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:
You're cordially invited to attend the world's greatest magic show! Thurman the Magnificent will give a performance no one will forget!
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 29 found this review helpful
Pull a Rabbit Out of the Hat
PostedMarch 7, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
(52)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'll start by saying this is a good solid four star game. There are four levels of game play, including custom. The HOPs are varied - I like the one where you found items to re-place correctly - and not repeatedly visited. The mini-games were mostly OK. The music is barely tolerable, the VO were good, and the animation was passable (or laughable, depending on your recent experiences). The artwork is well drawn and colored. There is the usual CE bling. There are morphing objects to collect, one of my favorite game elements.
You are a detective called in when one of two rivals is about to perform his latest magic trick and is worried about possible sabotage. You arrive at the theater in time to see that his worries were justified. You start your investigation with the tragic ending to his magic trick.
The end of the demo was no surprise to me, but you need to check it out yourself. If I hadn't seen it coming, I'd have gone for five stars.
(When you finish this demo, you'll know what I mean.)
There is a lack of logic in some of the story - The police took your carriage to get some of the theater patrons home, so you are "stuck there." And then you hike across town to see the rival magician. Huh.
But the storyline is different - a plus - and most of the game-play flows smoothly. There are no cutesy elements so far - another plus.
I plan on relaxing with this game as my weekend treat!
You are a detective called in when one of two rivals is about to perform his latest magic trick and is worried about possible sabotage. You arrive at the theater in time to see that his worries were justified. You start your investigation with the tragic ending to his magic trick.
The end of the demo was no surprise to me, but you need to check it out yourself. If I hadn't seen it coming, I'd have gone for five stars.
(When you finish this demo, you'll know what I mean.)
There is a lack of logic in some of the story - The police took your carriage to get some of the theater patrons home, so you are "stuck there." And then you hike across town to see the rival magician. Huh.
But the storyline is different - a plus - and most of the game-play flows smoothly. There are no cutesy elements so far - another plus.
I plan on relaxing with this game as my weekend treat!
I recommend this game!
Redemption Cemetery: The Island of the Lost Collector's Edition
You crash-land on an island populated by ghosts. Like them, are you trapped here forever?
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 26 found this review helpful
Redemtion Redeemed
PostedMarch 5, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
(52)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The newest game in the Redemption Cemetery series has arrived. It has most of what you look for in a really good game.
You are a pilot with a new license and run into a sudden storm over a deserted island. You quickly meet a friendly ghost and learn there is evil afoot. You are the designated hitter to get rid of it. Your adventure will lead you through time and space as you try to free the trapped souls before you are either rescued yourself or lose your life to the evil spirit.
There are four levels of game-play including the custom level, interactive HOPs, the impressive animation we've seen before from ERSgames, good fx sounds, decent music, good mini-games, and an involving story.
There are collectibles - you collect pieces of pictures to complete them and open chapters of book. These are tricky - you have to check the book to see the shapes you need to keep an eye out for during the game.
There are also the usual bling for a CE: artwork, screen savers, movies, music, mini-games, HOPs, a Bonus MG,
plus two extras - questions about the game and a chronicle of the history of the family.
I really enjoyed this game, as I have all the Redemption Cemetery games. The trial was very short for me, but still a buy.
You are a pilot with a new license and run into a sudden storm over a deserted island. You quickly meet a friendly ghost and learn there is evil afoot. You are the designated hitter to get rid of it. Your adventure will lead you through time and space as you try to free the trapped souls before you are either rescued yourself or lose your life to the evil spirit.
There are four levels of game-play including the custom level, interactive HOPs, the impressive animation we've seen before from ERSgames, good fx sounds, decent music, good mini-games, and an involving story.
There are collectibles - you collect pieces of pictures to complete them and open chapters of book. These are tricky - you have to check the book to see the shapes you need to keep an eye out for during the game.
There are also the usual bling for a CE: artwork, screen savers, movies, music, mini-games, HOPs, a Bonus MG,
plus two extras - questions about the game and a chronicle of the history of the family.
I really enjoyed this game, as I have all the Redemption Cemetery games. The trial was very short for me, but still a buy.
I recommend this game!
The Big Secret of a Small Town
Find out what is hidden behind the mysterious disappearance of the Mayor.
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 23 found this review helpful
So Much Potential, So Little Used
PostedMarch 2, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
(52)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Small Town, some secret to energy used in industrial development nearby. Mayor disappears during speech. Only door near him guarded by police. Find him.
