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 series of robberies takes a deadly and supernatural turn!
Overall rating
2
/
5
36 of 45 found this review helpful
Please Advise
PostedFebruary 15, 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
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
You are a formerly retired detective apparently called out - again - to help a friend. People are being robbed. There is a sketch of a suspect. After you arrive, there is a murder.
You start investigating, much like all the recent games. there are achievements to collect, all of which the game awarded me in an annoying and continuous stream, even though I had not earned most of them. There are HOS and minigames, much like all the recent games.
There are the usual moments when you ask yourself, "What were they thinking?"
Like the murderer so anxious to escape, he dives out a window and then you find him strolling casually down the street, repeatedly, till he gets annoyed that you are following him.
Or like the local authority who called you in, locks every gate behind himself, but leaves you to make your own keys, or better yet, file, break, or jimmy the locks open.
Lucky you.
The only twist is the jeweler's invention you appropriate from beside his lifeless body. It creates items from blueprints, charged crystals, and assorted items you collect as needed.
There is lovely artwork, an interactive map, diary, and the usual CE perks.
But they are just not enough.
I like a good story. There is none. I like some character development. There is none. I like a reason to finish the game. There is none.
It has potential that was not carried out.
Please be sure to try before you buy.
And then tell me how to rate a game I just don't care about?
You start investigating, much like all the recent games. there are achievements to collect, all of which the game awarded me in an annoying and continuous stream, even though I had not earned most of them. There are HOS and minigames, much like all the recent games.
There are the usual moments when you ask yourself, "What were they thinking?"
Like the murderer so anxious to escape, he dives out a window and then you find him strolling casually down the street, repeatedly, till he gets annoyed that you are following him.
Or like the local authority who called you in, locks every gate behind himself, but leaves you to make your own keys, or better yet, file, break, or jimmy the locks open.
Lucky you.
The only twist is the jeweler's invention you appropriate from beside his lifeless body. It creates items from blueprints, charged crystals, and assorted items you collect as needed.
There is lovely artwork, an interactive map, diary, and the usual CE perks.
But they are just not enough.
I like a good story. There is none. I like some character development. There is none. I like a reason to finish the game. There is none.
It has potential that was not carried out.
Please be sure to try before you buy.
And then tell me how to rate a game I just don't care about?
I don't recommend this game.
Young Andrea suddenly collapsed, falling into a coma. Now her fate rests on an experiment that dives deep into minds.
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 24 found this review helpful
Demo Reviewed
PostedFebruary 5, 2014
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Mom working, happy child comes in, goes to play. Mom rushes out, child in coma. Mom opts for experimental procedure to wake daughter.
Now that is what I call a minimalist storyline.
There are three levels of difficulty, reasonable art work, annoying music and background noises, and interactive HOGs. There's the usual journal, map, and the added back and forth of going into your daughter's mind and returning to the real world. Sometimes there were voice overs, sometimes you read dialog.
Samo, samo. Nothing here is cutting edge, or even up to current standards. There is no wow factor.
I don't expect every game to be the Next Big Thing, but there has to be some reason to buy it. The story was not involving enough to care. There weren't any innovative or unusual game play moments to pull me in. The Hogs were well lit, items not too difficult to find. Minigames were just that - mini games.
I suspect that this is another game that languished in the vault till there came a day with nothing good to be the new release of the day. I saw more than a few things in the HOGs that were very old school. (Like a floppy disk and a large simple cell phone in the HOGs.)
I'm thinking that for the sake of quality, I would forgo the mediocre game of the day in favor of the better game of the week.
Just in case you will disagree, please play the trial game.
As for me, I'll replay something better from last week/month/year.
Now that is what I call a minimalist storyline.
There are three levels of difficulty, reasonable art work, annoying music and background noises, and interactive HOGs. There's the usual journal, map, and the added back and forth of going into your daughter's mind and returning to the real world. Sometimes there were voice overs, sometimes you read dialog.
Samo, samo. Nothing here is cutting edge, or even up to current standards. There is no wow factor.
I don't expect every game to be the Next Big Thing, but there has to be some reason to buy it. The story was not involving enough to care. There weren't any innovative or unusual game play moments to pull me in. The Hogs were well lit, items not too difficult to find. Minigames were just that - mini games.
I suspect that this is another game that languished in the vault till there came a day with nothing good to be the new release of the day. I saw more than a few things in the HOGs that were very old school. (Like a floppy disk and a large simple cell phone in the HOGs.)
I'm thinking that for the sake of quality, I would forgo the mediocre game of the day in favor of the better game of the week.
Just in case you will disagree, please play the trial game.
As for me, I'll replay something better from last week/month/year.
I don't recommend this game.
When a new romance blossoms, the door to mystery opens in Love Alchemy!
Overall rating
4
/
5
29 of 37 found this review helpful
Good eyesight required!
