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 mysterious abduction and a strange hospital lead to a terrible secret!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Lacking Plot, Interest, and Challenge
PostedDecember 27, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromStill home.
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
2
/
5
Another chapter in the Chimeras Series has dropped. I was hoping for a good challenge, intricate plot, intriguing characters, and strange monsters.
Maybe next time.
You awaken in a hospital bed, handcuffed and disoriented. Luckily the lock pick for the cuffs has been left hanging off the cuffs and you will soon be free. The hospital is dirty and dingy, with plenty of peeling paint, broken equipment, and a sub-par staff who ignore your presence as you flit back and forth through the hallway in your hospital gown and bare feet.
After the washed out artwork colors and beginner game play, there is not much to be said for this game. Certainly there is far more plot info in the BFG blurb than in the game demo.
Please check out the demo before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Something is terribly wrong in the toy world, and only you can help!
Overall rating
5
/
5
55 of 64 found this review helpful
Bridge To Another World Has Returned!
PostedDecember 18, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromStay safe, wear your mask, and be around for the New Year.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BTAW has returned with a new chapter that has a good story, enjoyable puzzles and HOPs, beautiful artwork, lilting music and well-conceived characters.
You play as Marie, traveling back to see your godfather, toy maker Drosselmeyer, and your childhood friend, Fritz, his apprentice. Unfortunately Fritz has disappeared, and you and your godfather will soon be in the clutches of the toy soldiers and the nutcracker. A rival toy maker, the mouse king, and the make-believe land you and Fritz invented as children will all be mixed up in your adventure.
After months of copycat games, repetitive tasks, and tired stories, we have reached an oasis that boasts good game-play and two collectible snow globes and two morphing objects in each scene among its CE bling.
I heartily recommend you try the demo.
Enjoy.
You play as Marie, traveling back to see your godfather, toy maker Drosselmeyer, and your childhood friend, Fritz, his apprentice. Unfortunately Fritz has disappeared, and you and your godfather will soon be in the clutches of the toy soldiers and the nutcracker. A rival toy maker, the mouse king, and the make-believe land you and Fritz invented as children will all be mixed up in your adventure.
After months of copycat games, repetitive tasks, and tired stories, we have reached an oasis that boasts good game-play and two collectible snow globes and two morphing objects in each scene among its CE bling.
I heartily recommend you try the demo.
Enjoy.
I recommend this game!
When volcanic eruptions uncover hidden caves in Samoa, you can’t wait to decipher the ancient texts inside! But this educational expedition quickly takes a dangerous turn when someone steals your research! Legend says the Maori hid a powerful artifact, and there’s no telling what damage it could do in the wrong hands! Can you find the artifact and save the world in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 25 found this review helpful
Maori vs. Aztecs
PostedNovember 21, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromI must be getting really old. I remember when games were each a different adventure and even made sense.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Do you remember the last Hidden Expedition Game? The Price of Paradise was the story of an expedition trying to enter an Aztec temple and the earthquakes, poisonous gas, and criminals they encountered. The "new" game is about a hidden Maori temple, earthquakes, poisonous gas, and the criminals the H.E.L.P. agent and friend, Macana, encounter in this "new" adventure.
Good stuff: What you expect with bright island colored artwork.
Bad stuff: You will repair your reasonably large sail boat after capsizing under a huge wave generated by the earthquake.
You will get summarily sent on an underwater HOP by the game. You will cut open a stranger's purse. You will let your friend almost die of poison gas when his air hose is cut, even though you have adhesive tape in your inventory.
There are of course many more actions that will leave you gasping for fresh air and fresh ideas.
Good luck on that.
You will get summarily sent on an underwater HOP by the game. You will cut open a stranger's purse. You will let your friend almost die of poison gas when his air hose is cut, even though you have adhesive tape in your inventory.
There are of course many more actions that will leave you gasping for fresh air and fresh ideas.
Good luck on that.
Bottom line: The game played well on my newly updated Windows 10 desktop PC. The story may take a turn for originality. Otherwise it is just another same old, same old.
You should play the Demo to see if there is something here you want to add to your collection.
A paranormal festival is held hostage by a mystery man demanding the truth!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 22 found this review helpful
Rick is Back & Saving Rachel
PostedNovember 13, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromThe key is behind a combination lock, that needs several amulets. The key opens another container that needs several new amulets to get to the treasure inside, which isn't a treasure.
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
3
/
5
Rick is back and giving speeches at a Paranormal Expo. Tonight there was a strange man in the audience who disappeared at the end of Rick's talk. A short time later Rick is alerted to the disappearance of one of the other stars of the Expo. He will try to save several of his new friends from the Expo from the mysterious stranger by bring truth into the light.
Good stuff: The artwork is often crisp and evenly colored - except when it isn't. The characters are twenty-somethings with differing paranormal goals and talents. The HOPs and puzzles were good. The CE bling included collectible puppets/dolls, eyes, and morphing objects and a lite assortment of other bling we've seen in these games. The story was fairly straight forward and gave you enough info to work on.
