Granny_Gruff's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.6
- Helpful Votes:22,850
- Reviews Submitted:883
- First Review:December 23, 2011
- Most Recent Review:November 23, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you find Gulliver and escape Lilliputia in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
70 of 98 found this review helpful
Confusion Reins!
PostedMarch 21, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromEven discounting the story, this game was still disappointing.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
You are having bad dreams, so you visit a psychiatrist to try to figure out the cause. Dr. Thumble hypnotizes you and you find yourself in the land of Lilliputia, chained near the sea shore. You free yourself and eventually reach a cave. You have learned that you will have to free Dr. Gulliver, who had arrived here ahead of you.
The confusion arrives as the story unfolds. Gulliver was, at first an enemy, became a hero, and then a traitor. You come across constant evidence that Gulliver brought a LOT of items from the outside world to this tiny land, as you see a rat, butterfly, utensils. and a variety of very large items used by the Lilliputians. Some of this might be explained by the story giving Dr Gulliver credit for introducing things from our world to this tiny dimension. But a rat? A butterfly? And the locals are using matches as torches - not likely as a match would burn as quickly in Lilliputia as in our world. Some items are left as giant pieces of garbage along the shore and others are utilized instead of more practical items they replaced - surely the Lilliputians had a better lock for the city gate than a nail; a better bridge than a leather belt.
And how did a bicycle horn get into their city clock tower?
And how did a bicycle horn get into their city clock tower?
The first implication is that Gulliver was trapped in this place after entering a portal. That apparently isn't the case at all after you see all the items he must have gone back to bring to the Lilliputians. Quite a few artifacts seem to be there solely to establish his meddling in their world.
Look, this game has HOPs, mini-games, collectibles, morphing objects, CE bling, and a lot of pink. A good portion of it works as intended. Some puzzles were very easy. A few others, not so much. In case you missed your goal it is reinforced by Dr. Thumble at the end of the demo!
In the end I was left with a short Demo with a confusing tale and not much to recommend the game otherwise. The story ends up being too great a distraction to let you be really immersed in the game play.
Please try the Demo.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save the city from the dangerous criminal Quasimodo?
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Why Does Domini Hate Victor Hugo, Paris, and History?
PostedMarch 17, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromI'm almost sure that Domini could come up with their own fiction if they tried. . . But they have to try first.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Sorry, guys. I know I'm late to the party, but I was trying to think of something kind/good to say about this insult to so many things: logic, literature, history, art, and our intelligence.
This is a rehash - hash being the operative word here - of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
Game play is average at best, with miles of puzzles/minigames, some HOPs, dark artwork, and lackluster characters.
Domini rewrote Victor Hugo and made a travesty out of his novel and buffoons out of his characters, while redesigning maps to make Paris a seaport, reconstructing the Catholic Church to make a Cardinal a totally ruthless sorcerer and bigamist, and throwing in enough random anachronisms to make that the focal point of the game, but not in a good way!
Anyway, I did think of some way to help us move passed the ludicrous story and bland game play.
Domini has managed to work out their palette problems! Instead of the overwhelming turquoise, pink and day glo green coloring, they pulled out all the excess purple and dark colors they were left with to use in this game.
If we are lucky, that means they will start on a new shipment of ink for the next game!
And that is the best I can say about this painful addition to the Dark romance series.
For heaven's sake, try the demo before you buy!
This is a rehash - hash being the operative word here - of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
Game play is average at best, with miles of puzzles/minigames, some HOPs, dark artwork, and lackluster characters.
Domini rewrote Victor Hugo and made a travesty out of his novel and buffoons out of his characters, while redesigning maps to make Paris a seaport, reconstructing the Catholic Church to make a Cardinal a totally ruthless sorcerer and bigamist, and throwing in enough random anachronisms to make that the focal point of the game, but not in a good way!
Anyway, I did think of some way to help us move passed the ludicrous story and bland game play.
Domini has managed to work out their palette problems! Instead of the overwhelming turquoise, pink and day glo green coloring, they pulled out all the excess purple and dark colors they were left with to use in this game.
