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:
The rivalry between two movie studios escalates into deception and murder!
Overall rating
4
/
5
21 of 36 found this review helpful
Another Final Adventure, Better Rather Than Worse
PostedDecember 6, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromRemember the safe pix - Don't use the drawing!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Another Final Chapter, or so we are told, in a game series.
Several recent "Final" chapters, have been sad farewells to some of my favorite games.
Luckily the final Final Cut is a cut above the others, and , while not the best in the series, is a worthy finalist.
You are called in by Bernard to use your detective skills to help him with a Wolfe Studios' conspiracy to ruin a rival studio. You start by discovering Bernard's dead body and your evening goes wonky from that point on.
Good Stuff: As usual, there is a good murder mystery going on, as well as interactive, multi-layered HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, decent mini-games, realistic characterizations and good animation, as well as a good map and good background music and sounds. You will have a new tool at your disposal - a necklace that projects a holographic image of whom ever you choose so you can impersonate that person - that is providing you can solve the puzzle to get there. And as a CE, there are, of course, collectibles and an assortment of the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: A couple of logic lapses, a puzzle "solution" that isn't, and then some more logic lapses. I won't elaborate, but let you find them for yourself - it's part of the fun.
Try the Demo and appreciate this weekend's sale.
Several recent "Final" chapters, have been sad farewells to some of my favorite games.
Luckily the final Final Cut is a cut above the others, and , while not the best in the series, is a worthy finalist.
You are called in by Bernard to use your detective skills to help him with a Wolfe Studios' conspiracy to ruin a rival studio. You start by discovering Bernard's dead body and your evening goes wonky from that point on.
Good Stuff: As usual, there is a good murder mystery going on, as well as interactive, multi-layered HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, decent mini-games, realistic characterizations and good animation, as well as a good map and good background music and sounds. You will have a new tool at your disposal - a necklace that projects a holographic image of whom ever you choose so you can impersonate that person - that is providing you can solve the puzzle to get there. And as a CE, there are, of course, collectibles and an assortment of the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: A couple of logic lapses, a puzzle "solution" that isn't, and then some more logic lapses. I won't elaborate, but let you find them for yourself - it's part of the fun.
Try the Demo and appreciate this weekend's sale.
I recommend this game!
Rediscover Red Riding Hood in an adventure with a surprisingly original twist based loosely on the tale by Charles Perrault!
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Slow Going in Old Style Game
PostedDecember 1, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromRed needs Help
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
Red Riding Hood is running off with her boyfriend, the werewolf, aka the Big Bad Wolf, before the rest of his brothers eat her. Naturally Red can't leave without Grandma, so the two of you go to collect her. Grandma is sick, so you have to cure her first.
Good stuff: artwork, HOPs are standard but have a zoom, wolf icons when clicked on yield interesting facts about the fairy tale, and that's about it.
Bad Stuff: This is an old fashioned game, with on-screen dialogue, long loading times, and no options to speak of except turning off music and sound.
The HOPs had some misnamed items - like the lady bird that turned out to be a lady bug. The few mini-games had minimal or flawed directions. The on-screen large white directional arrows and the white eye symbols that highlight areas to inspect were just sad. I wouldn't have minded reading the on-screen dialogue if it had gone somewhere, but it was endlessly slow and boring.
Please try this before you buy. I won't
Good stuff: artwork, HOPs are standard but have a zoom, wolf icons when clicked on yield interesting facts about the fairy tale, and that's about it.
Bad Stuff: This is an old fashioned game, with on-screen dialogue, long loading times, and no options to speak of except turning off music and sound.
The HOPs had some misnamed items - like the lady bird that turned out to be a lady bug. The few mini-games had minimal or flawed directions. The on-screen large white directional arrows and the white eye symbols that highlight areas to inspect were just sad. I wouldn't have minded reading the on-screen dialogue if it had gone somewhere, but it was endlessly slow and boring.
Please try this before you buy. I won't
I don't recommend this game.
After being contacted by a secret organization of elite mystery solvers, you're sent out in the field to prove your skills. This job interview may be your last!
Overall rating
2
/
5
41 of 58 found this review helpful
Gargoyles and a Wicked Magician
PostedNovember 29, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromRepetition and Timeline Confusion Arrive!
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
An evil Magician named Ignotus has been set free from the sarcophagus he was encased in two thousand years ago.
He is reanimating gargoyles all over town and sending them to attack the local citizens. (What town has this many gargoyles?)
Meanwhile you have been invited to join the Curio Society, whose members apparently investigate crimes (- or something. No one actually informs you of the Society's purpose.)