There are two play levels, no HOPs as such, although you do collect several of some items in one or more scenes for a future puzzle. Mini-games were prosaic, artwork cartoon-like, music needed to be muted, game-play is stilted at best.
Folks, I am confused by this game. The look and feel are several years old. The lack of logical direction and minimal hint function made me very unhappy.
This is DEFINITELY a "try before you buy" game.
There are two play levels, no HOPs as such, although you do collect several of some items in one or more scenes for a future puzzle. Mini-games were prosaic, artwork cartoon-like, music needed to be muted, game-play is stilted at best.
Folks, I am confused by this game. The look and feel are several years old. The lack of logical direction and minimal hint function made me very unhappy.
This is DEFINITELY a "try before you buy" game.
I don't recommend this game.
Was Marion Ashworth murdered? Uncover the victim's true identity!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
Mystery at School! Who really died?
PostedMarch 1, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
(52)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You are the detective summoned to an exclusive school by the parents of a murdered girl. The police don't like detectives. The head mistress and the groundskeeper are suspects. The parents can't identify the student. And your best clue leads to a nightclub.
There are four levels of game-play, OK music, various HOPs with a puzzle alternative, decent if not exciting mini-games, dialog that can be skipped, a good color pallet and crisp artwork, along with the usual CE bling.
Was I amazed, enthralled, and challenged? No.
Was I entertained and amused? Yes.
I really enjoyed Dance Macabre: the Last Adagio and look forward to getting this game also.
There are four levels of game-play, OK music, various HOPs with a puzzle alternative, decent if not exciting mini-games, dialog that can be skipped, a good color pallet and crisp artwork, along with the usual CE bling.
Was I amazed, enthralled, and challenged? No.
Was I entertained and amused? Yes.
I really enjoyed Dance Macabre: the Last Adagio and look forward to getting this game also.
I recommend this game!
A stay at a peaceful hotel turns into a nightmare when a witch from the Twilight World takes your daughter!
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 30 found this review helpful
Go For The Humor
PostedFebruary 22, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
You may have seen commercials that poke fun at the stupid things people do in horror movies. Some day you will see ones that poke fun at the stupid things done in games - and this is the poster child.
You are traveling with your daughter. You stop at an "award winning hotel" that features a few units around a small pool in a gated courtyard. Rooms feature amenities that are broken or missing and items left by previous occupants. Barely arrived, you are thrown out of your room by a specter and a fire starts at the door.
You have to see this one for yourself, so I'll just stick to the basics.
The characters are oddly drawn - see if you can take your eyes off the heaving chest of the manager when you first talk to him. The artwork is nicely colored in the real world and dark as expected in the twilight world. Mini-games are only passable, HOPs ditto. There are four levels of game play. You go back and forth between two realities and have to collect crystals for power to make each trip.
There is nothing new, inventive, or even faintly surprising here. The game feels as though it needed more time on the drawing board, a lot more time.
You are traveling with your daughter. You stop at an "award winning hotel" that features a few units around a small pool in a gated courtyard. Rooms feature amenities that are broken or missing and items left by previous occupants. Barely arrived, you are thrown out of your room by a specter and a fire starts at the door.
You have to see this one for yourself, so I'll just stick to the basics.
The characters are oddly drawn - see if you can take your eyes off the heaving chest of the manager when you first talk to him. The artwork is nicely colored in the real world and dark as expected in the twilight world. Mini-games are only passable, HOPs ditto. There are four levels of game play. You go back and forth between two realities and have to collect crystals for power to make each trip.
There is nothing new, inventive, or even faintly surprising here. The game feels as though it needed more time on the drawing board, a lot more time.
I don't recommend this game.
Track down the truth about your grandfather's death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 27 found this review helpful
Logic Fails Yet There Is a Certain Charm
PostedFebruary 21, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
(52)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Yes, the title explains my position on this game.
Logic goes down the drain as only part of one room in a large mansion is destroyed and Grandpa dies in the fire. I might buy that he was drugged or gassed in the fire, but there was a live-in-caretaker to call for help after the explosion. And if the firemen were so quick that they saved all the rest of the house, why is the water still pouring out of a hydrant after the funeral? Since when do all the deceased's friends and late wife know about the funeral, but not his granddaughter? With such a localized fire, why would it be labeled an accident?
BUT the mystery is central here - Once you realized there was a threat to his life, who killed Granddad? From that point on, the game gets better.
The HOPs varied including a riddle type; there were mini-games that could be a bit challenging; the soothing violin music would lapse into silence at solemn moments; the artwork was well done; and, in spite of your husband being emasculated, the VOs were OK, or you could just read through the dialogue boxes.