If we are lucky, that means they will start on a new shipment of ink for the next game!
And that is the best I can say about this painful addition to the Dark romance series.
For heaven's sake, try the demo before you buy!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you find the truth hidden behind the castle walls?
Overall rating
2
/
5
30 of 45 found this review helpful
If Whispered Secrets Had a Story Checker, This Would Be Their Epic Fail!
PostedMarch 15, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromAgain evidence mounts for having a staff member vet the story line on each game BEFORE it is sold to the public.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Lord Abel's wife, Mary has been murdered, almost assuredly by someone in their castle. Suspects start piling up as soon as you step off your train. In fact you find yourself in a fight after you have spoken to only one person. Aren't you glad you came?
Good news: Lovely artwork leans to the pink and orange side of the palette. There are two additional chapters after the main story and three types of collectibles - sin cards, morphing items, and puzzle pieces. There are lots of puzzles and some effort has been made with the HOPs.
Bad stuff: There is a famous line: "I do not suffer fools gladly" meaning you have no patience with those who exhibit lack of intelligence. In this game I would point to the secretary who repeatedly insists you saddle your horse, first when it is already saddled and then when you are busy trying to repair the mangy decrepit item he "saddled" you with. Then there is the small kiosk with a robot clerk. The sign says: Buy one buckle, get a newspaper free.” This would be fine except when you hand over your coin, you get a newspaper containing a buckle. When you finally ride up to the castle, someone throws a stick of dynamite out an upstairs window, damaging the front door. That's when your character thinks how old and dilapidated the castle looks! Wanting to get inside and fearing for Lord Abel's safety, you stop to sort a cart full of vegetables and meats left standing out front in the courtyard. When everything is out of the cart, you find the interior locked. When opened, it will reveal a place to tie a rope!
Do you have hope that the puzzles/mini-games will be challenging - there is the veggie meat sorting game and - I kid you not - another where you find five hearts in a tiny area as they light up one at a time to help you find them!
You will have your detective kit to help you - find enough "evidence" and you get to see a memory and receive some item to dispel a ghostly presence or manifestation. This too is more confusing than challenging as the first time you use it, items you've found are arbitrarily assigned to a section of the open box without apparent rhyme or reason.
Do you have hope that the puzzles/mini-games will be challenging - there is the veggie meat sorting game and - I kid you not - another where you find five hearts in a tiny area as they light up one at a time to help you find them!
You will have your detective kit to help you - find enough "evidence" and you get to see a memory and receive some item to dispel a ghostly presence or manifestation. This too is more confusing than challenging as the first time you use it, items you've found are arbitrarily assigned to a section of the open box without apparent rhyme or reason.
Bottom line: I bailed, happy in the hope that no more IQ points might be lost to this poor little game.
Please try the demo before buying.
I don't recommend this game.
Enter an immersive world in the clouds and restore balance to your civilization!
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 15 found this review helpful
Maybe I'm Not Qualified...
PostedMarch 13, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromMy sister and I are so close. We hide the ship's spare parts from each other!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Read all the reviews - this game has a well-balanced group of reviews.
Then play the Demo.
Then please decide for yourself how you feel about this game.
If you like it, buy it.
If you don't like it do not waste your money on it.
Just, for heaven’s sake, don't assume I, or anyone else, can pick a game for another player.
As an example, with this game, I was ready to scream after playing the demo for 45 minutes and having to unlock or fix everything I came across. Most things on my ship were locked and/or broken, the temple we crash landed near was filled with locks on everything from an iron box containing a note and matches, to a missing wall tile to stop a poison gas booby trap.
As for the story line, there were bits in the reviews that I never saw or heard of in the demo, leaving me wondering if I'd played the same game.
It is a very pretty game, even if it is lite on the CE bling.
Don't get me wrong, but I just found my inventory filling up with three of one item and two of another and bits and pieces of locks and equipment. Why would I be on a flying ship that had everything locked up or hidden? Why do I want to chase another bad guy?
Then play the Demo.
Then please decide for yourself how you feel about this game.
If you like it, buy it.