Bad stuff: Someday there will be filters on games to allow players to remove excessively used colors like pink, purple, and blue. Admittedly they are primarily used in the paranormal sequences, but a lighter hand on those over-used colors would be appreciated. There were the usual time wasters to complete to move on in the story: At one point you must find tools to repair a windmill to move a large cat on wheels. (I'm not kidding.) There are also some of the routine actions to complete: You must find and repair an alarm clock to scare a crow. (Whatever happened to just shooing them away?) And of course everything, including a wallet, is lock up tighter than a drum. There is also a lot of dialogue. You can skip it but you will lose some of the story.
Bottom line: The story line was not unique, but it was still interesting. I suspect I will be trying to save Rick's colleagues in the near future when on sale.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Can you bring magic back in time to save your home?
Overall rating
2
/
5
17 of 26 found this review helpful
Another Chapter of Enchanted Kingdom Has Plopped Down
PostedNovember 6, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromGrampa, the Magician, is spinning in his grave!
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
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Your Grandfather went to a great deal of trouble to hide the magic of the kingdom inside three pearls which were hidden in three different locations and protected by riddles. As his grandchild, you are theoretically the only one who could recover the pearls to use their magic once again. You have just arrived to search for the pearls for the current king, Mangus, who is being stalked by a thief/alchemist/poisoner named "Magpie" and may be threatened with war by the rival kingdom.
Good news: You'll see the plot coming at you larger than life. The artwork is very blue and purple, with some emerald green foliage. The game play was phoned in by the Devs at Domini to such an extent, you could just play any other of their games and save the price of this one! There are also HOPs with a Match 3 alternative, mini-games & puzzles, CE bling and collectibles.
Bad stuff: Domini has been giving a bad name to repetition for years now and this game caps it! Worse, they will lead you through the game play as though we are incapable of thought, rational or otherwise. (Frankly, after slogging through the demo, I'm not sure I am.)
Bottom line: They have once again changed the premise of the Enchanted Kingdom and set off in a random direction, not the correct one. I would have "hated it" with one star, but you have to expend energy to hate something and this game is not worth the effort.
Play the demo for yourself.
You may cringe while you do it, but at least you will see the stuff you are asked to pay good money to suffer through.
You may cringe while you do it, but at least you will see the stuff you are asked to pay good money to suffer through.
I don't recommend this game.
Amidst the breathtaking landscapes, complete multiple interesting quests and solve fascinating puzzles to reveal the witch’s mystery!
Overall rating
2
/
5
18 of 42 found this review helpful
Suitable for Children
PostedNovember 2, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromMy youngest grandson is nine; way too old for this game!
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
The first game in the Legacy series was for children. It was exceedingly cute and embarrassingly easy back in 2013. Then two games more appeared in 2019. And now we have this year's offering.
The artwork is nicely generated. There are simple puzzles, HOPs, and cute animals along with our heroine, referred to by the animals as "Princess." There is a bonus – you can replay games. You can also choose to skip HOPs as well as the puzzles.
The last game apparently ended with the Princess sending a witch through a portal into a world that runs parallel to Princess's own world. Whatever the witch does in her world happens in Princess's world too. And the witch is not a nice person, so she spends her time enchanting the local citizens.
I would suggest you find a child and try the demo. As so little of the game action and story makes any sense, you will be glad to find the hint recharging rapidly in the "Easy" mode. You’ll still be confused, but you’ll get there more quickly!
I pass.
I don't recommend this game.
Budapest is under attack as vampires stalk the streets!
Overall rating
2
/
5
29 of 40 found this review helpful
There's a Little Mystery if You Want to Search For It
PostedOctober 30, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromSomewhere missing our Tricks and Treaters!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Another entry to the Dark City series has joined the line up with a story about a possible problem with vampires. Or perhaps it is just a problem with red eyes and small bats. Either way it all happens during the time leading up to a lunar eclipse at a point in history when citizens were superstitious and gullible.
Good stuff: The usual game elements are here with an assortment of CE bling.
Bad stuff: The game is set in the mundane city of Budapest and loaded with unappealing characters and time-wasting actions.
Much of the story moves forward on clumsy "puzzles" that aren't - puzzles - that is.
The artwork is bland, and dark, understandable on the nighttime streets, not so much in doors.
Several actions are just odd - like the amulet that gets the player a free set of men's cloths - and the quirky HOP that follows.
Much of the story moves forward on clumsy "puzzles" that aren't - puzzles - that is.
The artwork is bland, and dark, understandable on the nighttime streets, not so much in doors.
Several actions are just odd - like the amulet that gets the player a free set of men's cloths - and the quirky HOP that follows.
Bottom line: Another banal game about which you will have to form your own opinion.
Please play the Demo.
A mysterious invitation promises rare treasures but exposes dark secrets!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 20 found this review helpful
Granny Was Only Nice Character
PostedOctober 23, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromSettling the garden for the winter. Extra produce going to food bank.
