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 stop a heartless criminal before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Anybody Want to Save the World Again?
PostedMay 14, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromThis time only the player crashes!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
An old enemy of the Curio Society, Susanna, is helping Bad Guy, Fredrick, to steal an artifact that will enable him to erase the emotions of everyone and, presumably, thereby take over the world. I guess no one will care if he does at that point.
There are all the usual elements of a HOP game here - HOPs, mini-games, lovely artwork, and a story-line.
Unfortunately, all I could think the entire demo was, "Been there, done that."
If you want to save the world again, go for it - but I'd urge you to try the demo first.
There are all the usual elements of a HOP game here - HOPs, mini-games, lovely artwork, and a story-line.
Unfortunately, all I could think the entire demo was, "Been there, done that."
If you want to save the world again, go for it - but I'd urge you to try the demo first.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you help the tormented spirits before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
39 of 42 found this review helpful
All My Hopes Have Crashed With the Cab!
PostedMay 5, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromAnother trip to the cemetery!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Once again we start with a crash - this time at the gates of a cemetery. You make it out of the cab you were in just before it plunges off the edge of a cliff. You are, of course, supposed to enter the cemetery. Once again you will be saving lost souls and yourself along with them. There are reportedly eight chapters - the one you play as Demo, five others, a bonus chapter and one devoted to the collectibles. As you are only expected to save two more souls after the demo, it might be interesting to see how they got five chapters stuffed into the game. Maybe it's due to the evil spirits the Keeper spoke about.
Good Stuff: The artwork is up to the same standards as the earlier Redemption Cemetery series games. There are varied HOPs, mini-games, and time collectibles along with the CE bling assortment.
Bad Stuff: The Demo story-line was not as gripping as earlier games in the series started out. As I've always bought these games for those heart-felt bits of fiction, I was disappointed this time. And to be honest, I found the mini-games time consuming rather than challenging, and the VOs seemed overwrought.
I will probably get this game, but I will feel let down by the creators, who in the past have given us such great stories.
Please check out the demo carefully. I wouldn't want the disappointment to spread.
Good Stuff: The artwork is up to the same standards as the earlier Redemption Cemetery series games. There are varied HOPs, mini-games, and time collectibles along with the CE bling assortment.
Bad Stuff: The Demo story-line was not as gripping as earlier games in the series started out. As I've always bought these games for those heart-felt bits of fiction, I was disappointed this time. And to be honest, I found the mini-games time consuming rather than challenging, and the VOs seemed overwrought.
I will probably get this game, but I will feel let down by the creators, who in the past have given us such great stories.
Please check out the demo carefully. I wouldn't want the disappointment to spread.
Explore the haunted history of a ballet school while guided by spirits from another dimension! Can you help guide these poor souls home?
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 15 found this review helpful
You're a Better Man Than I, Gunga Dinh!
PostedMay 4, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromToo much smoke - or is it an evil spirit?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Between the demo, online synopsis, and the reviews, details get muddled more than usual in relation to the Black Swan.
There is a note, the psychic investigator is intrigued, and she goes to a ballet school to solve the mystery. Look at all three and if you are not confused, reread my review title!
Good Stuff: The HOPs have some cleverly hidden items, as well as some morphing items just there for confusion value and a couple of misleading item names. The mini-games are decent, the artwork mostly well done, and the music is classical.
Bad Stuff: The black smoke, which can only be dispelled by a special mirror, obscures the large blue symbols you must match to tiny white ones in the darkened scenes of the alternate world. Add to that all of the symbols move as you are trying to match them. By the time you've done that a half dozen times, you will not be pleased with the developers.
The diary does provide additional story as do the ghostly characters, but some things you would expect to see in a diary, like a puzzle solution from another scene, are not there.
Bottom line: OK game, fair story, not well thought out.
I may get it with a coupon at some point. In the meantime, I can't make a recommendation.
Please try the demo before you purchase.
There is a note, the psychic investigator is intrigued, and she goes to a ballet school to solve the mystery. Look at all three and if you are not confused, reread my review title!
Good Stuff: The HOPs have some cleverly hidden items, as well as some morphing items just there for confusion value and a couple of misleading item names. The mini-games are decent, the artwork mostly well done, and the music is classical.
Bad Stuff: The black smoke, which can only be dispelled by a special mirror, obscures the large blue symbols you must match to tiny white ones in the darkened scenes of the alternate world. Add to that all of the symbols move as you are trying to match them. By the time you've done that a half dozen times, you will not be pleased with the developers.
