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:
When his sister is murdered, you must prove your nephew’s innocence!
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 22 found this review helpful
Better than I hoped!
PostedMay 17, 2014
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
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've really liked The Grim Tales series. The storylines have always been good at drawing you into the game. This one is no exception. There has been some unexplainable fiddling with character names. (If you want the same vibe but totally different story and characters, fine. But same vibe and almost the same elements? Just a bit confusing!)
Luckily the same finesse with a storyline is here, so you quickly forget the anomalies and run with the story.
You are called into court to give evidence at your nephew's trial for the murder of his sister. You are able to visit the past by handling the evidence in the case, only this time, something is not quite right. There is something more going on and you have to work out what that is.
The challenge is as great as you want it to be with three levels of play. The audio elements are appropriate to the scenes, artwork is well done, the puzzles and HOS are challenging enough, and, of course, there are the usual CE elements along with the interactive map, diary, and some extra clues and statuary to collect for information on the mystery and the family.
I've been waiting for a game I wanted enough to pay full price to play it - this is the one! Enjoy!
Luckily the same finesse with a storyline is here, so you quickly forget the anomalies and run with the story.
You are called into court to give evidence at your nephew's trial for the murder of his sister. You are able to visit the past by handling the evidence in the case, only this time, something is not quite right. There is something more going on and you have to work out what that is.
The challenge is as great as you want it to be with three levels of play. The audio elements are appropriate to the scenes, artwork is well done, the puzzles and HOS are challenging enough, and, of course, there are the usual CE elements along with the interactive map, diary, and some extra clues and statuary to collect for information on the mystery and the family.
I've been waiting for a game I wanted enough to pay full price to play it - this is the one! Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
For adventurer Helen Stone, the biggest adventure is yet to come!
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 11 found this review helpful
Adventure Away!
PostedMay 14, 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
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is a relatively old-school adventure game. You find stuff, and carry it around till you find where it goes. You "talk" to the other people and do them favors. You play many mini games.
You will battle evil and save the world - just be sure you try before you buy.
The graphics on my super large monitor were NOT impressive. I think the grittiness was there to impart reality. It just looked gritty to me. The voice-overs were well done, but the skinny characters bordered on being stick figures. There are no HOS, but lots of mini-games. You cannot skip the dialog as the characters tell you what to do, what to collect, and where to go.
If you like pure OLD adventure, this one is for you. I don't.
You will battle evil and save the world - just be sure you try before you buy.
The graphics on my super large monitor were NOT impressive. I think the grittiness was there to impart reality. It just looked gritty to me. The voice-overs were well done, but the skinny characters bordered on being stick figures. There are no HOS, but lots of mini-games. You cannot skip the dialog as the characters tell you what to do, what to collect, and where to go.
If you like pure OLD adventure, this one is for you. I don't.
I don't recommend this game.
Set out with Bella in search of her brother through the pages of well-known novels and true stories.
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 6 found this review helpful
OK
PostedMay 10, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Everything about this game is OK. The artwork, the storyline, the HOS, the mini-games are all OK, just like hundreds of other games out there.
The story starts out with your dream about your missing brother, progresses on to your search which leads you to enter into a series of adventures inside books. The potential is there. If only the execution followed the premise, we could all be excited.
I wish there had been more to this game, but just having the basics will not make a good CE any more. It might be acceptable for an SE.
For a slightly old-fashioned HO game that relies heavily on it's map, basic HOS's with little interaction, fairly repititious mini-games, and static characters, this game is OK. And if you are looking for an OK game, you found it - just try before you buy.
The story starts out with your dream about your missing brother, progresses on to your search which leads you to enter into a series of adventures inside books. The potential is there. If only the execution followed the premise, we could all be excited.
I wish there had been more to this game, but just having the basics will not make a good CE any more. It might be acceptable for an SE.
For a slightly old-fashioned HO game that relies heavily on it's map, basic HOS's with little interaction, fairly repititious mini-games, and static characters, this game is OK. And if you are looking for an OK game, you found it - just try before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Jane Angel has mysteriously vanished and it's up to her sister to untangle the sophisticated conspiracy and uncover the truth about the family's ancient past.
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 15 found this review helpful
Replace the staff, and start with the translator!
PostedMay 5, 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
2
/
5
Demo review: Storyline is confusing at best. I suspect two programers arguing over how much info to give out in the demo and we all lost.