After passing the initiation test, we CRASH a hot air balloon to get to the town we are to save. (Remember those required vehicle crashes to start an adventure? I guess a crashed hot air balloon satisfies that need for this game.) And we're off.
Good Stuff: Beautiful artwork with a balanced palette, HOPs of varied types, OK mini-games, collectibles, and all the regular stuff.
Bad Stuff: Didn't we just have a game with living statues? And how many times has an evil character tried to take over the world? (And considering the state of the world, why would they want to?) There is a confusion about the time and location as the opening vignettes are contemporary and later developments point to the 1920's.
So this is an OK game with the expected game elements and a trite, over-used story with confused details.
I can't recommend what I won't buy.
Try the demo, as this may be just the game to get you through the weekend. Or not.
He is reanimating gargoyles all over town and sending them to attack the local citizens. (What town has this many gargoyles?)
Meanwhile you have been invited to join the Curio Society, whose members apparently investigate crimes (- or something. No one actually informs you of the Society's purpose.)
After passing the initiation test, we CRASH a hot air balloon to get to the town we are to save. (Remember those required vehicle crashes to start an adventure? I guess a crashed hot air balloon satisfies that need for this game.) And we're off.
Good Stuff: Beautiful artwork with a balanced palette, HOPs of varied types, OK mini-games, collectibles, and all the regular stuff.
Bad Stuff: Didn't we just have a game with living statues? And how many times has an evil character tried to take over the world? (And considering the state of the world, why would they want to?) There is a confusion about the time and location as the opening vignettes are contemporary and later developments point to the 1920's.
So this is an OK game with the expected game elements and a trite, over-used story with confused details.
I can't recommend what I won't buy.
Try the demo, as this may be just the game to get you through the weekend. Or not.
I don't recommend this game.
Experience an authentic Slavic legend! Save the creatures from destruction!
Overall rating
3
/
5
29 of 42 found this review helpful
Good Grandma, Bad Boruta
PostedNovember 27, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromNo Black Friday for Me!
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
4
/
5
Your Grandmother, more familiarly known as Baba, has asked you to come and help her at the park where she protects the few remaining mythical creatures. You arrive with the now obligatory vehicle crash, which you escape by finding the many pieces of an axe that you hid in various locked boxes in your suitcase. (Yes, I'm sorry about the sarcasm - but only a little.)
Good Stuff: Nice little story, lots of OK HOPs, simple mini-games, lovely artwork.
Bad Stuff: Everything is so very easy - I received the first achievement ten seconds into the first HOP.
This is a pretty little game that looks suitable for children, at least as far as the demo goes. It is easy and straight forward so not very challenging. I'll be getting it on the next sale to play through. If it is all as sacarine as the demo, my grankids will love this one!
I can recommend it for novice and casual players.
Good Stuff: Nice little story, lots of OK HOPs, simple mini-games, lovely artwork.
Bad Stuff: Everything is so very easy - I received the first achievement ten seconds into the first HOP.
This is a pretty little game that looks suitable for children, at least as far as the demo goes. It is easy and straight forward so not very challenging. I'll be getting it on the next sale to play through. If it is all as sacarine as the demo, my grankids will love this one!
I can recommend it for novice and casual players.
I recommend this game!
Travel to ancient Greece to relive a tale of romance between of a modest hunter deeply in love with the goddess Artemis.
Overall rating
3
/
5
27 of 31 found this review helpful
Decent Artwork in Bland and Inoffensive Little Game
PostedNovember 25, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromHappy Thanksgiving to all who Celebrate!
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
Human Theron is looking for his love, Goddess Artemis, daughter of God Zeus.
So much for the story-line.
Good Stuff: The artwork is actually well drawn, the locations look authentic, and the music does not grate on your nerves.
Irritating Stuff: Several awkward English translations, inappropriate items in the HOPs (modern items in ancient Greece), super easy mini-games, and very basic game-play.
(For those confused by the conflicting reports in other reviews, there are actually three game levels: easy, casual, and extreme.)
This is an entry level game as you would have seen ten years ago. If you have a free coupon and want to unwind, this may be your game.
So much for the story-line.
Good Stuff: The artwork is actually well drawn, the locations look authentic, and the music does not grate on your nerves.
Irritating Stuff: Several awkward English translations, inappropriate items in the HOPs (modern items in ancient Greece), super easy mini-games, and very basic game-play.
(For those confused by the conflicting reports in other reviews, there are actually three game levels: easy, casual, and extreme.)
This is an entry level game as you would have seen ten years ago. If you have a free coupon and want to unwind, this may be your game.
A great evil unlocks deep within Ravenhearst!
