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:
Track down the truth about your brother’s disappearance!
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 22 found this review helpful
Q: Why Are We Back? A: To Find The Story.
PostedJanuary 31, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromFighting My Way Out of Maze, Heading to Library, Taking Up Reading Again!
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
1
/
5
Your brother, Darren, disappeared at Sullivan River Camp, the site of an earlier Sable Maze game. You go back to refresh a memorial to the kids that disappeared at the same time as your brother. Suddenly you are outside the gates to another reality/world. How did you get here? Why? And how do you get home? The adventure has begun.
Good stuff: The voices were OK, although strangley only the insets had moving lips. The music was not offensive. In the Demo there were HOPs with two steps - find five of two items to unlock a very short list of items to find as well as a HOP to find all the pieces to a picture. There is a threatening character, very little story-line, and lots of pedestrian puzzles.
Bad stuff: The "rune" I get to fight the souls is attached to a nasty "3D" puzzle. I'd run miles to avoid doing it again. Every scene is tinted blue. And I'm out in the woods looking for the brother that disappeared 20 years ago. There is No urgency here and very little story line. There must be an alternative to another soul snatcher/lost child - or at least some explanation of why - something that makes me want to explore another run through what feels like familiar territory.
I just don't want to hunt for a story-line again. This is a new year. I want something fresh and vibrant and this game is just not it.
I will not recommend something I won't purchase.
Try the game for yourself. If you find a story, send out a signal.
Good stuff: The voices were OK, although strangley only the insets had moving lips. The music was not offensive. In the Demo there were HOPs with two steps - find five of two items to unlock a very short list of items to find as well as a HOP to find all the pieces to a picture. There is a threatening character, very little story-line, and lots of pedestrian puzzles.
Bad stuff: The "rune" I get to fight the souls is attached to a nasty "3D" puzzle. I'd run miles to avoid doing it again. Every scene is tinted blue. And I'm out in the woods looking for the brother that disappeared 20 years ago. There is No urgency here and very little story line. There must be an alternative to another soul snatcher/lost child - or at least some explanation of why - something that makes me want to explore another run through what feels like familiar territory.
I just don't want to hunt for a story-line again. This is a new year. I want something fresh and vibrant and this game is just not it.
I will not recommend something I won't purchase.
Try the game for yourself. If you find a story, send out a signal.
I don't recommend this game.
Someone's made it their personal vendetta to bring down the Mystery Trackers.
Overall rating
3
/
5
53 of 67 found this review helpful
Some Days It Just Doesn't Pay To Be You
PostedJanuary 29, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromSorry, Boss, but broken equipment is no help. Save your own daughter.
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
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The good news is: There is a new Mystery Trackers series game.
The bad news is: It is this game with the hackneyed story and lackluster game play.
Your organization has been warned that something bad will happen at the next performance in the local theater. Naturally your boss lets his daughter, Ann, attend the event. She is kidnapped as you arrive. The current villain, the Paxton Creek Avenger, starts a fire to cover his trail as he heads back stage with Ann flung across his shoulder. And you are the lucky lone agent on the spot who is expected to save her.
Good news:You are in the theater when the bad guy strikes.
Bad news: He starts a fire and the fire extinguisher is bolted to the wall.
Good news: You have a hidden stash in the theater to help you along.
Bad news: That's got a couple of bolts too - needing a different tool than the fire extinguisher.
Good news: You finally manage to put out the fire and the bad guy is standing back stage waiting for you.
Bad news: The bad guy is standing back stage waiting for you, still carrying the boss' daughter and he disappears.
Good news: You are equipped with a new device, a special heat sensor, that will help you track him.
Bad news: It breaks the first time you use it.
Good news: You find a bag that is sewn shut and a sharp piece of broken glass to slice it open.
Bad news: You have to use the piece of glass as is.
Good news: You find a flashlight.
Bad news: Of course it's broken.
Good news: You get a new bulb from a lit stage spotlight.
More Good news: This time you have a piece of cloth to protect your hand - those suckers get incredibly hot.
(After years of working in local theater, I guarantee there is no stage spot that has a flashlight bulb in it.)
Bad news: You find notes indicating the Avenger has a partner.
Good news: There are people hiding all over the theater - apparently possibly being burned alive is not a worry for them. Naturally you pay no attention to them or the chance that anyone of them could be the missing sidekick of the villain.
Somewhere in here, you may suspect that I am not a fan of the MT series.
Oh, but I am, which makes this all the more distressing.