You will find both collectibles and voice tapes along the way. The collectibles were well hidden. The tapes give you bits of the story to mull over.
Is this the game of the year? No, but you may find it an enjoyable way to while away the long frigid weekend. As opinion on this game seems very divided, you should take a look for yourself.
Logic goes down the drain as only part of one room in a large mansion is destroyed and Grandpa dies in the fire. I might buy that he was drugged or gassed in the fire, but there was a live-in-caretaker to call for help after the explosion. And if the firemen were so quick that they saved all the rest of the house, why is the water still pouring out of a hydrant after the funeral? Since when do all the deceased's friends and late wife know about the funeral, but not his granddaughter? With such a localized fire, why would it be labeled an accident?
BUT the mystery is central here - Once you realized there was a threat to his life, who killed Granddad? From that point on, the game gets better.
The HOPs varied including a riddle type; there were mini-games that could be a bit challenging; the soothing violin music would lapse into silence at solemn moments; the artwork was well done; and, in spite of your husband being emasculated, the VOs were OK, or you could just read through the dialogue boxes.
You will find both collectibles and voice tapes along the way. The collectibles were well hidden. The tapes give you bits of the story to mull over.
Is this the game of the year? No, but you may find it an enjoyable way to while away the long frigid weekend. As opinion on this game seems very divided, you should take a look for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
A newlywed is threatened, and supernatural forces are afoot!
Overall rating
5
/
5
74 of 93 found this review helpful
Dark Tales and Esgar Allen Poe - What More Could We Ask
PostedFebruary 19, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Warning: I am a die-hard fan of the Dark Tales games and know only a little about E.A.P.
I mention this because I suspect those very familiar with his work would not be as enamored of these story-lines as I am. In my ignorance I find them fresh, charming, and enthralling. The animation is very good, the background ambiance and music is appropriate. The artwork is beautiful, neither too dark nor strangely colored. I find most of the characters interesting and their voices, while not always of the highest professional dramatic tenor, at least reasonable for the role.
All that being said, I really enjoyed the game. Four levels of game-play including custom let you fine tune your difficulty level. There is enough of a story to carry you along with the detective and game-play does keep moving right along. The HOPs are somewhat interactive and objects are clearly drawn and sometimes cleverly hidden. Mini-games were varied and interesting. There are morphing objects to find, one of my favorite extras. And, oh happy day, there were no cute little animals in sight.
Is it perfect? No. Is it fun and entertaining? Yes. And that would be why I play these games.
Please try this one for yourself. Relax and enjoy.
I mention this because I suspect those very familiar with his work would not be as enamored of these story-lines as I am. In my ignorance I find them fresh, charming, and enthralling. The animation is very good, the background ambiance and music is appropriate. The artwork is beautiful, neither too dark nor strangely colored. I find most of the characters interesting and their voices, while not always of the highest professional dramatic tenor, at least reasonable for the role.
All that being said, I really enjoyed the game. Four levels of game-play including custom let you fine tune your difficulty level. There is enough of a story to carry you along with the detective and game-play does keep moving right along. The HOPs are somewhat interactive and objects are clearly drawn and sometimes cleverly hidden. Mini-games were varied and interesting. There are morphing objects to find, one of my favorite extras. And, oh happy day, there were no cute little animals in sight.
Is it perfect? No. Is it fun and entertaining? Yes. And that would be why I play these games.
Please try this one for yourself. Relax and enjoy.
I recommend this game!
You've been asked to cover a highly anticipated competition in New York City when something goes terribly wrong. Can you escape the world of illusions?
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 27 found this review helpful
I liked the Demo...
PostedFebruary 14, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
But I finished in less than half the 90 minutes. Does this mean a short game?
You are a reporter invited to view a new competition for the greatest illusionist and interview the owner of the hotel (and contest sponsor) where the contest is to occur. The show barely starts when the announcer disappears and everyone is trapped in the hotel. You, of course, set out to get to the bottom of things.
There were constant puzzles and mini-games, HOPs with shadow lists and interactive elements, collectibles, great artwork and animation, unobtrusive music, and the usual CE bling. There are four levels of game-play.
What's not to like?
And I did like it. I do question the sanity of my character for chasing this loony without backup, equipment, or any defense, except her high heels. Also I question the length of the game. This is one time when including a full index in the Strategy Guide would have been helpful. And scene loading lagged.
I really enjoyed the last Dangerous Games, so I'll probably go for this one. Check it out while the sale is on this weekend!
