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 Sandman is back for revenge! This time his victim is Tim, Laura's husband. Will you succeed in pulling him out of this nightmare?
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 19 found this review helpful
Oh... Another Game
PostedDecember 2, 2014
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
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Chapter Two of Laura's adventures with the Sandman has arrived.
There are three levels of game play, HOPs, mini-games, cartoon artwork, and lots of potential.
Whether the potential is ever realized, I will never know. I was far too frustrated by the lack of logic and stilted hint button.
Laura is back, married to Tim, and still afraid of the Sandman's promise of revenge. Her husband falls under the Sandman's power and into a coma. I have to help get him out of his nightmares and back to reality. First nightmare is Tim trapped in a car crash. Don't worry, Tim, I'll save you!
I found a rope outside a cave, but can not touch it. I went into the cave and lit a fire with two random stones and oil and a dead bush. Then I lean out and used a bone to get a climber's loop out of the rocks to take the rope looped through it back to a car crash site. I am wandering around while Tim is trapped in a burning car.
Sure I am.
Somewhere in here I lost any desire to help Tim. My single thought was to save my own sanity.
Please take advantage of the free trial. You may enjoy this. The HOPs and mini-games were fine - I just disliked the story and saw no reason to continue it.
I was torn between two and three stars, but erred on the side of kindness to the Devs for the holiday season.
There are three levels of game play, HOPs, mini-games, cartoon artwork, and lots of potential.
Whether the potential is ever realized, I will never know. I was far too frustrated by the lack of logic and stilted hint button.
Laura is back, married to Tim, and still afraid of the Sandman's promise of revenge. Her husband falls under the Sandman's power and into a coma. I have to help get him out of his nightmares and back to reality. First nightmare is Tim trapped in a car crash. Don't worry, Tim, I'll save you!
I found a rope outside a cave, but can not touch it. I went into the cave and lit a fire with two random stones and oil and a dead bush. Then I lean out and used a bone to get a climber's loop out of the rocks to take the rope looped through it back to a car crash site. I am wandering around while Tim is trapped in a burning car.
Sure I am.
Somewhere in here I lost any desire to help Tim. My single thought was to save my own sanity.
Please take advantage of the free trial. You may enjoy this. The HOPs and mini-games were fine - I just disliked the story and saw no reason to continue it.
I was torn between two and three stars, but erred on the side of kindness to the Devs for the holiday season.
I don't recommend this game.
Submerge into the unique deep-sea world with your amusing aquatic buddies that will never let you feel bored in Fishdom: Depths of Time.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
More Fun in Fishdom
PostedNovember 27, 2014
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
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
If you enjoy Match 3 and/or have enjoyed Fishdom's other games, then this game is dessert for Thanksgiving - something sweet for after dinner.
I've enjoyed the other Fishdom games, so this was a natural for me to try.
Match 3 or more tiles to reach each goal and win enough to fill your fish tank with all the different accessories and fish available.
We are in serious cute mode here so be ready to be amused and relaxed - no wolves will jump out at you, no sinister spirits will threaten mankind, no witches will cast a spell on your kingdom.
Just relax and enjoy a respite from the world.
And please remember to feed your fish!
I've enjoyed the other Fishdom games, so this was a natural for me to try.
Match 3 or more tiles to reach each goal and win enough to fill your fish tank with all the different accessories and fish available.
We are in serious cute mode here so be ready to be amused and relaxed - no wolves will jump out at you, no sinister spirits will threaten mankind, no witches will cast a spell on your kingdom.
Just relax and enjoy a respite from the world.
And please remember to feed your fish!
I recommend this game!
A deadly secret lurks in the woods of Dire Grove!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Another reason for some Thanksgiving
PostedNovember 26, 2014
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
3
/
5
I love the MCF series and was excited to see this newest addition.
The Artwork is beautiful, the wind seems to freeze you even inside your warm home. There is lurking terror in the otherwise silent forest as you feel the eyes upon you.
There is all the CE bling you expect including an extra level of game difficulty only available after you finish the game the first time.
There are lots of puzzles, mini-games, and HOPs.