Sister Jane has disappeared. You suddenly find yourself on a ship in the 1500's in shackles and surrounded by really dumb sailors, with apparently a demon on the loose.
Good news: the HOPs are not junk piles.
Bad news: They cover two or more scenes of controlled chaos with occasionally badly translated items to find. (For instance: A lily, a flower, is not a fleur de li, a stylized symbol, which is what you are meant to find.)
The only diary you have is a collection of papers and maps you find on the ship and in other scenes. Sometimes your directions are deceptive, possibly due to the unfortunate abilities, or lack thereof, of that translator.
There is no map, which makes sense, as you are apparently in a ship that changes around you continuously.
The only mini-games were repetitious and unimaginative.
The minimal animation is stilted and characters so bad they were almost funny. The dialogue sound level seemed to waver between loud for one character and barely a whisper for another during the same conversation.
Someday when this is on special and I am really bored, I may give it another whack,but it's doubtful.
There is very little to recommend this game, unless you want a throw-back to ten years ago!
Sister Jane has disappeared. You suddenly find yourself on a ship in the 1500's in shackles and surrounded by really dumb sailors, with apparently a demon on the loose.
Good news: the HOPs are not junk piles.
Bad news: They cover two or more scenes of controlled chaos with occasionally badly translated items to find. (For instance: A lily, a flower, is not a fleur de li, a stylized symbol, which is what you are meant to find.)
The only diary you have is a collection of papers and maps you find on the ship and in other scenes. Sometimes your directions are deceptive, possibly due to the unfortunate abilities, or lack thereof, of that translator.
There is no map, which makes sense, as you are apparently in a ship that changes around you continuously.
The only mini-games were repetitious and unimaginative.
The minimal animation is stilted and characters so bad they were almost funny. The dialogue sound level seemed to waver between loud for one character and barely a whisper for another during the same conversation.
Someday when this is on special and I am really bored, I may give it another whack,but it's doubtful.
There is very little to recommend this game, unless you want a throw-back to ten years ago!
I don't recommend this game.
After searching for five years, Princess found her mother – only to have her kidnapped right before her eyes!
Overall rating
3
/
5
31 of 35 found this review helpful
Again?
PostedMay 1, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Once again it's all here: artwork, music, HOS, mini-games and a story. And I'm just not in to it.
Yes, Princess is back. And this game plays much as the original Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues did: little logic and lots of running around. Four levels of difficulty, morphing objects, and the usual imaginary storybook kingdom, this time with lots of skulls and skeletons. The Map is interactive, thankfully and there is a cliff hanger to the game trial.
There is nothing new, innovative, or cutting edge here.
You start out with decent animation and loose it quickly. The music is fine in very tiny doses. There is a lot more story included in this trial, for which I am dually grateful. I would have been more grateful if it was not dark, depressing, and did not look like things would get worse.
I won't be paying CE prices for this one, so I can't recommend it. The game was interesting enough that I may try again with the SE. I did like the original game, Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues, much more as an SE. Please: try before you buy.
Yes, Princess is back. And this game plays much as the original Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues did: little logic and lots of running around. Four levels of difficulty, morphing objects, and the usual imaginary storybook kingdom, this time with lots of skulls and skeletons. The Map is interactive, thankfully and there is a cliff hanger to the game trial.
There is nothing new, innovative, or cutting edge here.
You start out with decent animation and loose it quickly. The music is fine in very tiny doses. There is a lot more story included in this trial, for which I am dually grateful. I would have been more grateful if it was not dark, depressing, and did not look like things would get worse.
I won't be paying CE prices for this one, so I can't recommend it. The game was interesting enough that I may try again with the SE. I did like the original game, Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues, much more as an SE. Please: try before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Professor Ashmore, the same man who so kindly took you in and raised you as his own has been murdered. It’s up to you to find out why, but are you prepared for what truths may be uncovered?
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 23 found this review helpful
Ho Hum
PostedApril 30, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Another game, much like those that have gone before it.
You are the ward of a scientist. He found you on an island and took care of you as a child. He is dead, apparently killed by his assistant/colleague. You go to investigate.
And from that point on, it's all a sense of been there, done this.
There are two difficulty levels, decent artwork, brooding music, and the usual opening problems. It just all seems somewhat dated from some of the newest games.
You may live here but have no key and can't open the mail box. (At least this time the car didn't crash at the gate.) I find a convenient crowbar to open the mailbox, a key hiding on a statue, and we're off!