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
2
/
5
Obsessive collectors are disappearing and another of them shows up in your office to hire you to find one of the missing, Nancy, a friend of his. You confirm his faith in your abilities by running around your own office trying to find your own files. After he leaves, you find the telephone bell to call a cab.
And we're off.
Good stuff: The game seems to give you a choice of more HOPs, more mini-games, or an equal number of both. There is an assortment of CE bling, and two bonus game chapters. Each scene has two collectibles, one of which morphs, and puzzle pieces to find. There is a Match 3 alternative to the HOPs.
Bad stuff: The dark artwork is very blue. The mini-game instructions are scant and not necessarily helpful. The story presents us with some undesirable characters. Between the villain, Curioso, and the collectors, obsessive to the point of murder and betrayal, we are left with a quandary: Why would we help any of them?
Bottom line: Play the demo. I finished the demo early enough that I can give it another shot later. Right now, I know enough nasty characters as it is!
And we're off.
Good stuff: The game seems to give you a choice of more HOPs, more mini-games, or an equal number of both. There is an assortment of CE bling, and two bonus game chapters. Each scene has two collectibles, one of which morphs, and puzzle pieces to find. There is a Match 3 alternative to the HOPs.
Bad stuff: The dark artwork is very blue. The mini-game instructions are scant and not necessarily helpful. The story presents us with some undesirable characters. Between the villain, Curioso, and the collectors, obsessive to the point of murder and betrayal, we are left with a quandary: Why would we help any of them?
Bottom line: Play the demo. I finished the demo early enough that I can give it another shot later. Right now, I know enough nasty characters as it is!
A Halloween visit with distant relatives becomes more than you bargained for!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 48 found this review helpful
Spooky, it is NOT
PostedOctober 15, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromPacking candy bags for the grandkids to set out for them to pick up. Definitely feeling the curmudgeon costume!
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
Short version: There is a story. They tried to make it spooky.
The characters are OK, the artwork is colorful, the HOPs and games are decent, and there is some challenge as well as a Match 3 alternative to the HOPs.
The characters are OK, the artwork is colorful, the HOPs and games are decent, and there is some challenge as well as a Match 3 alternative to the HOPs.
Unfortunately the game has run afoul of the latest fad features, so look out for the fork to pull out nails. Quality control takes a hit when a “V” is identified as a “U.” (Somebody was out to lunch and it is a missing letter in the Sullivan Mansion sign. Surely they could spell it correctly.)
Basically it is another game.
Of course, I'm missing all my Halloween parties disguised as a curmudgeon, so perhaps you'd best try the Demo for yourself.
A famous city detective is called to the country to solve the case of the stolen necklace!
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 22 found this review helpful
Cartoon Artwork for the Adults And Lots of List HOPs
PostedOctober 13, 2020
Granny_Gruff
fromCan you guess what a "cotton bud" is? If you know then there is no labeling problem. If not, then there is!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Montgomery Fox is called in to investigate the theft of an expensive insured necklace by the insurance company threatened with bankruptcy if they must pay the claim on the unsolved case.
The game starts with cartoon panels that lay the story's foundation. There is music, sfx, and no spoken dialogue. You can skim past any set of panels and ignore the notes and map if you wish. The notes and map show up between HOPs. The notes give you information on the characters. The map is more of a set if line drawings that indicate different locations and they color up one at a time, so you know where to go next as there is no path and no apparent order to the map.
I found that some of the item names in the list are indeed misleading, but I suspect it is more of a difference in local reference than otherwise - like calling a truck, a lorry.
The pictures are bright, and some objects are quite large. Each HOP has an area that sparkles for you to zoom into to find some of the list items. There is a magnifying lens on a stump to the left in each screen and another object - vase, jack knife, etc. - on the right-hand stump. The HOP list in between the stumps features a large ? for a hint button. You will need it.
The game is not one I would share with my grandies, mostly because they would become bored quickly.
I like more in my games - more story, more games with the HOPs, an actual map, and less of a cartoon feel.
Please try the demo. This game may be your cup of tea, even if it is not mine.
The game starts with cartoon panels that lay the story's foundation. There is music, sfx, and no spoken dialogue. You can skim past any set of panels and ignore the notes and map if you wish. The notes and map show up between HOPs. The notes give you information on the characters. The map is more of a set if line drawings that indicate different locations and they color up one at a time, so you know where to go next as there is no path and no apparent order to the map.
I found that some of the item names in the list are indeed misleading, but I suspect it is more of a difference in local reference than otherwise - like calling a truck, a lorry.
The pictures are bright, and some objects are quite large. Each HOP has an area that sparkles for you to zoom into to find some of the list items. There is a magnifying lens on a stump to the left in each screen and another object - vase, jack knife, etc. - on the right-hand stump. The HOP list in between the stumps features a large ? for a hint button. You will need it.
The game is not one I would share with my grandies, mostly because they would become bored quickly.
I like more in my games - more story, more games with the HOPs, an actual map, and less of a cartoon feel.
Please try the demo. This game may be your cup of tea, even if it is not mine.
I don't recommend this game.