The story line suggests that the locals have somehow angered the Mistwalkers, protectors of the Sacred Forest around Dire Grove. There seems to be some connection to the sad story of the local leader of the hunters' two sons.
But, and I can hear the groaning, I am totally frustrated by a mini-game with instructions to start changing the elements of the game around and see what happens. Is this the best direction you can give me? Seriously aggravating is my only conclusion.
So I waited for SKIP..... But I hated to do it.
So, yes, I will be adding this MCF to my collection, but I am not as thankful for it as I wish I was.
Have a good Holiday.
The Artwork is beautiful, the wind seems to freeze you even inside your warm home. There is lurking terror in the otherwise silent forest as you feel the eyes upon you.
There is all the CE bling you expect including an extra level of game difficulty only available after you finish the game the first time.
There are lots of puzzles, mini-games, and HOPs.
The story line suggests that the locals have somehow angered the Mistwalkers, protectors of the Sacred Forest around Dire Grove. There seems to be some connection to the sad story of the local leader of the hunters' two sons.
But, and I can hear the groaning, I am totally frustrated by a mini-game with instructions to start changing the elements of the game around and see what happens. Is this the best direction you can give me? Seriously aggravating is my only conclusion.
So I waited for SKIP..... But I hated to do it.
So, yes, I will be adding this MCF to my collection, but I am not as thankful for it as I wish I was.
Have a good Holiday.
I recommend this game!
Stop Morgana by helping Princess Arianna find the essential elements to remove the curse from her kingdom.
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
If you like both genres, this game is for you!
PostedNovember 25, 2014
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
3
/
5
I like both Match 3 and Hidden Object games. I also like a good story. In this game I got all three.
You play as a princess who finds her kingdom under the spell of an evil witch. You travel to different worlds to save your people and release them from the spell.
There are lots of different games and puzzles along the way with a simplistic storyline that is pleasant without the endless dialogue many gamers complain about.
The artwork was cartoonish but pleasantly colored - not too much, too dark, or to stark. There were three levels of play.
I enjoyed the Match 3 puzzles as many were very quick since you only had to free a single special object. Others were harder as you freed puzzle pieces to form an object you needed. Several did last quite awhile as you were collecting gems to power an amulet to defeat a villainous helper of the witch.
The HOs were clear and the lists were in very clear large print - something I appreciated as the game I played just before this one had the item names in what looked to be 8pt type on my huge monitor. There were also mini-games which varied from simplistic - line up the planets as in a diagram - to harder and more challenging ones.
You also collected items to mix into potions once you found the recipes.
I found this game fun and relaxing. This is the one you play for fun after you finish the newest rage. Please give it a try if you like Match 3 and HOs. You will be pleasantly surprised.
You play as a princess who finds her kingdom under the spell of an evil witch. You travel to different worlds to save your people and release them from the spell.
There are lots of different games and puzzles along the way with a simplistic storyline that is pleasant without the endless dialogue many gamers complain about.
The artwork was cartoonish but pleasantly colored - not too much, too dark, or to stark. There were three levels of play.
I enjoyed the Match 3 puzzles as many were very quick since you only had to free a single special object. Others were harder as you freed puzzle pieces to form an object you needed. Several did last quite awhile as you were collecting gems to power an amulet to defeat a villainous helper of the witch.
The HOs were clear and the lists were in very clear large print - something I appreciated as the game I played just before this one had the item names in what looked to be 8pt type on my huge monitor. There were also mini-games which varied from simplistic - line up the planets as in a diagram - to harder and more challenging ones.
You also collected items to mix into potions once you found the recipes.
I found this game fun and relaxing. This is the one you play for fun after you finish the newest rage. Please give it a try if you like Match 3 and HOs. You will be pleasantly surprised.
I recommend this game!
Track down a vampire hiding on a Mississippi riverboat cruise.
Overall rating
4
/
5
17 of 20 found this review helpful
Vampire Hunters Unite!
PostedNovember 23, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
As a member of a group of vampire hunters, you and your partner are on the trail of a vampire sailing on a paddle wheeler. You almost catch him in his coffin, but he gets away. And the chase is on as you follow the first vampire across a swamp and into a seemingly deserted town after losing touch with your partner. You find your partner only to discover he is under another vampire’s control!