Of the HOPs, I encountered, none were challenging or engaging. The mini-game involved in using that new heat sensor has dismal directions. The others were ordinary. The morphing objects might as well have had flags waving over them, as they were not hidden or difficult to find.
The villain was constantly waiting for you to catch up so he could "disappear" again - or may be the boss' daughter was so heavy, he kept having to rest.
I stuck it out to the end of the demo. I breathed a sigh of relief when it was finished.
Please be sure to try the demo before you invest in this game. And remember, I may be getting crotchety in my old age and you may like playing it.
The bad news is: It is this game with the hackneyed story and lackluster game play.
Your organization has been warned that something bad will happen at the next performance in the local theater. Naturally your boss lets his daughter, Ann, attend the event. She is kidnapped as you arrive. The current villain, the Paxton Creek Avenger, starts a fire to cover his trail as he heads back stage with Ann flung across his shoulder. And you are the lucky lone agent on the spot who is expected to save her.
Good news:You are in the theater when the bad guy strikes.
Bad news: He starts a fire and the fire extinguisher is bolted to the wall.
Good news: You have a hidden stash in the theater to help you along.
Bad news: That's got a couple of bolts too - needing a different tool than the fire extinguisher.
Good news: You finally manage to put out the fire and the bad guy is standing back stage waiting for you.
Bad news: The bad guy is standing back stage waiting for you, still carrying the boss' daughter and he disappears.
Good news: You are equipped with a new device, a special heat sensor, that will help you track him.
Bad news: It breaks the first time you use it.
Good news: You find a bag that is sewn shut and a sharp piece of broken glass to slice it open.
Bad news: You have to use the piece of glass as is.
Good news: You find a flashlight.
Bad news: Of course it's broken.
Good news: You get a new bulb from a lit stage spotlight.
More Good news: This time you have a piece of cloth to protect your hand - those suckers get incredibly hot.
(After years of working in local theater, I guarantee there is no stage spot that has a flashlight bulb in it.)
Bad news: You find notes indicating the Avenger has a partner.
Good news: There are people hiding all over the theater - apparently possibly being burned alive is not a worry for them. Naturally you pay no attention to them or the chance that anyone of them could be the missing sidekick of the villain.
Somewhere in here, you may suspect that I am not a fan of the MT series.
Oh, but I am, which makes this all the more distressing.
Of the HOPs, I encountered, none were challenging or engaging. The mini-game involved in using that new heat sensor has dismal directions. The others were ordinary. The morphing objects might as well have had flags waving over them, as they were not hidden or difficult to find.
The villain was constantly waiting for you to catch up so he could "disappear" again - or may be the boss' daughter was so heavy, he kept having to rest.
I stuck it out to the end of the demo. I breathed a sigh of relief when it was finished.
Please be sure to try the demo before you invest in this game. And remember, I may be getting crotchety in my old age and you may like playing it.
I don't recommend this game.
PuppetShow: The Face of Humanity Collector's Edition
The mayor's daughter is missing and you must find her!
Overall rating
3
/
5
74 of 97 found this review helpful
Another Rainy Night, Another Missing Child, Another Game
PostedJanuary 22, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromTake an umbrella, galoshes, and a boat!
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
2
/
5
Agnes, the Mayor of Saltsbruck's daughter, has gone missing. Apparently other local citizens are missing as well. Puppets have replaced many workers on their jobs, including all of the local miners. The puppet makers have reported the death of their only daughter. No one in this sad rainy town is happy. And now you get to visit. How lucky are you?
Actually you are luckier than anyone here - you spot Agnes through a hole in the town wall near the North Gate shortly after arrival. This would be the gate her father has recently left through to search for her. And the two mechanical guards stationed at the gate won't let anyone through.
Good Stuff: Four levels of game-play including custom, all the usual game elements, some CE bling including 12 statuettes to collect, and you get to choose your gender and swagger at the beginning of the game. The artwork is as beautifully done as in previous games in the series.
Bad Stuff: Shall I describe the disappointment in the CE elements of the game? Did I mention you won't be excited? How about the little girl left out in the rain just outside the town gate, unable to get inside because of the curfew? Despite the constant rain during the demo, some things look soaked, others, not so much. The story is an ancient retread with the usual assortment of characters: sorrowing mother, annoyed police, unhappy townies, puppets in every job you see being performed, and the rude puppet makers. The spider-like mechanical head puppet is back from previous games and is still annoying.