Overall rating
5
/
5
177 of 240 found this review helpful
Ravenhearst Returns...Again
PostedNovember 24, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromOut of the Asylum and Heading for ???
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
If you have enjoyed all the Ravenhearst games as I have, you may be ready for what could be the final installment in the series. I have to say, I am not ready.
I loved Keys to Ravenhearst and wanted to replay the earlier games before I finished it as some parts of the earlier story were hazy.
Surprise! Not all of the earlier games would play on my newly upgraded to Windows10 computer.
I am still confused as to what is going on, but I second the suggestion of another reviewer that you replay the earlier chapters of the Ravenhearst saga before you tackle this one.
Others will tell you the plot and all about the game elements. I will tell you that if you enjoyed the earlier chapters, you will swoon over this one. Be prepared for as much sinister craziness as you can stand from the Master of Ravenhearst and his twin granddaughters.
Try the demo and find the feast you were looking for this holiday weekend!
I loved Keys to Ravenhearst and wanted to replay the earlier games before I finished it as some parts of the earlier story were hazy.
Surprise! Not all of the earlier games would play on my newly upgraded to Windows10 computer.
I am still confused as to what is going on, but I second the suggestion of another reviewer that you replay the earlier chapters of the Ravenhearst saga before you tackle this one.
Others will tell you the plot and all about the game elements. I will tell you that if you enjoyed the earlier chapters, you will swoon over this one. Be prepared for as much sinister craziness as you can stand from the Master of Ravenhearst and his twin granddaughters.
Try the demo and find the feast you were looking for this holiday weekend!
I recommend this game!
The people of Lightfalls are disappearing, and it’s up to you to save them!
Overall rating
2
/
5
31 of 34 found this review helpful
I Won't Settle for This Surface Treatment
PostedNovember 22, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromDown in the Dumps and Wanting to Surface
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
You rush home after a plea/warning from your mother. You find your home town deserted and your family also gone. Strange waves of energy have hit the town, damaging the buildings and making people disappear. You will search for your family as long as it takes to find them.
Good Stuff: Nice artwork and animation, realistic colors, OK HOPs, and lots of flowers to collect along with twelve statues.
Sub-par Stuff: Everything else was just sad. The story-line, mini-game instructions, and game-play left much to be desired. Many game elements made it seem as though it was not well thought out and was just rushed to market.
One reviewer said this may be as good as we can get now. I will not settle for that option when I have seen so many great games come from BFG.
Please go back to the drawing board, Devs, and give us something good.
In the meantime, play the demo - and please don't settle!
Good Stuff: Nice artwork and animation, realistic colors, OK HOPs, and lots of flowers to collect along with twelve statues.
Sub-par Stuff: Everything else was just sad. The story-line, mini-game instructions, and game-play left much to be desired. Many game elements made it seem as though it was not well thought out and was just rushed to market.
One reviewer said this may be as good as we can get now. I will not settle for that option when I have seen so many great games come from BFG.
Please go back to the drawing board, Devs, and give us something good.
In the meantime, play the demo - and please don't settle!
I don't recommend this game.
Who is trying to destroy the Kingdom of Barsia?
Overall rating
2
/
5
29 of 32 found this review helpful
Midas Mascarades as Goldilocks With Regrets
PostedNovember 22, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromSorry Story, Frumpy FRAGS, and Darling Drawings
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
1
/
5
As the Detective, you are to investigate the reports from an obscure kingdom of mechanical beasts attaching the populace.
In a horrid mash-up of old tales, Goldilocks turns things into gold - ice, people, whatever! For unknown reasons, Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk fame is involved and the queen seems blood thirsty and her daughter, Goldilocks, is anything but the misguided child from the fairy tale. Somewhere, an ancient quarrel between the goddesses of the sun and moon is involved as is the war engendered by that quarrel. There is magic, mechanical creatures, and enough rigmarole to confound the best of us.
Did they kill the Dark Parables series?
They sure did try.
Everything in this game is average, except the sorry story-line which weeps for revision.
DO NOT buy without playing the demo. I won't buy at all.
In a horrid mash-up of old tales, Goldilocks turns things into gold - ice, people, whatever! For unknown reasons, Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk fame is involved and the queen seems blood thirsty and her daughter, Goldilocks, is anything but the misguided child from the fairy tale. Somewhere, an ancient quarrel between the goddesses of the sun and moon is involved as is the war engendered by that quarrel. There is magic, mechanical creatures, and enough rigmarole to confound the best of us.
Did they kill the Dark Parables series?
They sure did try.
Everything in this game is average, except the sorry story-line which weeps for revision.