Every step is accompanied by twelve additional things you have to do to proceed, as usual. Nothing is too hard, no puzzle too difficult. The storyline is not particularly inviting or engaging. There is an interactive map, the usual bonus items, morphing objects in some of the HOS, but no strategy guide.
Part way into the trial I just didn't care anymore. And this is the second time I've tried this game - I had to consult my notes to see that the first time I was so bored, I never finished!
So please be sure to try this before you buy - perhaps you will be more intrigued than I was. (I gave it three stars as it is not offensive, but I can't recommend a game I wouldn't play.)
You are the ward of a scientist. He found you on an island and took care of you as a child. He is dead, apparently killed by his assistant/colleague. You go to investigate.
And from that point on, it's all a sense of been there, done this.
There are two difficulty levels, decent artwork, brooding music, and the usual opening problems. It just all seems somewhat dated from some of the newest games.
You may live here but have no key and can't open the mail box. (At least this time the car didn't crash at the gate.) I find a convenient crowbar to open the mailbox, a key hiding on a statue, and we're off!
Every step is accompanied by twelve additional things you have to do to proceed, as usual. Nothing is too hard, no puzzle too difficult. The storyline is not particularly inviting or engaging. There is an interactive map, the usual bonus items, morphing objects in some of the HOS, but no strategy guide.
Part way into the trial I just didn't care anymore. And this is the second time I've tried this game - I had to consult my notes to see that the first time I was so bored, I never finished!
So please be sure to try this before you buy - perhaps you will be more intrigued than I was. (I gave it three stars as it is not offensive, but I can't recommend a game I wouldn't play.)
I don't recommend this game.
Discover a story of mysterious kidnappings of both children and mafiosi.
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
Fun and Games in the Real World!
PostedApril 19, 2014
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
I do like Fantasy and, obviously, people disappearing and leaving green goo and butterflies behind is not the real world. But New York is a real place and the game is interesting for bringing us into more realistic settings than we've been getting lately.
There are a few dark corners, but the dark corners are not everywhere and add to the challenge.
There are LOTS of pluses to this game, the biggest being the variety of settings, HOPs, and mini-games. Yes, the music is not great, but there is an easy fix for that. Most everything else is top drawer, most especially the storyline.
Everything is not what it seems. Yes the bad guys are disappearing, but so are small children, and that is only the beginning of what promises to be a really great mystery. Where is this adventure leading us? I am definitely going to purchase this game and find out. Try the trial and see if you don't want to find out too!
There are a few dark corners, but the dark corners are not everywhere and add to the challenge.
There are LOTS of pluses to this game, the biggest being the variety of settings, HOPs, and mini-games. Yes, the music is not great, but there is an easy fix for that. Most everything else is top drawer, most especially the storyline.
Everything is not what it seems. Yes the bad guys are disappearing, but so are small children, and that is only the beginning of what promises to be a really great mystery. Where is this adventure leading us? I am definitely going to purchase this game and find out. Try the trial and see if you don't want to find out too!
I recommend this game!
Track down the wily Fox’ before he slips away into the beauty of Venice!
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 30 found this review helpful
Ho, Hum
PostedApril 18, 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
2
/
5
And this is evidence of the great divide.
There are those of us that expect great artwork, good sound, reasonably challenging puzzles and HOS, and a good storyline.
Then there are those of us just as willing to accept mediocre everything because it's new.
And pretty much there you have this game!
It started with a HOP that challenged a bit outside the box - Hurray! And went downhill from there. Boo!
The characters are not locals, from the American tourist to the American souvenir clerk, although the guy on the phone sounded local for his short speech. The talking heads for the voice-overs were occasionally MIA, the puzzles weren't - puzzling that is. They were mostly procedurals - you know what has to be done and your hand is held till you do it. Sigh!
The artwork is lovely, the music is nerve wracking, the characters bland, and there is an occasionally helpful guide. On the good side, there were lots of collectibles, morphing objects, various different HOS, and those simple puzzles, as well as four difficulty levels, including the popular custom settings level.
As I am all about the storyline, I have to say that I don't care about this one. I spent the trial hoping for some hook that would make me want to buy this game. I never found it.
So once again: Please try before you buy! Maybe you'll see something I didn't.
There are those of us that expect great artwork, good sound, reasonably challenging puzzles and HOS, and a good storyline.
Then there are those of us just as willing to accept mediocre everything because it's new.