I won't be getting the CE, but will reconsider when the SE comes out. Right now, I am totally unimpressed, which saddens me. I have most of the PuppetShow games and wanted this one to be another winner.
While I won't recommend what I won't purchase, please try for yourself.
Actually you are luckier than anyone here - you spot Agnes through a hole in the town wall near the North Gate shortly after arrival. This would be the gate her father has recently left through to search for her. And the two mechanical guards stationed at the gate won't let anyone through.
Good Stuff: Four levels of game-play including custom, all the usual game elements, some CE bling including 12 statuettes to collect, and you get to choose your gender and swagger at the beginning of the game. The artwork is as beautifully done as in previous games in the series.
Bad Stuff: Shall I describe the disappointment in the CE elements of the game? Did I mention you won't be excited? How about the little girl left out in the rain just outside the town gate, unable to get inside because of the curfew? Despite the constant rain during the demo, some things look soaked, others, not so much. The story is an ancient retread with the usual assortment of characters: sorrowing mother, annoyed police, unhappy townies, puppets in every job you see being performed, and the rude puppet makers. The spider-like mechanical head puppet is back from previous games and is still annoying.
I won't be getting the CE, but will reconsider when the SE comes out. Right now, I am totally unimpressed, which saddens me. I have most of the PuppetShow games and wanted this one to be another winner.
While I won't recommend what I won't purchase, please try for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Your son is lost in a deserted mansion. Discover the strange things that occurred here to save your child!
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 44 found this review helpful
No HOPs, Lots of Challenge
PostedJanuary 19, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromLesson: Never Assume!
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
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Riding down the road, your son in the back seat, you come to an unexpected detour. The detour leads to a road block near what looks to be a mansion. You hop out to assess the situation and, before you can stop him, your son has slipped out of the car and through a hole in the mansion's fencing. He disappears down the garden walks. You follow as soon as you can get over the fence, but you find that he has vanished in the extensive gardens. Finding him will take some time as there is no sign of any one around and the house is closed up tight. Then you see him through a window and the chase is on.
Good Stuff: No HOPs, something I never thought would be a good thing before now. There are so many places to explore, so any challenges to figure out about what this place is and where everyone has gone, that you are too busy to miss them. The artwork is good, locations well drawn, the puzzles are puzzling, and the music is moody and unobtrusive. And this well-worn story of a missing child starts to grow into the mystery of where the people, apparently adults and children, have disappeared to - so recently that a cup of coffee is still warm and the stove top still hot.
Bad Stuff: Well, it is an old story and there are those missing HOPs in a game billed as a HOP game. There are only three levels of play, without the now almost standard custom level.
Some puzzles can not be skipped - you will have to finish them. All dialogue is read on screen. Some of the mechanics are clunky and bit retro.
All that being said, I felt challenged and a growing interest in the story as details unfolded and more clues were discovered.
Give this game a try and see if you are as surprised at this little SE gem as I was.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to play my new game!
Good Stuff: No HOPs, something I never thought would be a good thing before now. There are so many places to explore, so any challenges to figure out about what this place is and where everyone has gone, that you are too busy to miss them. The artwork is good, locations well drawn, the puzzles are puzzling, and the music is moody and unobtrusive. And this well-worn story of a missing child starts to grow into the mystery of where the people, apparently adults and children, have disappeared to - so recently that a cup of coffee is still warm and the stove top still hot.
Bad Stuff: Well, it is an old story and there are those missing HOPs in a game billed as a HOP game. There are only three levels of play, without the now almost standard custom level.
Some puzzles can not be skipped - you will have to finish them. All dialogue is read on screen. Some of the mechanics are clunky and bit retro.
All that being said, I felt challenged and a growing interest in the story as details unfolded and more clues were discovered.
Give this game a try and see if you are as surprised at this little SE gem as I was.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to play my new game!
I recommend this game!
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
2
/
5
42 of 53 found this review helpful
First Storm Casualty: Logic
PostedJanuary 17, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromPack up umbrella, rain slicker and boots for a rainy adventure. Leave IQ at home.
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
1
/
5
Professor Mann has asked you to fly in a part he needs for a storm catcher. Naturally all good pilots fly in extreme weather, don't they? And, of course, the plane crashes just after you parachute out. (Thank heavens - we've gotten the required opening crash out of the way.) You hike into town, where the lightening, accompanied by a blue spotlight, seems to be taking aim at you. It downs an electrical pole almost at your feet outside the professor's house. After shutting off power to the Block, you proceed to the professor's location to help with his work to try and tame the storm.
