmosphere of the story. The carriage driver at the beginning of the game sounded exactly like Yukon Cornelius from "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" (Bumbles bounce)- it was awful! Not one "Oui oui!" in the entire dialogue. But, thank God, the voice actors are age appropriate, so no Valley Girls. Most of the voice actors are passable enough as far as emoting goes, so I can live with the American accent the French people of this game have. Friendly Fox doesn't put out many games, they don't churn out vapid game after vapid game like other devs we all know. It's always a joy to see them pop up! This Fox is smart enough to know it's quality over quantity. This is a definite recommend.
I recommend this game!
Help Jane restore her house in time for Halloween!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Great Challenge
PostedOctober 18, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromBOO!!
Skill Level:Intermediate
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
(322)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Might be a bit simplistic, but the game itself is terrific. Sometimes simplicity is best- but don't let that fool you. The boards are challenging! The puzzles, including the sliders (which I love) were no challenge at all, but the game itself was loads of fun and lots of game for the buck. I think one of the characters was dressed up as Caitlyn Jenner for Halloween (seriously). Now, that's scary! lol
I recommend this game!
A strange board game makes a Halloween party go very wrong!
Overall rating
4
/
5
76 of 80 found this review helpful
Not My Cup o' Brew, But...
PostedOctober 14, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromBOO!!
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
(322)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well, I am in the middle of playing this monsterful little opus. I like a good old fashioned Halloween, so I have to admit this is just not my style of gaming as far as Halloween goes. So I am going to be objective here as many of you will enjoy this game. I am always a little trepidacious when buying a Domini game as I am usually disappointed. Vapid story lines, same bells and whistles, a deluge of the color purple, ridiculous scavenger hunts and the most outrageous uses for mail boxes. But, it's Halloween, so this game was a go, no questions asked. Well, I was surprised to find really good graphics with barely any purple at all! The graphics are chock full of interactive detail which added to the fun- honestly, I am impressed. Domini usually has great find 'ems and I like the hunt. I am enjoying the puzzles-most of them are based on the usual paradigms but have a few twists in them to make them interesting. The HOPs have the match-3 option and are also enjoyable with a few imaginative twists here and there. When beginning the game, I came upon the dreaded mailbox: uh-oh, what would be in here? Tree trimmers and my grandmother's old slip covers? No!!! It was actually mail!!! A talking letter!! Again, Domini gets another star for improvement. The voice-overs are annoying and underwhelming. But, I'm giving Domini a pass here as maybe Samantha (female lead character) really is from Sherman Oaks, California as her Valley Girl Speak is spot on...totally, fer sure. (lol) As I've said previously, this particular Halloween game is a little sophomoric for me, the characters shallow. I don't like the plot line or monster theme, especially when they are squid- like. Halloween is about the one night when the veil between living humans and those that have passed into the beyond is thinnest. Not monsters...although my mother-in-law, may she rest in the peace she never gave me, might be able to pass for a monster but other than that... Only kidding folks (kinda). Just trying to lighten it up. In closing, the graphics in this game are truly its saving grace. They're busy and fun. I'm having fun finding my way through the game but I'm not blown away. But, that's just me. There are many, many that will love this game. I definitely recommend it for some spooky fun.
I recommend this game!