The diary does provide additional story as do the ghostly characters, but some things you would expect to see in a diary, like a puzzle solution from another scene, are not there.
Bottom line: OK game, fair story, not well thought out.
I may get it with a coupon at some point. In the meantime, I can't make a recommendation.
Please try the demo before you purchase.
Is the notorious Axiom Butcher back from the grave?
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 24 found this review helpful
Too Much Blood With a Lot of Drag Lines
PostedMay 2, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromWho sent the designers a truck load of red paint?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Possibly the Axiom Butcher has returned - If so he's brought his own blood bank with him, as that's the only way to explain the massive quantities of blood across walls, floors, and around bodies, not to mention used to paint signs. Good luck, detective. You're going to need all you can get!
Good stuff: The story has great possibilities, if it wasn't for the excessive blood everywhere. There are HOPs, mini-games, puzzles, and good artwork, plus some CE bling.
Bad stuff: I couldn't decide if all that blood was supposed to show the murderer was dragging the victims around, if he just liked to paint after his crimes, or if they were surviving instantly mortal wounds long enough to drag themselves around the area. No matter the reason, there's enough blood to keep a family of vampires happy for weeks!
The possibilities of the story were muddled by the clumsiness of the demo ending and the over the top use of red paint.
If you can live with the running back and forth, logic failures, and excess red, you may like this game. I was not impressed.
I really don't know if I need to know the end of the story enough to purchase the game. Sigh!
Good stuff: The story has great possibilities, if it wasn't for the excessive blood everywhere. There are HOPs, mini-games, puzzles, and good artwork, plus some CE bling.
Bad stuff: I couldn't decide if all that blood was supposed to show the murderer was dragging the victims around, if he just liked to paint after his crimes, or if they were surviving instantly mortal wounds long enough to drag themselves around the area. No matter the reason, there's enough blood to keep a family of vampires happy for weeks!
The possibilities of the story were muddled by the clumsiness of the demo ending and the over the top use of red paint.
If you can live with the running back and forth, logic failures, and excess red, you may like this game. I was not impressed.
I really don't know if I need to know the end of the story enough to purchase the game. Sigh!
It's up to you and your canine companion to save the city!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 21 found this review helpful
Ice is the Best Thing About This Game!
PostedApril 30, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI want to save my buddy, Ice, too.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Ice, of course, is a reference to the dog helper you have in this game. He is sent to earth from another reality to bring the Ring of Destiny to a worthy owner and you are selected. You are transported to an alternate reality as soon as you put on the ring and find yourself in a world of trouble. Luckily the ring has abilities that you will slowly discover, starting with the ability to recharge magic objects. You will quickly find out that Ice has chosen you to be the savior of this world against an evil Shadow Queen. Good luck!
Good Stuff: Lots of innovative story-integrated HOPs and mini-games, good artwork, dragon collectibles, and excellent VOs.
Bad Stuff: You have several repetitious steps to go through to get things done, notably the Match-3 puzzle to activate the ring. I wish they had varied that a bit to go with the ring ability you were trying to activate each time.
Overall it is a nice fantasy game, with a good story and good characterizations. There is nothing startling or amazing about it, but I do like the dog and the wizard.
Try this one before buying to see if you agree.
Good Stuff: Lots of innovative story-integrated HOPs and mini-games, good artwork, dragon collectibles, and excellent VOs.
Bad Stuff: You have several repetitious steps to go through to get things done, notably the Match-3 puzzle to activate the ring. I wish they had varied that a bit to go with the ring ability you were trying to activate each time.
Overall it is a nice fantasy game, with a good story and good characterizations. There is nothing startling or amazing about it, but I do like the dog and the wizard.
Try this one before buying to see if you agree.
I recommend this game!
Two serial killers are back from the dead. What is their connection to an infamous vampire, and how can you stop them?
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 23 found this review helpful
I Know It's About Vampires From the Blood Red Footprints
PostedApril 25, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromWhatever, in Disinterested
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Beatrice Leforte escaped from the home of the infamous Carter Brothers in New Orleans in 1932. When the police investigated they found that there were a lot of victims and the brothers were not the ordinary neighbors everyone thought they were. After their trial, they were executed and buried in the family crypt. Unfortunately they don't seem to want to stay buried.