Good stuff: I found collectibles. There are a small variety of HOPS. There are generic mini-games and puzzles. The four levels of game-play include the custom level where you can, along with some of the usual features, turn off character dialogue if you wish.
Bad stuff: There is lots of crashing thunder and that crashing lightening blowing up bits of the town, so the opening crash was not the only one. (Sigh!) Remember that power you turned off? You restore power in the professor's house by flipping switches - bad news for linemen everywhere. They are redundant. And all that lightening catches wet rope on fire that continues to burn in pouring rain. Out by the barn you see that same blue light that accompanies the lightening coming from a couple of locked doors to a basement/storage area under the barn. The doors seem to be violently pushed from the inside outward, so naturally you run around collecting lock pieces to open it. (We'd all like to see that lightening close up, right?) Trying to open the professor's house safe, you find the missing piece out in a field in the hand of a randomly placed statue of a Buddist(?) deity. Then the dramatic music gives way to sedate chamber music for the HOPs and you just want to be done.
There's more dreariness, but you get the drift. None of the developers had logic and continuity as part of their job description.
I stuck it out for the demo. I wanted this entry in the Rite of Passage series to be as delightful as a couple of the earlier games that I enjoyed playing. It wasn't.
Please try this game before you buy it.
Good stuff: I found collectibles. There are a small variety of HOPS. There are generic mini-games and puzzles. The four levels of game-play include the custom level where you can, along with some of the usual features, turn off character dialogue if you wish.
Bad stuff: There is lots of crashing thunder and that crashing lightening blowing up bits of the town, so the opening crash was not the only one. (Sigh!) Remember that power you turned off? You restore power in the professor's house by flipping switches - bad news for linemen everywhere. They are redundant. And all that lightening catches wet rope on fire that continues to burn in pouring rain. Out by the barn you see that same blue light that accompanies the lightening coming from a couple of locked doors to a basement/storage area under the barn. The doors seem to be violently pushed from the inside outward, so naturally you run around collecting lock pieces to open it. (We'd all like to see that lightening close up, right?) Trying to open the professor's house safe, you find the missing piece out in a field in the hand of a randomly placed statue of a Buddist(?) deity. Then the dramatic music gives way to sedate chamber music for the HOPs and you just want to be done.
There's more dreariness, but you get the drift. None of the developers had logic and continuity as part of their job description.
I stuck it out for the demo. I wanted this entry in the Rite of Passage series to be as delightful as a couple of the earlier games that I enjoyed playing. It wasn't.
Please try this game before you buy it.
I don't recommend this game.
You've been summoned to save the Fantastic Worlds from evil!
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
The Guardians Will Need Your Help To Save the Worlds!
PostedJanuary 14, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI'm loading up my bag, grabbing my owl companion, ready to go.
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
3
/
5
Queen Clio has been named the Guardian of the Dark Ruby by the Chief Architect. The Story starts with her world being destroyed by strange energy creatures. They attack again when she is moved to the Guardians' stronghold for protection.
It is not good to be the queen right now. You play as Grace, the Guardian chosen to protect the queen. You quickly find that this is a job that is more far reaching than you imagined, especially when the creatures take her from under your very nose. Save the queen, save the worlds, and restore order. Good Luck.
Good stuff: A nice variety of HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, lots of puzzles and mini-games, beautiful artwork, a fairly interesting treatment of a time-worn story, four levels of game play, two extra bonus chapters along with a nice assortment of CE bling.
Bad stuff: I found the matching games for flowers, runes, etc., done too often. The game-play involves a lot of locations, pieces to collect, characters to keep straight, and, sadly, a diary/notebook that is minimally helpful. It shows stills from the story and a couple of the notes. I would have liked more story and character information to help the story along - and help me if I need to stop and come back to this lengthy game.
So with all this promise in the Demo, you really need to try this one for yourself. Have Fun!
It is not good to be the queen right now. You play as Grace, the Guardian chosen to protect the queen. You quickly find that this is a job that is more far reaching than you imagined, especially when the creatures take her from under your very nose. Save the queen, save the worlds, and restore order. Good Luck.
Good stuff: A nice variety of HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, lots of puzzles and mini-games, beautiful artwork, a fairly interesting treatment of a time-worn story, four levels of game play, two extra bonus chapters along with a nice assortment of CE bling.