And pretty much there you have this game!
It started with a HOP that challenged a bit outside the box - Hurray! And went downhill from there. Boo!
The characters are not locals, from the American tourist to the American souvenir clerk, although the guy on the phone sounded local for his short speech. The talking heads for the voice-overs were occasionally MIA, the puzzles weren't - puzzling that is. They were mostly procedurals - you know what has to be done and your hand is held till you do it. Sigh!
The artwork is lovely, the music is nerve wracking, the characters bland, and there is an occasionally helpful guide. On the good side, there were lots of collectibles, morphing objects, various different HOS, and those simple puzzles, as well as four difficulty levels, including the popular custom settings level.
As I am all about the storyline, I have to say that I don't care about this one. I spent the trial hoping for some hook that would make me want to buy this game. I never found it.
So once again: Please try before you buy! Maybe you'll see something I didn't.
I don't recommend this game.
You've returned from school to visit your father at his famous Jazz Pepper Club during Mardi Gras, but everyone is hypnotized. Have they heard the wrong note?
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
Thank Heaven, A great game at last!
PostedApril 13, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Dark Dimensions: Somber Song Collector's Edition
(61)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wow! No matter how good the reviews paint this game, you have to try it for yourself to see what we are talking about.
You are on your way to visit your Dad's Jazz Nightclub. When you get there everyone in the building is frozen in their seats and a man rushes passed you. What's going on? That's for you to figure out!
Yes, of course the art work is beautifully done, the music so good I never even lowered the volume. Every HOS is somewhat different from the last and different from the usual ones. The games are also innovative and fun. The characters are well drawn - not just visually and with excellent VOs, but as three dimensional parts of this intriguing mystery.
This game sets a whole new standard in storyline and gaming. Please don't miss this one - especially with the sale this weekend! Great Easter Gift, BigFish - Thanks!
You are on your way to visit your Dad's Jazz Nightclub. When you get there everyone in the building is frozen in their seats and a man rushes passed you. What's going on? That's for you to figure out!
Yes, of course the art work is beautifully done, the music so good I never even lowered the volume. Every HOS is somewhat different from the last and different from the usual ones. The games are also innovative and fun. The characters are well drawn - not just visually and with excellent VOs, but as three dimensional parts of this intriguing mystery.
This game sets a whole new standard in storyline and gaming. Please don't miss this one - especially with the sale this weekend! Great Easter Gift, BigFish - Thanks!
I recommend this game!
Escape the cold incarceration of Davy Jones' brig and discover the otherworldly origins of his galleon in this thrilling Hidden Object adventure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
28 of 34 found this review helpful
Another great tale from AM
PostedMarch 27, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Dark Dimensions: Somber Song Collector's Edition
(61)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm all about the storyline and this one is great. I really enjoyed playing the first two episodes of this trilogy and can't wait to finish this one. Once again we join the central character as she battles Davy Jones on his terms to save her daughter from his eternal imprisonment.
As always the artwork is beautiful, lush backgrounds and wonderful colors. Each locale is a world of it's own, meticulously drawn.
The animation is well done and the story progresses with your help, each chapter leading you on to the next. There is a lovely logic at work here that rarely fails the player - none of that you find scisssors, but need a knife to cut paper instead, that you find in other games.
And there is an additional mystery as well. Who was the girl whose spirit appears and disappears?
There are three game levels, an interactive map, the usual diary, and a very clear strategy guide.
Three collectibles are hiding in the many scenes: seahorses, puzzle pieces, and pirate cards. Also after main game completion, there will be the usual bonus chapter and other goodies.
I've enjoyed each of the previous "Nightmares" and, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to play/dream now.
As always the artwork is beautiful, lush backgrounds and wonderful colors. Each locale is a world of it's own, meticulously drawn.
The animation is well done and the story progresses with your help, each chapter leading you on to the next. There is a lovely logic at work here that rarely fails the player - none of that you find scisssors, but need a knife to cut paper instead, that you find in other games.
And there is an additional mystery as well. Who was the girl whose spirit appears and disappears?
There are three game levels, an interactive map, the usual diary, and a very clear strategy guide.
Three collectibles are hiding in the many scenes: seahorses, puzzle pieces, and pirate cards. Also after main game completion, there will be the usual bonus chapter and other goodies.
I've enjoyed each of the previous "Nightmares" and, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to play/dream now.
I recommend this game!