If you don't like it do not waste your money on it.
Just, for heaven’s sake, don't assume I, or anyone else, can pick a game for another player.
As an example, with this game, I was ready to scream after playing the demo for 45 minutes and having to unlock or fix everything I came across. Most things on my ship were locked and/or broken, the temple we crash landed near was filled with locks on everything from an iron box containing a note and matches, to a missing wall tile to stop a poison gas booby trap.
As for the story line, there were bits in the reviews that I never saw or heard of in the demo, leaving me wondering if I'd played the same game.
It is a very pretty game, even if it is lite on the CE bling.
Don't get me wrong, but I just found my inventory filling up with three of one item and two of another and bits and pieces of locks and equipment. Why would I be on a flying ship that had everything locked up or hidden? Why do I want to chase another bad guy?
Please play the demo.
Get lost in a haunted house that keeps changing!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 11 found this review helpful
Could That Be The Same Racoon From an Earlier M of A Game?
PostedMarch 8, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromI'm always surprised when I like a game in spite of it's story, or lack there of. Just goes to show these games are a package deal!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
You are alarmed by a very ominous call from good old Bob. He and Sarah are in trouble and you run to the rescue, again.
The hotel/mansion/house shifts around you as you try to rescue your friends. Someone seems to be trying to help you... or is he?
Luckily you are fearless in searching for your friends - apparently the one real requirement to help them escape.
I liked the shifting House and the nightmare quality of several of the scenes. I didn't mind the little robotic helper, as he didn't speak and I wasn't going to be dressing him up.
The artwork was a bit uneven - some scenes very well done and then another where one ink color was predominate, but not necessarily appropriate, to when you were - for instance: a very brick red HOP to make the herbal tea. The items were differently colored, but all tended toward the red. Odd.
I can't say that the story was really well done, as saying you are rescuing Bob and Sarah again, this time from a wonky mansion, says it all. Strangely though the game had a lot of quirky and intriguing bits that made a sum greater than it's parts.
Please try the Demo and see what you think.
The hotel/mansion/house shifts around you as you try to rescue your friends. Someone seems to be trying to help you... or is he?
Luckily you are fearless in searching for your friends - apparently the one real requirement to help them escape.
I liked the shifting House and the nightmare quality of several of the scenes. I didn't mind the little robotic helper, as he didn't speak and I wasn't going to be dressing him up.
The artwork was a bit uneven - some scenes very well done and then another where one ink color was predominate, but not necessarily appropriate, to when you were - for instance: a very brick red HOP to make the herbal tea. The items were differently colored, but all tended toward the red. Odd.
I can't say that the story was really well done, as saying you are rescuing Bob and Sarah again, this time from a wonky mansion, says it all. Strangely though the game had a lot of quirky and intriguing bits that made a sum greater than it's parts.
Please try the Demo and see what you think.
I recommend this game!
Only you can stop the crystals raining down on Tar and stealing energy.
Overall rating
2
/
5
41 of 62 found this review helpful
Here We Go Again....
PostedMarch 8, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromWhy do I always have to heal one of my bosses first?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Another Enchanted Kingdom game has landed and the phrase: "Same old, same old." is the theme.
You will play as the famous healer, again. There will be the threat of the kingdom being taken over, again. There will be victims with green symbols, as opposed to green crystals or turning into monsters, or trees or whatever infecting them and endangering their lives, again. You will once again cure each patient on an individual basis with an special cure/potion/amulet for each person's illness, even though all are threatened by the same entity, again. All of the artwork is the extremely over-colored "stuff" you can see on the game page at BFG, again.
You will have lots of puzzles, HOPs, and other usual game elements to plod through, along with three sets of collectibles and assorted bling in the CE edition. This time your Healer's kit has been streamlined down to a Healer's wand. This means you have the added joy of finding suitable places and utensils to make your cures.
It just all seemed too familiar and too much like work to me.
I pass.
Please play the demo and see if this is a game you will want.