PostedDecember 31, 2013
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The story here is more intriguing than you would get from the intro. You are invited to the overseas castle of an artist you met online. You find yourself alone when he leaves on business and you go exploring. And soon you find yourself opening hidden safes, exploring secret passages and dungeons, and rescuing enchanted maidens left entrapped by, most possibly, your beloved.
There are two difficulty levels, not overly annoying music, basic HOS, a variety of mini-games, good artwork, and an interactive map that lets you travel around more quickly. The hint is sometimes helpful outside of the HOS, but not always. You'll do a lot of reading in the intro and of notes you find.
There is a lot of potential here. The story is interesting and there is not an excessive amount of hand holding. BUT the HOS items and even the list of items to search for are VERY tiny. I have a huge oversized monitor and the printed items list had letters an eighth of an inch high on that. I am sure this is not a game I'd even try on my laptop.
But for a story with potential and a new and beautiful castle to explore, I'll invest in a good magnifying glass!
There are two difficulty levels, not overly annoying music, basic HOS, a variety of mini-games, good artwork, and an interactive map that lets you travel around more quickly. The hint is sometimes helpful outside of the HOS, but not always. You'll do a lot of reading in the intro and of notes you find.
There is a lot of potential here. The story is interesting and there is not an excessive amount of hand holding. BUT the HOS items and even the list of items to search for are VERY tiny. I have a huge oversized monitor and the printed items list had letters an eighth of an inch high on that. I am sure this is not a game I'd even try on my laptop.
But for a story with potential and a new and beautiful castle to explore, I'll invest in a good magnifying glass!
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 18 found this review helpful
And I did!
PostedDecember 10, 2013
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Basics: Art work is fair; HOS is almost blurry, definitely dim; story is minimal to the point of obscurity; sound is better muted, only two game levels, and a non interactive map.
I started out in a forgiving frame of mind. I was ready to forgive much. So mother and daughter apparently wandering aimlessly in an old decrepid car that seems to stay to the center of the road, why not? They stop into a diner that looks questionable at best, start back out on the road, road boobytrapped, car crashes. I was still with them, at least till I had to play the first HOS twice and the second time I clicked on objects in the wrong order and couldn't finish it.
Not yet discouraged, I entered a new name and tried again.
It did not get any better. There was no visible fog, only deary scenes of rusted, dirty, abandoned objects. The story, if fleshed out with more interesting and three dimensional characters, might have kept me at it for longer. As it was I just wanted to run screaming into the fog, if I could have found some. Luckily I remembered I could delete. And I did.
I started out in a forgiving frame of mind. I was ready to forgive much. So mother and daughter apparently wandering aimlessly in an old decrepid car that seems to stay to the center of the road, why not? They stop into a diner that looks questionable at best, start back out on the road, road boobytrapped, car crashes. I was still with them, at least till I had to play the first HOS twice and the second time I clicked on objects in the wrong order and couldn't finish it.
Not yet discouraged, I entered a new name and tried again.
It did not get any better. There was no visible fog, only deary scenes of rusted, dirty, abandoned objects. The story, if fleshed out with more interesting and three dimensional characters, might have kept me at it for longer. As it was I just wanted to run screaming into the fog, if I could have found some. Luckily I remembered I could delete. And I did.
I don't recommend this game.
You're called to a health spa in the Alps, where an evil professor has something terrible in mind for his unwitting patients.
Overall rating
5
/
5
27 of 33 found this review helpful
Candidate For Game of the Year!
PostedDecember 8, 2013
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
For me it is always about the story-and this one is top notch.
As a detective for the Agency of Anomalies, you are asked to look for a husband asking for a divorce while in a sanitarium.
Once there you find you will have to help some of the other patients too. You will enter the patients' subconscious to help them, entering an eerie alternate twisted world.
There are several levels of challenge, beautiful art work, lots of different types of HOS, good mini games, an interactive map, and decent music, as well as most of the usual CE extras.
After some disappointing recent game releases from well known developers, this stands out as a well thought out, challenging, beautifully produced entry in an established series.
Enjoy!
As a detective for the Agency of Anomalies, you are asked to look for a husband asking for a divorce while in a sanitarium.
Once there you find you will have to help some of the other patients too. You will enter the patients' subconscious to help them, entering an eerie alternate twisted world.
There are several levels of challenge, beautiful art work, lots of different types of HOS, good mini games, an interactive map, and decent music, as well as most of the usual CE extras.
After some disappointing recent game releases from well known developers, this stands out as a well thought out, challenging, beautifully produced entry in an established series.
Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
One night the ghost of President Lincoln appears, asking for your help. Can you find the hidden Confederate treasure?
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 24 found this review helpful
Almost up to previous MM Standards
PostedSeptember 29, 2013
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
President Lincoln's spirit pops into your study late one night. He wants your help in finding a treasure hidden during the Civil War. His idea is that the undiscovered treasure could be used in your own time by terrorists for sabotage.
