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:
A celebration turns dangerous when someone threatens to reveal the magical world!
Overall rating
1
/
5
51 of 65 found this review helpful
Help! Save Us From Domini!
PostedFebruary 3, 2022
Granny_Gruff
fromDomini is down to the paid reviewer and hopes of more stupid players to buy their recycled cast-offs.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
You will be joining your best friend for the Venice Masquerade Festival. Troubles abound before you ever leave home and Venice quickly becomes frightening when a Manticore jumps out at the crowd, courtesy of a magical being dissatisfied with the statis quo.
After the last "NEW" game from Domini, I was hoping they might actually get to work and fix their problems.
Oops, my bad.
This time we have another copy of an older series in disguise, and we all recognize the pretense. But the artwork and game play stutter along and the story is beyond ludicrous.
Some of this stuff is just insulting to players - the button screwdriver, the diamond ring glass cutter, the lock to fix a broken chain, and the cork drawer handle.
And as we surely couldn't see through using ideas from their last umpteen games, we are also stupid enough to accept the ink inside a wall safe, the battery-less camera, and the airhorn to scare a gull, as well as glitches and quirks in scene changes and sound.
Some of this stuff is just insulting to players - the button screwdriver, the diamond ring glass cutter, the lock to fix a broken chain, and the cork drawer handle.
And as we surely couldn't see through using ideas from their last umpteen games, we are also stupid enough to accept the ink inside a wall safe, the battery-less camera, and the airhorn to scare a gull, as well as glitches and quirks in scene changes and sound.
There is so much wrong and so little right that I'd urge you to try the Demo for yourself, but then I too would be guilty of abusing players!
Use your best judgement.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you defeat the Spirit of Ice and Cold in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
13 of 14 found this review helpful
Plagiarism! Call the Lawyers!
PostedJanuary 30, 2022
Granny_Gruff
fromDomini is down to the blue/brown ink supplier and his kindergartener, up from his nap in time to provide the story.
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
Some fiend has plagiarized the Spirit Legends series and offered it under a slightly new name! How dare they sell us the same game series? Have they no shame? How can we not recognize all the well-worn features of that earlier series like the Healers and the Bestiary? And all that dark artwork of blue and brown?
Don't even get me started on the low-level logic that has me opening a reward letter from the ambassador enclosing a reward from the king that contains the key to our bag on our sled as we head home. (I wonder when they stole it from us? And is it a reward if it was ours to begin with?)
All jesting aside, this is almost the same game from the same lack-luster group at Domini featuring the same ignorance of their target audience, along with the usual bland accouterments and zero intelligent input.
So we have Grandmother and Grandson (Us) on our way home through ice and snow only to find a new problem to tackle for the kingdom when we get there. The kingdom is being plunged into its own ice age by an evil spirit and we will be the saviors, even when we can't keep track of our own baggage key.
For goodness’ sake try before you waste your free coupon on this thing.
I don't recommend this game.
The tenacious trio takes on a master of the occult!
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 14 found this review helpful
Now They Are Killing The Detectives!
PostedJanuary 23, 2022
Granny_Gruff
fromThe Devs are down to two people in the office - the guy who answers the phone and his kindergartener taking their nap!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Three close co-workers dismiss each other as though they all were exposed to the plague and go in three directions. Suddenly they are all on a case, but no one of them is sure of what the others are doing or where they are. Since when did the team break into such disparate parts?
As for a story, there is a violin, some involvement with the occult, and souls to be stolen to resurrect the dead. Oh, yes, and everybody is in trouble.
We get a glimpse into two living quarters, only to find that the residents keep everything broken, locked, and inaccessible. That's OK as their office is much the same way.
I won't speak to the game play as it is weak as water, the animation is stilted, and the scenes are bland. The closest they come to some excitement is the sneer on the victim's face.
The overall effect of the game is to remind me that I had taken a break from reviews as I could not find anything to be happy about in the last few months. And this game is one more piece of sadness!
Please play the demo.
As for a story, there is a violin, some involvement with the occult, and souls to be stolen to resurrect the dead. Oh, yes, and everybody is in trouble.
We get a glimpse into two living quarters, only to find that the residents keep everything broken, locked, and inaccessible. That's OK as their office is much the same way.
I won't speak to the game play as it is weak as water, the animation is stilted, and the scenes are bland. The closest they come to some excitement is the sneer on the victim's face.