You will play as the famous healer, again. There will be the threat of the kingdom being taken over, again. There will be victims with green symbols, as opposed to green crystals or turning into monsters, or trees or whatever infecting them and endangering their lives, again. You will once again cure each patient on an individual basis with an special cure/potion/amulet for each person's illness, even though all are threatened by the same entity, again. All of the artwork is the extremely over-colored "stuff" you can see on the game page at BFG, again.
You will have lots of puzzles, HOPs, and other usual game elements to plod through, along with three sets of collectibles and assorted bling in the CE edition. This time your Healer's kit has been streamlined down to a Healer's wand. This means you have the added joy of finding suitable places and utensils to make your cures.
It just all seemed too familiar and too much like work to me.
I pass.
Please play the demo and see if this is a game you will want.
The Abomination threatens to erase all worlds from existence!
Overall rating
2
/
5
28 of 44 found this review helpful
Dark Story, Done Again
PostedMarch 2, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromI wish I knew how to fix this.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Originally the Nevertales plots were about other worlds. Then they were about authors and the worlds they created. Now we get to watch an author destroy the worlds he created - not a spoiler, as the idea is the opening sequence of the game.
This new Nevertales not only has no mystery to its plot, it also has nothing new either.
This new Nevertales not only has no mystery to its plot, it also has nothing new either.
The Author has written over the years about four worlds. Now they are all under attack and guess who's the attacker?
You play as the Adept, called in by Trevana, leader of one of the worlds.
You will try to stop all four worlds from being destroyed by the Author, their creator.
You play as the Adept, called in by Trevana, leader of one of the worlds.
You will try to stop all four worlds from being destroyed by the Author, their creator.
Good stuff: There are the usual game elements along with morphing items and signs as well as a CE bling assortment. The artwork is well done, and everything else is not bad.
Bad stuff: Perhaps we were all spoiled by MadHead Games early innovations and fresh approach. This game has the usual stuff and a hackneyed story, leaving me wanting more, much more.
I look for a well-crafted story, decent game play, and fun in some aspect of the game. Once again, I've got another game that leaves me feeling as though I'm being dragged around and forced to keep forging ahead. I just don't care for another dark “save my world” story that offers nothing even remotely fresh and vibrant. I found tiles repeatedly, collected and used/lost various tools, and unlocked everything imaginable, including a picnic basket, using keys, lock picks, and amulets/shapes. I danced around the bad guy's study while he sat at his desk. I ran in and out of the rain. Believe me, I was relieved when the demo was over.
I look for a well-crafted story, decent game play, and fun in some aspect of the game. Once again, I've got another game that leaves me feeling as though I'm being dragged around and forced to keep forging ahead. I just don't care for another dark “save my world” story that offers nothing even remotely fresh and vibrant. I found tiles repeatedly, collected and used/lost various tools, and unlocked everything imaginable, including a picnic basket, using keys, lock picks, and amulets/shapes. I danced around the bad guy's study while he sat at his desk. I ran in and out of the rain. Believe me, I was relieved when the demo was over.
Please don't take my word that this is another old game in a new bit of artwork. Try the demo for yourself. We all play for different reasons and this may be the game you want. Good luck!
Escape a terrifying hotel with a haunted past.
Overall rating
2
/
5
29 of 40 found this review helpful
Another Older Series Kicked To The Gutter
PostedFebruary 25, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromAnother one bits the dust!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This is not the Phantasmat we were introduced to eight years ago, the stellar game that gave a real boost to the Adventure/HOP game genre.
This is what happens when a game is sold off to the same people who have bludgeoned so many other previously well-crafted series into the ground.
This is what happens when a game is sold off to the same people who have bludgeoned so many other previously well-crafted series into the ground.
So you will find yourself being dumped into the game without the usual opening menu - You will get there, just by the back door.
You seemingly were found half froze in your car and brought to the hotel where your sister, Tilly, has her new job. When you regain your senses, there is some question in your mind as to what has transpired and what is actually going on in this hotel.
You seemingly were found half froze in your car and brought to the hotel where your sister, Tilly, has her new job. When you regain your senses, there is some question in your mind as to what has transpired and what is actually going on in this hotel.