Eipix has once again come up with a good storyline, enough details to draw us in, and good game play. The game has four levels of play, including the custom setting, multilayered HOPs with a marble shooter alternative, good minigames, great artwork and VO's. The HOPs go through various stages to completion. The mini-games do popup often, vary widely, and are just challenging enough without being tedious.
Good job, Eipix - I like your technique of using a closeup of the actors in a small frame at the bottom of the screen for the VO's.
I enjoyed the game play and the storyline. Give this one a try.
Eipix has once again come up with a good storyline, enough details to draw us in, and good game play. The game has four levels of play, including the custom setting, multilayered HOPs with a marble shooter alternative, good minigames, great artwork and VO's. The HOPs go through various stages to completion. The mini-games do popup often, vary widely, and are just challenging enough without being tedious.
Good job, Eipix - I like your technique of using a closeup of the actors in a small frame at the bottom of the screen for the VO's.
I enjoyed the game play and the storyline. Give this one a try.
I recommend this game!
Haunted Legends: The Stone Guest Collector's Edition
Someone is stealing the hearts of children – literally! Is it a brilliant inventor, seeking to cure his ailing son? Or has dark magic taken over the village...
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 14 found this review helpful
Just Really Pleased
PostedNovember 15, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As the detective, you arrive to help an old friend out of trouble when he is accused of dark magic by the townspeople. But there is that wicked dwarf trying to stop you from even getting into town. And then the evidence starts to pile up. Is your good friend involved? Innocent? Being framed?
Great story line, as are all the Haunted Legends. Lots of mini-games, various HOPs, good artwork, great animation,and did I mention the great storyline?
Yes, I'm all about the story, but there has to be more - and Haunted Legends:The Stone Guest has all the makings of a really good game, just as it's predecessors were.
Check this one out for yourself.
Great story line, as are all the Haunted Legends. Lots of mini-games, various HOPs, good artwork, great animation,and did I mention the great storyline?
Yes, I'm all about the story, but there has to be more - and Haunted Legends:The Stone Guest has all the makings of a really good game, just as it's predecessors were.
Check this one out for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Breaking news – Casey's father has gone missing on a remote island that carries a curse! Help Casey overcome the obstacles and solve this mystery!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 14 found this review helpful
Better Than 3 Stars Would Suggest!
PostedNovember 10, 2014
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
3
/
5
Evil force, bad scientist under it's control, Dad missing, save the world.
This may be an older game or it may just be rough around the edges because it was originally made in a language other than English. (This is evident in the stilted VOs and stiff translations.)
But the HOPs are OK, the mini-games are better, and there are collectibles and achievements in an SE.
Yes, it is somewhat old school, but I liked some of the other elements of the story and with a free coupon, and the extra stamp Monday, I'm going for it!
Give this demo a chance and see if its a hidden rhinestone for you, too.
This may be an older game or it may just be rough around the edges because it was originally made in a language other than English. (This is evident in the stilted VOs and stiff translations.)
But the HOPs are OK, the mini-games are better, and there are collectibles and achievements in an SE.
Yes, it is somewhat old school, but I liked some of the other elements of the story and with a free coupon, and the extra stamp Monday, I'm going for it!
Give this demo a chance and see if its a hidden rhinestone for you, too.
I recommend this game!
Death needs help from the only detective he trusts – you!
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 18 found this review helpful
Better as an SE
PostedNovember 9, 2014
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
3
/
5
At half the price of the CE, I might indulge in this game with a free coupon.
That seems to sound less than promising, doesn't it?
Death comes to you as the detective. He has some escaped souls he needs help finding. You are to go hunting for them and find proof of their guilt. So you travel to Paris.
Death is appropriately drawn and has a great voice.
There are good ambient sounds, music that comes and goes, appropriately lighted scenes, HOPs, mini-games, good artwork, and VOs that end before the characters' mouths stop moving. There is also a map that transports you back and forth.
Game play was not smooth. You keep skipping back to your home/office (one of the places with no music, just sounds) to do things like make keys, develop pictures, and cook potions.
Mostly this artifice seemed to bring things to a stand still till you were done with the chore and could get back to the game.