Good stuff: This is the first of the Vampire Legends series that I found ordinary. The usual game elements are present along with the story which is undecided on which time period it is set in. The screen said 1938 and the photo developing area set up in the hotel bathroom would tend to support that. Unfortunately much of the other details are spread over other decades. If you get beyond that, you'll play a very ordinary game with an ordinary story striving to be scary.
Bad Stuff: It is so average it is sad. And running back to the hotel bathroom to develop photos every few minutes gets tired fast. There are some eerie moments if you can buy into the story-line, but it is still just another game and I have several hundred now. I don't want this one.
Please try the demo for yourself.
Good stuff: This is the first of the Vampire Legends series that I found ordinary. The usual game elements are present along with the story which is undecided on which time period it is set in. The screen said 1938 and the photo developing area set up in the hotel bathroom would tend to support that. Unfortunately much of the other details are spread over other decades. If you get beyond that, you'll play a very ordinary game with an ordinary story striving to be scary.
Bad Stuff: It is so average it is sad. And running back to the hotel bathroom to develop photos every few minutes gets tired fast. There are some eerie moments if you can buy into the story-line, but it is still just another game and I have several hundred now. I don't want this one.
Please try the demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you help the people of this frozen world?
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 50 found this review helpful
That Opening Crash is Back - Twice!
PostedApril 24, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI have dogwood, tulip trees, and redbuds in bloom here. Why would I want snow?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
You play as Eve Glover, traveler extraordinaire, who travels to distant worlds to save their inhabitants from an impending doom. This time you have traveled to Corra, a frozen world where periodically some of the inhabitants are apparently sacrificed to keep the place warm enough to live on. You have your first crash getting there, but are luckily picked up by some scavengers, who then crash their vehicle. Things can only get better!
Good Stuff: This game has all the usual Eipix elements, good artwork, HOPs, and some mini-games. You have little symbols to collect and there is CE bling.
Bad Stuff: At least one of the puzzles is badly conceived - I leave you to find it. Everything else plays like a lot of other Eipix games. And amazing as it should be to be on another planet, this one looks, sounds, and feels like we got stuck in Northern Canada in November with no rescue in site. Unlike other of the games in this series, there is no alternative game to the average HOPs.
I suspect there may be a good story hidden in here some place, but I left my snow shovel home.
Please try the demo for yourself, as you may want to spend some time saving a frozen world.
Good Stuff: This game has all the usual Eipix elements, good artwork, HOPs, and some mini-games. You have little symbols to collect and there is CE bling.
Bad Stuff: At least one of the puzzles is badly conceived - I leave you to find it. Everything else plays like a lot of other Eipix games. And amazing as it should be to be on another planet, this one looks, sounds, and feels like we got stuck in Northern Canada in November with no rescue in site. Unlike other of the games in this series, there is no alternative game to the average HOPs.
I suspect there may be a good story hidden in here some place, but I left my snow shovel home.
Please try the demo for yourself, as you may want to spend some time saving a frozen world.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your true love from the God of Death?
Overall rating
5
/
5
42 of 52 found this review helpful
Step into Greek Mythology and Battle the Gods
PostedApril 21, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromKeep an eye out for Golden Olives!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Persephone and Elias are to be wed, with her father, Zeus's, blessings. Unfortunately Hades and Poseidon, Zeus's brothers, have decided to seize his power. Their plot involves kidnapping Persephone and keeping her in the underworld. Zeus expects Elias to save his daughter on his own.
As in earlier games in the Dark Romance Series, you will play as both Elias and Persephone alternately, first in the underworld and later back in the real world. You will meet characters from Greek mythology as well as common folk. There will be multiple collectibles including power-ups for the Match-3 game, varied HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, mini-games, beautiful artwork, good VOs, and lots of CE bling.
Try the Demo for yourself and see if you also might enjoy a visit to ancient Greece.
As in earlier games in the Dark Romance Series, you will play as both Elias and Persephone alternately, first in the underworld and later back in the real world. You will meet characters from Greek mythology as well as common folk. There will be multiple collectibles including power-ups for the Match-3 game, varied HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, mini-games, beautiful artwork, good VOs, and lots of CE bling.
Try the Demo for yourself and see if you also might enjoy a visit to ancient Greece.
I recommend this game!
The fate of mankind hangs in the balance as a buccaneer strikes out to destroy an ancient evil intent on wiping out humanity.