The overall effect of the game is to remind me that I had taken a break from reviews as I could not find anything to be happy about in the last few months. And this game is one more piece of sadness!
Please play the demo.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a murderous sculptor from casting more victims?
Overall rating
2
/
5
18 of 22 found this review helpful
There Should Be a Law Against Blandness
PostedDecember 28, 2021
Granny_Gruff
fromThe Devs are down to two people in the office - the guy who draws the game and his kindergartener that comes up with the plots!
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
1
/
5
Another body has been found, this time in the park. Once again the victim is covered in plaster and posed in a public place. You are called into this case of plastered victims as a member of the investigation unit FBISK. The local policewoman on the investigation who calls you in to help has to give you your investigation pack. You have the only car in the world that announces you are out of gas when you are literally out of gas. All in all, not a promising start to the case.
Don't worry though, things will go down hill from here.
Don't worry though, things will go down hill from here.
Look, there is no point in rehashing the mundane story, the extensive list of tasks for everything, or the bland characters.
Just please play the Demo for yourself.
Just please play the Demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
The bad kids are taking over the Polar Express!
Overall rating
2
/
5
17 of 27 found this review helpful
It Should Be Almost Impossible to Make a Bad Christmas Game
PostedDecember 11, 2021
Granny_Gruff
fromHiding so no one can force me to finish the Demo!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
But, no, Domini did it.
In a beautiful world of stellar artwork, the bad kids are out to ruin Christmas and please themselves, all while misbehaving in the dumbest ways imaginable (by a bunch of adults presumably forced to churn out a holiday themed game in record time).
In a beautiful world of stellar artwork, the bad kids are out to ruin Christmas and please themselves, all while misbehaving in the dumbest ways imaginable (by a bunch of adults presumably forced to churn out a holiday themed game in record time).
The "good" kid stole a coin from his home and snuck out of the second floor window. He picked the locks on two different boxes and "picked" up another coin along the way to the train.
The "bad" kid carries around empty banana peels and has fireworks stuck in his belt.
The "bad" kid carries around empty banana peels and has fireworks stuck in his belt.
Between the two boys, I'm liking the bully better - at least he doesn't seem to steal, yet, and exhibited no burglar skills.
The animal helper was not only unnecessary, but totally ineffectual.
The only thing Christmas-like about this game is the rip off of the Polar Express story line and the decorations everywhere.
The game play and tasks were old hat and often confusing, unnecessary, and out of place.
The game play and tasks were old hat and often confusing, unnecessary, and out of place.
For Season's sake, play the Demo before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Extraterrestrials have arrived! Fortunately, they’re not here to invade, they just want to observe. Can you find them all?
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 30 found this review helpful
Truth in Advertising!
PostedDecember 6, 2021
Granny_Gruff
fromMy Old Kentucky Home
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
You will be looking for aliens; they tell you no lie.
Is it fun? Let's come back to that one.
Is it challenging? Only for very small children.
Is it a game you'll come back too, time and again? Only to amuse those small children.
Is the story interesting? What story?
Is it CE worthy? Now that's funny. NO.
Is it fun? Let's come back to that one.
Is it challenging? Only for very small children.
Is it a game you'll come back too, time and again? Only to amuse those small children.
Is the story interesting? What story?
Is it CE worthy? Now that's funny. NO.
So we have a game more cartoonish than "Where's Waldo?" with lots of little creatures and rocks that move. The minimalist story line has a brash alien on the evening news reporting from earth over the objections of the MC. You will have a group of pictures across the bottom of your screen of objects/aliens to find. Some of these are behind/in/under other objects, with occasionally a group of items to be found to fill the list. There is no hint button as such, but you can click on an inventory picture and a written hint will popup in a bubble. The closest I found to some CE bling was an exhaustive list of accomplishments - the attention to the smallist of goals in the list leads me to suspect that a complete reading of it will give you a prize for turning on your computer!
For a cute demo to while away a boring evening or a game to occupy the small grandchildren, this is what you want.
Please play the demo and consider the SE when it appears - using a free game coupon.
Can you stop a merciless arsonist from destroying San Francisco?
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 30 found this review helpful
A New Series Hits the Ground Walking
PostedNovember 27, 2021
Granny_Gruff
fromI found a diamond ring on the garage floor to cut open a glass door in the house. That's where all elderly men keep their diamonds!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
There have been multiple murders in the city. As a reporter I am sent by my editor to investigate as well as write up the story with pictures. I meet my police contact next to the body of what seems to be the third victim laying on the ground outside of a still smoking building. We proceed to investigate murder and arson together.