Good stuff: There are plenty of HOPs and puzzles, a few creepy characters, a strangely familiar tree-like monster, morphing objects in most HOPs, and an assortment of CE bling. There were collectible signs in each scene, which were often cleverly hidden.
Bad stuff: Several puzzles had instructions that weren't. HOPs had dark corners and items almost too tiny for the human eye. The creepy factor is mostly in the eye of the developer, as the monster looks like one we've seen several times before. The only characters you actually see/talk to are the hotel doctor, the hotel clerk, and the handy man. Neither of the latter two is menacing or creepy, just odd. The doctor seemed normal.
Bottom line: Between the badly written puzzle instructions and the cheesy "monster," I was distinctly underwhelmed. There was some potential for a good game, but it lacked a really good story and any real menace.
You want to remember to try out this demo and then bury the memory!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a madman from using puppets to take over the island?
Overall rating
1
/
5
6 of 23 found this review helpful
Stop Them Before They Kill the Genre!
PostedFebruary 6, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromHubby left and then returnns to grapple with the villain. Huh.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Your old pal from college, Dee Dee, has asked for your help. She is afraid for her life. You arrive in time to briefly meet her husband who leaves you to care for his wife, who he thinks is loosing her mind.
Good stuff: There is artwork; games; HOPs; a tired, overused story; and CE bling that includes two collectibles.
Bad stuff: One more story about some entity bent on world domination is basically beating a dead horse. We've seen this plot too many times. The outstanding problem is the threatening letter Dee Dee hands you to read when you first meet her. Why is her husband so dismissive of her problem if she has that letter?
Between what has become the painful work of finding endless shapes and keys and the simplistic puzzles, I bailed. And was exceedingly grateful I could!
Please try the demo BEFORE you buy.
Good stuff: There is artwork; games; HOPs; a tired, overused story; and CE bling that includes two collectibles.
Bad stuff: One more story about some entity bent on world domination is basically beating a dead horse. We've seen this plot too many times. The outstanding problem is the threatening letter Dee Dee hands you to read when you first meet her. Why is her husband so dismissive of her problem if she has that letter?
Between what has become the painful work of finding endless shapes and keys and the simplistic puzzles, I bailed. And was exceedingly grateful I could!
Please try the demo BEFORE you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
The shapeshifting detective, and hero of Netherfall, is once again called to the capital to help king Robert investigate a series of kidnappings!
Overall rating
2
/
5
19 of 35 found this review helpful
Cookie Cutter Overload?
PostedJanuary 28, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromI managed to take the potion box, diary, and map with me when I turned into a bird. How? Just asking.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
By this time we know the set up. We play as the Alchemist, a shape changer who aids the monarchy in solving crimes and threats to the kingdom. This time we are called in as children have been disappearing in the town.
The simple mini-games and puzzles are really easy and more than a few are repeated. The game play is all downhill as you seesaw between easy and super easy tasks to move through the game. There will be a lock to be picked with a straight pin, followed by one that needs several pieces found. Perhaps you need a key to the city gate - no problem, just find two missing figurines and you can claim it from your monument in the lower city square. You will match runes several times. You will find missing bells from a couple of places in the same few minutes.
There will be several collectibles among the assorted CE bling. The artwork is nicely done. The story is present if not as big a mystery as we would like.
This is much like the previous games in this series with the same type of editing flaws and lack of attention to detail.
Please try the demo for yourself to see what you think of it.
The simple mini-games and puzzles are really easy and more than a few are repeated. The game play is all downhill as you seesaw between easy and super easy tasks to move through the game. There will be a lock to be picked with a straight pin, followed by one that needs several pieces found. Perhaps you need a key to the city gate - no problem, just find two missing figurines and you can claim it from your monument in the lower city square. You will match runes several times. You will find missing bells from a couple of places in the same few minutes.
There will be several collectibles among the assorted CE bling. The artwork is nicely done. The story is present if not as big a mystery as we would like.
This is much like the previous games in this series with the same type of editing flaws and lack of attention to detail.
Please try the demo for yourself to see what you think of it.
I don't recommend this game.