I guess if we can buy into fairies, travel through mirror portals, witch doctors, and a slew of other fantastic stories, why not this one. (Give me a minute and I'll think of a reason.)
You can best answer that query for yourself by trying the demo.
That seems to sound less than promising, doesn't it?
Death comes to you as the detective. He has some escaped souls he needs help finding. You are to go hunting for them and find proof of their guilt. So you travel to Paris.
Death is appropriately drawn and has a great voice.
There are good ambient sounds, music that comes and goes, appropriately lighted scenes, HOPs, mini-games, good artwork, and VOs that end before the characters' mouths stop moving. There is also a map that transports you back and forth.
Game play was not smooth. You keep skipping back to your home/office (one of the places with no music, just sounds) to do things like make keys, develop pictures, and cook potions.
Mostly this artifice seemed to bring things to a stand still till you were done with the chore and could get back to the game.
I guess if we can buy into fairies, travel through mirror portals, witch doctors, and a slew of other fantastic stories, why not this one. (Give me a minute and I'll think of a reason.)
You can best answer that query for yourself by trying the demo.
You’re the only one who can save Taleworld from an evil queen.
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 19 found this review helpful
A New Story for Nevertales
PostedNovember 8, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Alice is growing up so fast.
In the first Nevertales she was a baby, the second she was a child, and now she's all grown up in this new Nevertales game.
Alice is at work in the real world when the clockwork owl from her home appears outside her window. She takes the owl home after she learns her father is sentenced to be executed. Her mother is on the run and Alice sets out to find out what is going on.
I liked the first game as an SE, skipped the second, and am now on the proverbial fence.
I've liked the storylines for the various Nevertales games, but the game play, not so much. I find the gameplay stilted and occasionally very aggravating, especially when where you click has to be extremely precise even though the area of the object is large. The inventory is set very much at the bottom of the screen and I kept going backwards when trying to access inventory items.
For this new game the artwork is bright and clear, the mini-games varied, the HOP also changed method a bit, the short animation sequences were amusing and quick for those not into storylines as much as I am.
But there was not enough story to make me care about the outcome. I did not see enough special qualities to want to buy the CE. While I liked it, I can't recommend a game I am not buying.
Try the demo and see what you think.
In the first Nevertales she was a baby, the second she was a child, and now she's all grown up in this new Nevertales game.
Alice is at work in the real world when the clockwork owl from her home appears outside her window. She takes the owl home after she learns her father is sentenced to be executed. Her mother is on the run and Alice sets out to find out what is going on.
I liked the first game as an SE, skipped the second, and am now on the proverbial fence.
I've liked the storylines for the various Nevertales games, but the game play, not so much. I find the gameplay stilted and occasionally very aggravating, especially when where you click has to be extremely precise even though the area of the object is large. The inventory is set very much at the bottom of the screen and I kept going backwards when trying to access inventory items.
For this new game the artwork is bright and clear, the mini-games varied, the HOP also changed method a bit, the short animation sequences were amusing and quick for those not into storylines as much as I am.
But there was not enough story to make me care about the outcome. I did not see enough special qualities to want to buy the CE. While I liked it, I can't recommend a game I am not buying.
Try the demo and see what you think.
A shadow from the Gray family's past has returned for revenge. Can you save your family from their worst nightmares?
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 18 found this review helpful
Doing the Dance of Joy Here!
PostedNovember 6, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yes, I really am.
This game has a wonderful storyline that is helped along at every step with drawings, photos, memory books, letters, notes, and sketches.
And once you are in that story, there are interactive and varied HOPs, good mini-games, and wonderful locations to explore, along with many collectibles and morphing objects in addition to the usual CE goodies.
This may be the best of this series of games. And it's definitely a contender for game of the year.
If you think I'm gushing, I'll stop and go back to the dance of joy!
This game has a wonderful storyline that is helped along at every step with drawings, photos, memory books, letters, notes, and sketches.
And once you are in that story, there are interactive and varied HOPs, good mini-games, and wonderful locations to explore, along with many collectibles and morphing objects in addition to the usual CE goodies.
This may be the best of this series of games. And it's definitely a contender for game of the year.
If you think I'm gushing, I'll stop and go back to the dance of joy!
I recommend this game!