Good news: Some very nice puzzles join the HOPs with an alternative game available. There is a story and the characters are well done. The color pallet is more balanced and much easier on the eyes. There is an assortment of CE bling.
Bad news: After multiple victims have already been found, the killer is going after the judge First. I know this because he said so. And I am confused by this slip as it is one of many, even as I rush after the escaping killer to the judge's house. The story rapidly dissolved after that into silliness. I can't give it away, so check the Demo out for yourself.
Bottom line: As this game is a cut above most of what we have seen this year - but only just - do you want to accept it with the flaws or wait for something good that may never arrive?
Try the Demo for yourself and keep in mind there is a sale on.
Just saying.
Just saying.
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
3
/
5
35 of 42 found this review helpful
One Star for a Great Sleeping Pill!
PostedNovember 24, 2021
Granny_Gruff
fromLots of white & blue cloudy paranormal activity does not a game make. Just sayin'.
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
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Master Detective, you have been called to an old hotel being restored by a royal relative. The Queen wishes you to investigate some anomalies which have lead to accidents and crew defections. The paranormal activity has appeared after the discovery in the building of a secret wing. Good luck, Detective.
Good news: There is some story, color, lots of mini-games, HOPs, and a couple of collectibles in the CE bling.
Bad news: The "gripping" story put me to sleep in the first fifteen minutes - for which I would be thoroughly thankful with my insomnia if I hadn't wanted a new great game so very much. This has been a LONG dry spell at BFG with so many games seeming to be targeted at the juvenile side of small screen games.
Bottom line: I will get this on sale because I have a huge bunch of monthly credits to "spend" and then I will reevaluate my steady contribution to games I am unhappy to play.
Please play the demo. Start well rested and see what you think.
A vengeful monster has found a way to stop Christmas!
Overall rating
2
/
5
18 of 30 found this review helpful
Even Children Will be a Hard Sell on This Game!
PostedNovember 20, 2021
Granny_Gruff
fromStill looking for a Christmas game? Try the 2013 or 2018 Christmas Story Games.
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
1
/
5
You and your brother, Yonas, are home alone when an evil entity shows up and kidnaps Yonas. The bad guy, named Trapp - get it? - runs with your brother and you follow through a winter storm right to the Trapp mansion. Surprisingly for the scrooge-like bad guy, his home is filled with gifts and decorations, including a huge Christmas tree. Don't worry, as it's the bad guy's home, the room will be dark to show the evil!
Good stuff: Lots of Christmas decorations, including a snowflake window lock, a scant budget of CE bling, some collectibles, and a helper.
Bad stuff: Beyond the childish game and story, there is that helper. He is in the lower left corner and wiggles a lot - not so much because you need him, but because he is so glad you had no choice but to bring him along. Since the games and puzzles are nothing new and the actions are old hat - coin to unscrew a lid, for instance - I suspect someone at Elephant Games phoned this one in!
Bottom line: You need kids old enough not to be scared of being kidnapped in their own home, but young enough to put up with the easy game play and baby story. My grandkids have been playing these games - after I'd OK'd them - for years. They wouldn't buy this one and neither would I.
Please try the Demo.
Please try the Demo.
I don't recommend this game.
An investigation into a disappearance reveals ghostly secrets in a mountaintop hotel!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
Does Average Mean Average Anymore?
PostedNovember 16, 2021
Granny_Gruff
fromSphinx moths drink nectar, mostly from blooms on plants from the nightshade family. Some never drink at all as adults. You should be safe unless you are made of nectar.
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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Mystical Riddles:Snowy Peak Hotel is a very average game. After the last few months of failures by Domini, Perhaps this is the very best they can do. I sure hope not.
Good stuff: There is a story about hauntings at a hotel, where your friend has disappeared. You run to the rescue. Everybody lies to you until they don't. Then they just get hostile. There are HOPs, mini-games, and CE bling so they can double the price the first time around.
Bad stuff: The most innovative thing in the Demo is the sphinx moths that "menace" you when you need to reach something. You spray them with perfume. The artwork is fairly dark with lots of green smoke and brown backgrounds. The characters are slightly off kilter but the VOs are OK. You perform tasks you've seen in dozens of these games and watch a story unfold that has more holes than Swiss cheese. You'll see what I mean.
Please try the Demo and decide for yourself. I pass.