Bad stuff: I found the matching games for flowers, runes, etc., done too often. The game-play involves a lot of locations, pieces to collect, characters to keep straight, and, sadly, a diary/notebook that is minimally helpful. It shows stills from the story and a couple of the notes. I would have liked more story and character information to help the story along - and help me if I need to stop and come back to this lengthy game.
So with all this promise in the Demo, you really need to try this one for yourself. Have Fun!
I recommend this game!
Puss in Boots just showed up at my office with a request. Help investigate the kidnapping of his beloved and delve into a world full of secrets!
Overall rating
1
/
5
27 of 35 found this review helpful
Gritty Nineteen Thirties Detective Meets Bad Fairy Tale
PostedJanuary 13, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromDisappointed, I am at a loss for words.
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
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
In an imaginary world that looks like a bad rainy Film Noir version of Puss 'N Boots, your strangely rapidly aging father needs a youth elixir. What to do? Oh, what to do?
Luckily you get a potentially lucrative case from a cat who's human wife has been kidnapped/gone missing. The papers say there's been a kidnapping, the cops have evidence tape up at their tenament, but the hubby just says wifey is missing. You jump at the chance to get enough money to help dear old dad ... and we're off.
Good Stuff: The artwork seems drawn by a group, some of it very well done. The HOPs are list type with extra actions for some objects. There are three levels of game-play.
Bad Stuff: The dialogue is read from small letters on-screen. Most of the translations were done by a cheap automated program that is stilted at best. This carries over into the flawed item lists for the HOPs. There were many more HOPs than anything else. The mini-games/puzzles are elementary. The story is beyond quirky and strays into bizarre territory.
One reviewer suggested that you will love it or hate it. I would suggest you will tolerate it or turn off the computer in favor of cleaning the septic tank, changing the twin's diapers after their prune whip, or whatever other unsavory chore you've been putting off.
Please try this game before you buy.
Luckily you get a potentially lucrative case from a cat who's human wife has been kidnapped/gone missing. The papers say there's been a kidnapping, the cops have evidence tape up at their tenament, but the hubby just says wifey is missing. You jump at the chance to get enough money to help dear old dad ... and we're off.
Good Stuff: The artwork seems drawn by a group, some of it very well done. The HOPs are list type with extra actions for some objects. There are three levels of game-play.
Bad Stuff: The dialogue is read from small letters on-screen. Most of the translations were done by a cheap automated program that is stilted at best. This carries over into the flawed item lists for the HOPs. There were many more HOPs than anything else. The mini-games/puzzles are elementary. The story is beyond quirky and strays into bizarre territory.
One reviewer suggested that you will love it or hate it. I would suggest you will tolerate it or turn off the computer in favor of cleaning the septic tank, changing the twin's diapers after their prune whip, or whatever other unsavory chore you've been putting off.
Please try this game before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Someone's out for revenge, and she'll stop at nothing to get it.
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 28 found this review helpful
Old Story with Good Bones Gets Good Treatment
PostedJanuary 10, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromWhere Did Everyone Go?
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
3
/
5
Your sister had sent your niece, Liza, to a summer camp. Liza, along with three other children, has disappeared from the deserted town where the camp was supposed to be. Your investigation indicates that the town was abandoned years ago after citizens working in the town's gem mines started turning up dead and four of the town's children disappeared with their teacher around the same time.
Evidence suggests someone wants to complete a ritual using your niece and the other recently kidnapped children as well as the ghosts of the missing town children. Can you find out what's going on and stop it in time?
Good Stuff: There are several types of HOPs, some good mini-games, good artwork, and decent music and VOs. There seems to be a reasonably logical progression to the game-play, as opposed to the many recent games that had me tearing my hair out in frustration at the lack of cohesion. While we've rescued children before, there seems to be more involved as you delve deeper into this mystery.
Bad Stuff: The story is about rescuing children - again. Some of the mini-games are just sad.
Bottom line: Better than some of the recent offerings, not as good as others.
I liked the game enough to buy the CE when it came out. The bonus chapter was very satisfying and I'm glad I had a chance to play it. That said, Give the SE demo a try if you haven't seen the game yet. It is a pleasant way to enjoy an afternoon.
Evidence suggests someone wants to complete a ritual using your niece and the other recently kidnapped children as well as the ghosts of the missing town children. Can you find out what's going on and stop it in time?
Good Stuff: There are several types of HOPs, some good mini-games, good artwork, and decent music and VOs. There seems to be a reasonably logical progression to the game-play, as opposed to the many recent games that had me tearing my hair out in frustration at the lack of cohesion. While we've rescued children before, there seems to be more involved as you delve deeper into this mystery.