Overall rating
3
/
5
35 of 41 found this review helpful
Quirky, Yes!
PostedApril 20, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromLittle Rag Dolls, Pirate Ships, and Adventure. Whoopee!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The story-line of this sea-going adventure is really quirky, but it has some potential.
Elizabeth is the captain of a mechanical ship designed by Ethan. Ethan's son, Adam, is on an island where everyone else has been killed by a black fog. You have set out with Ethan on board to sail to Adam's island. Just before you get there, your ship is attacked out of a thick black fog by a pirate ship. All of the crew is killed except Elizabeth. She sees the black fog enter Ethan's cabin and tries to enter. Getting there involves a trip to the pirate ship and finding two small "alive " dolls. And that's where the quirky comes in. The sea-going adventure just became a mythical fantasy adventure.
Good stuff: Average HOPs, good mini-games, decent artwork, and a seriously quirky story.
Bad stuff: It all depends on how you feel about quirky. The little dolls are cute and they have mythical powers - one you find on the ship holds the spirit of freezing and the other is in charge of knowledge. You will eventually find others with special powers to aid you in defeating the evil black fog.
I like quirky especially in an SE game. I also like a simpler game to while away time till the next great thing. With a free coupon, I want to own this little cutie.
Try for yourself and see if the balance of cute and quirky is for you!
Elizabeth is the captain of a mechanical ship designed by Ethan. Ethan's son, Adam, is on an island where everyone else has been killed by a black fog. You have set out with Ethan on board to sail to Adam's island. Just before you get there, your ship is attacked out of a thick black fog by a pirate ship. All of the crew is killed except Elizabeth. She sees the black fog enter Ethan's cabin and tries to enter. Getting there involves a trip to the pirate ship and finding two small "alive " dolls. And that's where the quirky comes in. The sea-going adventure just became a mythical fantasy adventure.
Good stuff: Average HOPs, good mini-games, decent artwork, and a seriously quirky story.
Bad stuff: It all depends on how you feel about quirky. The little dolls are cute and they have mythical powers - one you find on the ship holds the spirit of freezing and the other is in charge of knowledge. You will eventually find others with special powers to aid you in defeating the evil black fog.
I like quirky especially in an SE game. I also like a simpler game to while away time till the next great thing. With a free coupon, I want to own this little cutie.
Try for yourself and see if the balance of cute and quirky is for you!
I recommend this game!
Uncover secrets about a murdered woman and her missing daughter.
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 19 found this review helpful
Ragnar Is Back and Badder Than Ever
PostedApril 17, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI'll be hiding in the nearest church!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
After some time off since your last demon hunt, you have been called to the scene of a murder by your old cop friend, Officer Brown. As the last demon hunter, you were the logical choice to call to investigate the murder of a single mother and the disappearance of her ten year old daughter when the good officer suspects demons are involved. Soon after your arrival, there are more scary incidents and you see several demons. This does not look good.
Good stuff: The usual excellent artwork - this time even more darkened by night and locale, OK mini-games, varied HOPs with a pairing game alternative and occasional morphing objects, good VO's, and the usual CE bling are all present along with 4 levels of game-play, including the most adjustable custom level I've seen to date. There are several frightening moments that are not for the faint of heart.
Bad stuff: Mini-game instructions are not always helpful. The story is a retread of previous entries in the series, in that we are once again chasing Ragnar and he is doing bad things to innocent people again.
All that being said, you will note how bad games have gotten, when reviewers give four stars to a game they say they will not buy. I can only say that I will eventually get the SE of this game, but need a better game to pop for a CE.
I urge you to try this game for yourself. Good Luck!
Good stuff: The usual excellent artwork - this time even more darkened by night and locale, OK mini-games, varied HOPs with a pairing game alternative and occasional morphing objects, good VO's, and the usual CE bling are all present along with 4 levels of game-play, including the most adjustable custom level I've seen to date. There are several frightening moments that are not for the faint of heart.
Bad stuff: Mini-game instructions are not always helpful. The story is a retread of previous entries in the series, in that we are once again chasing Ragnar and he is doing bad things to innocent people again.
All that being said, you will note how bad games have gotten, when reviewers give four stars to a game they say they will not buy. I can only say that I will eventually get the SE of this game, but need a better game to pop for a CE.
I urge you to try this game for yourself. Good Luck!
I don't recommend this game.