DO NOT buy without playing the demo. I won't buy at all.
I don't recommend this game.
A scream in the night... a brutal crime... a mysterious figure with eyes red as blood. Can you get to the heart of this shocking murder?
Overall rating
2
/
5
24 of 26 found this review helpful
Dreary Addition to Dark Tales Series
PostedNovember 15, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromPlease bring an umbrella, a towel, and a good book.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I'm not sure what has confused me more: the sub-juvenial level of this game or the reviews that mention things that did not happen in the demo.
There is a murder. The victim was hit in the heart; her throat was not cut. We investigate with Dupin once again.
Good stuff: Music was OK, game elements were present, and I took my nap after the demo was over.
Bad Stuff: HOPs were pedestrian, mini-games and puzzles would have bored the grandkids in their simplicity, and the game-play and storyline are stilted at best.
I am not an Edgar Allen Poe fan so I approached the storyline from a fresh perspective that left me asking, "What storyline?"
We really don't understand anything in the demo except there has been a murder and we are to investigate. And we do - in the most boring, banal, and incipid ways possible
My humble apologies to Edgar Allen Poe for what is a sorry addition to the Dark Tales series.
Play the demo before you buy.
There is a murder. The victim was hit in the heart; her throat was not cut. We investigate with Dupin once again.
Good stuff: Music was OK, game elements were present, and I took my nap after the demo was over.
Bad Stuff: HOPs were pedestrian, mini-games and puzzles would have bored the grandkids in their simplicity, and the game-play and storyline are stilted at best.
I am not an Edgar Allen Poe fan so I approached the storyline from a fresh perspective that left me asking, "What storyline?"
We really don't understand anything in the demo except there has been a murder and we are to investigate. And we do - in the most boring, banal, and incipid ways possible
My humble apologies to Edgar Allen Poe for what is a sorry addition to the Dark Tales series.
Play the demo before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Decades ago, a brutal crime occurred at the Lexington Hotel. Are you brave enough to uncover the truth about what happened there?
Overall rating
2
/
5
39 of 71 found this review helpful
Maybe Nanny Will Come and Get Me
PostedNovember 12, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromI'll be at the library.
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
1
/
5
This scary game comes a bit too late for Halloween - but I'm not sure the scariness occurs the way the Devs intended.
Theoretically, someone made a hotel out of a nursery - right there we need a lot more info than the game delivers - and now everyone in town believes the building is haunted, especially since the hotel owner was murdered there.
Your sister went to the grounds to get a story for her job. Two days later, you receive a package from her announcing that fact. You rush off to the hotel to look for her. Her car is sitting out front with the hazard lights still blinking. You suddenly see Sister Dear in a window. Time for a rescue.
Good Stuff: Artwork, ambient sounds, and animation does all in its power to provide a scary atmosphere.
Bad Stuff: Lack of a story, other than the meager bits strewn about the scenes and in the tapes you find to play in your sister's video camera. (Sister missing somewhere in house, little girl who is afraid of "Nanny," Freddie and his lover, murdered hotel owner - that's all of it.)
Other Stuff: All perfectly ordinary: mini-games, HOPs of a couple of types, morphing objects to collect, photos to collect, and various CE stuff.
I am scared that people think this is a five starred game. There is just not enough substance to warrant much more than average, and not enough story to get to average.
Be sure to try this demo before you buy. If you are satisfied with this level of quality and lack of story, at least you've made an informed decision.
Theoretically, someone made a hotel out of a nursery - right there we need a lot more info than the game delivers - and now everyone in town believes the building is haunted, especially since the hotel owner was murdered there.
Your sister went to the grounds to get a story for her job. Two days later, you receive a package from her announcing that fact. You rush off to the hotel to look for her. Her car is sitting out front with the hazard lights still blinking. You suddenly see Sister Dear in a window. Time for a rescue.
Good Stuff: Artwork, ambient sounds, and animation does all in its power to provide a scary atmosphere.
Bad Stuff: Lack of a story, other than the meager bits strewn about the scenes and in the tapes you find to play in your sister's video camera. (Sister missing somewhere in house, little girl who is afraid of "Nanny," Freddie and his lover, murdered hotel owner - that's all of it.)
Other Stuff: All perfectly ordinary: mini-games, HOPs of a couple of types, morphing objects to collect, photos to collect, and various CE stuff.
I am scared that people think this is a five starred game. There is just not enough substance to warrant much more than average, and not enough story to get to average.
Be sure to try this demo before you buy. If you are satisfied with this level of quality and lack of story, at least you've made an informed decision.
I don't recommend this game.