Bad Stuff: The story is about rescuing children - again. Some of the mini-games are just sad.
Bottom line: Better than some of the recent offerings, not as good as others.
I liked the game enough to buy the CE when it came out. The bonus chapter was very satisfying and I'm glad I had a chance to play it. That said, Give the SE demo a try if you haven't seen the game yet. It is a pleasant way to enjoy an afternoon.
I recommend this game!
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
3
/
5
45 of 80 found this review helpful
Peter Is Missing, But Do I Really Want to Find Him?
PostedJanuary 10, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromLooking for a better story!
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
2
/
5
You are sent by your detective bureau boss to check on Peter, a friend and colleague who may have gone off the rails.
You find a key he hid for you. You enter the house to be greeted by the maid with earbuds that are playing loud music that kept her from hearing you. Also in the house is Peter's fiance, Debbie, in a wheelchair.
Oddly, that new fiance didn't hear you either - or did she? Right after you meet her, Debbie hands you a beverage which you carry off to the maid. You neglect to tell Debbie that you will not be imbibing. Lucky you! The maid heads for a nap as soon as she drinks the "bitter" water.
You start out to investigate - an investigation that will take you to different times and places in history.
Right here is where I usually go through the Good Stuff and the Bad Stuff, but the BFG autoedit function did not like my common English, so to appease it, I dropped the entire section.
Trust me, there were the usual game elements, just not great game features or story.
I just can't get into this story/game without some compelling hook, be that a new game element, intriguing story, or innovative puzzles or mini-games.
One of the good facets of the Labyrinths games has been an exploration of another time and place, but this has also been the game's weakness when the history or legend was treated in an off-hand or slighting manner with no attention to detail.
This time I'm just confused by a game that seems so far out of the paths this series of games took previously.
No Sale.
And I can't recommend what I won't buy.
You find a key he hid for you. You enter the house to be greeted by the maid with earbuds that are playing loud music that kept her from hearing you. Also in the house is Peter's fiance, Debbie, in a wheelchair.
Oddly, that new fiance didn't hear you either - or did she? Right after you meet her, Debbie hands you a beverage which you carry off to the maid. You neglect to tell Debbie that you will not be imbibing. Lucky you! The maid heads for a nap as soon as she drinks the "bitter" water.
You start out to investigate - an investigation that will take you to different times and places in history.
Right here is where I usually go through the Good Stuff and the Bad Stuff, but the BFG autoedit function did not like my common English, so to appease it, I dropped the entire section.
Trust me, there were the usual game elements, just not great game features or story.
I just can't get into this story/game without some compelling hook, be that a new game element, intriguing story, or innovative puzzles or mini-games.
One of the good facets of the Labyrinths games has been an exploration of another time and place, but this has also been the game's weakness when the history or legend was treated in an off-hand or slighting manner with no attention to detail.
This time I'm just confused by a game that seems so far out of the paths this series of games took previously.
No Sale.
And I can't recommend what I won't buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Turn back time to save your true love!
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 42 found this review helpful
This Is a No-Win Situation
PostedJanuary 8, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromLooking for a good story and great game-play!
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
Poor Jacques! He has been imprisoned for a crime he does not remember committing, shooting the future wife of Count D'Morten, Angelica. Now, on the eve of his execution, a stranger appears, ready to assist him in escaping and proving his innocence. He will have to fight to get back his memory, taken by a curse/spell of Count D'Morten.
Good Stuff: There is Game-play, multilevels of it, and the usual assortment of HOPs, mini-games, and puzzles. Good artwork and fair flashbacks help the minimal story - The count wants Angelica, doesn't know you two were secretly married, and will achieve his objective by any means available. Better - no animal helpers and no opening crash.
Bad Stuff: Everything is pretty run of the mill, average, seen this before.
So if you are looking for a game like many others, here it is.
I want more and can not recommend what I won't buy.
Please try this demo out and see what you think.
Good Stuff: There is Game-play, multilevels of it, and the usual assortment of HOPs, mini-games, and puzzles. Good artwork and fair flashbacks help the minimal story - The count wants Angelica, doesn't know you two were secretly married, and will achieve his objective by any means available. Better - no animal helpers and no opening crash.
Bad Stuff: Everything is pretty run of the mill, average, seen this before.
So if you are looking for a game like many others, here it is.
I want more and can not recommend what I won't buy.
Please try this demo out and see what you think.
I don't recommend this game.