You are a reporter invited to view a new competition for the greatest illusionist and interview the owner of the hotel (and contest sponsor) where the contest is to occur. The show barely starts when the announcer disappears and everyone is trapped in the hotel. You, of course, set out to get to the bottom of things.
There were constant puzzles and mini-games, HOPs with shadow lists and interactive elements, collectibles, great artwork and animation, unobtrusive music, and the usual CE bling. There are four levels of game-play.
What's not to like?
And I did like it. I do question the sanity of my character for chasing this loony without backup, equipment, or any defense, except her high heels. Also I question the length of the game. This is one time when including a full index in the Strategy Guide would have been helpful. And scene loading lagged.
I really enjoyed the last Dangerous Games, so I'll probably go for this one. Check it out while the sale is on this weekend!
I recommend this game!
For years, Barton Mansion sat abandoned, a haunting reminder of an obsession gone wrong. But something sinister still lurked there...and it's stirring.
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 13 found this review helpful
Here Comes Number Five!
PostedFebruary 13, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You and your sister are about to investigate the abandoned mansion where your parents vanished years ago, leaving you and your sister orphans. Vines suddenly appear to grab your sister, dragging her into the mansion yard and leaving you outside. There is reference to the original home owners as you progress in the game.
There is very little further story revealed in the Demo, so you'll have to be intrigued by the bit that is there.
The artwork is all about atmosphere. If you consider red and blue toned pictures sinister, then you will feel the menace in this game. Otherwise it's just a lot of red vines and blue accents to set off the red.
Fond of ghosts? Cute animal helpers? How about a cute room for your cute animal? The progressive HOPs? This game has those also, along with continuous mini-games sprinkled among the HOPs.
(I like some different HOPs in a game, just not so continuously varied that you are stump at how to proceed.)
I liked the four levels of play, including the custom level. The music and background sounds were unobtrusive. Plus I liked the four previous Dark Dimension Games, so why am I not bowled over by this one?
I may like the sister character, but I am not enticed by the story enough to rescue her right now or go for the CE even with all the usual bling and the promise of decorating my doggie's room later. (That was sarcasm as I was hoping we had moved on from cute animal helpers.)
I strongly suggest you try this fifth entry in the series for yourself.
There is very little further story revealed in the Demo, so you'll have to be intrigued by the bit that is there.
The artwork is all about atmosphere. If you consider red and blue toned pictures sinister, then you will feel the menace in this game. Otherwise it's just a lot of red vines and blue accents to set off the red.
Fond of ghosts? Cute animal helpers? How about a cute room for your cute animal? The progressive HOPs? This game has those also, along with continuous mini-games sprinkled among the HOPs.
(I like some different HOPs in a game, just not so continuously varied that you are stump at how to proceed.)
I liked the four levels of play, including the custom level. The music and background sounds were unobtrusive. Plus I liked the four previous Dark Dimension Games, so why am I not bowled over by this one?
I may like the sister character, but I am not enticed by the story enough to rescue her right now or go for the CE even with all the usual bling and the promise of decorating my doggie's room later. (That was sarcasm as I was hoping we had moved on from cute animal helpers.)
I strongly suggest you try this fifth entry in the series for yourself.
In this scarier-than-ever story, find out what really happened on prom night, 1964...
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 39 found this review helpful
Eipix Has a Winner
PostedFebruary 8, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The first Phantasmat game, as well as the second one and this third entry in the series, starts with a car crash.
This time you are driving your daughter to prom to meet her"crew" when a figure appears in the road and you crash to avoid hitting him. Your daughter is gone when you open your eyes and you start off in search of her. You find that your 2014 car has crashed in 1965 in front of the local high school where it is prom night 1965 - sort of.
You will find interactive HOPs with a match-3 alternative, decent mini-games, better character development, and artwork very reminiscent of the first two games. There are four levels of game-play,
I love the story-lines of the Phantasmat games. There is a blurring of the lines between now and then and between life and death. The characters and the story pull you in and you want to know what happens next.
This is a really good SE. Give it a try.
This time you are driving your daughter to prom to meet her"crew" when a figure appears in the road and you crash to avoid hitting him. Your daughter is gone when you open your eyes and you start off in search of her. You find that your 2014 car has crashed in 1965 in front of the local high school where it is prom night 1965 - sort of.
You will find interactive HOPs with a match-3 alternative, decent mini-games, better character development, and artwork very reminiscent of the first two games. There are four levels of game-play,
I love the story-lines of the Phantasmat games. There is a blurring of the lines between now and then and between life and death. The characters and the story pull you in and you want to know what happens next.
This is a really good SE. Give it a try.
I recommend this game!