There is much of the look and feel of the previous MM games. The developers need to have the confidence in their own abilities to move ahead rather than sitting on someone else's laurels.
The art work has much the same look as the previous games. It was not stellar then either.
The minigames are mostly simple and occasionally embarrassingly easy. (Try the one where the notes of the piano music are highlighted on the keys as you play them.)
The HOS are HOS.
I don't mind the changes in dialogue and I had forgotten that Lincoln and Jesse James were contemporaries. We don't often think of the "Wild West," Gold Rushes, and the Civil War going on at the same time.
Mostly this is a worthy entry into the MM series, with the possibility of great strides in the next one!
There is much of the look and feel of the previous MM games. The developers need to have the confidence in their own abilities to move ahead rather than sitting on someone else's laurels.
The art work has much the same look as the previous games. It was not stellar then either.
The minigames are mostly simple and occasionally embarrassingly easy. (Try the one where the notes of the piano music are highlighted on the keys as you play them.)
The HOS are HOS.
I don't mind the changes in dialogue and I had forgotten that Lincoln and Jesse James were contemporaries. We don't often think of the "Wild West," Gold Rushes, and the Civil War going on at the same time.
Mostly this is a worthy entry into the MM series, with the possibility of great strides in the next one!
I recommend this game!
With a perfectly chilling atmosphere and beautifully crafted scenes, Into the Haze will provide a fantastic, horror-filled experience that you'll never forget!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 9 found this review helpful
Maybe if it were free.....
PostedSeptember 25, 2013
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I am the first to tell you I like a good story.
You won't find that here. In fact no one seems to know this story, even the characters.
You wake up in the night to a call from your brother, following a nightmare about your sister-in-law. Only your journal says you tried to call, got no answer and are rushing out to his house. Huh?! And is it your daughter? No, your niece. Are you alarmed that the house is boarded up and a derelict car stands in the drive? No, not even when the sister-in-law of the nightmare says she's staying elsewhere and you should let yourself in.
Well, never mind. Maybe the actual game play will improve. Okay, so I'm gullible.
I need a sharp thin object to get something out of a crack. Can I use the knife in my inventory? No, this calls for specialized equipment - an awl. Great, now I get to be frustrated too.
I finished the demo in half the allotted time and the few puzzles were directed toward success - on one of them I could only move pieces correctly and it took less than six moves.
The art work and other mechanics are decent but not great.
The HOS are bland, straight list and easy enough to do without the list since there is no clicking penalty.
There is no map of any kind, so lots of back and forth.
There is little hope for lengthy game play if I can finish the demo in half the time.
There are so many better games out that you may want to think twice about this one, even on sale or with a freebee.
At least try it for yourself before you buy.
You won't find that here. In fact no one seems to know this story, even the characters.
You wake up in the night to a call from your brother, following a nightmare about your sister-in-law. Only your journal says you tried to call, got no answer and are rushing out to his house. Huh?! And is it your daughter? No, your niece. Are you alarmed that the house is boarded up and a derelict car stands in the drive? No, not even when the sister-in-law of the nightmare says she's staying elsewhere and you should let yourself in.
Well, never mind. Maybe the actual game play will improve. Okay, so I'm gullible.
I need a sharp thin object to get something out of a crack. Can I use the knife in my inventory? No, this calls for specialized equipment - an awl. Great, now I get to be frustrated too.
I finished the demo in half the allotted time and the few puzzles were directed toward success - on one of them I could only move pieces correctly and it took less than six moves.
The art work and other mechanics are decent but not great.
The HOS are bland, straight list and easy enough to do without the list since there is no clicking penalty.
There is no map of any kind, so lots of back and forth.
There is little hope for lengthy game play if I can finish the demo in half the time.
There are so many better games out that you may want to think twice about this one, even on sale or with a freebee.
At least try it for yourself before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Discover what connects the ship’s disappearance with Devil’s Island and a family’s unsolved murder!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
It IS a dark and scary tale...
PostedAugust 28, 2013
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
And it IS! This one definitely has that dark spooky threatening atmosphere down to a T. And if that was all I was looking for, we'd be at five stars.
I was nervous out on the deck, so heading into the dim ship's interior was scary. The artwork was very well done. But. You knew there was a but, didn't you?
I had enough clues to solve the mystery and just did not care beyond the trial of the game, which I finished well ahead of the hour.
So here's the mechanics: 3 levels of play to choose from, lockable inventory bar, detailed journal with your objectives, hint that functions outside of the HOS, interactive map shows your available actions and transports you there. Lots of puzzles, not too tough. HOS are not terrifically challenging, are typical junkpile, but do have some color to them. VOs are fairly good. And cutscenes were also fairly good.
As usual, the storyline was the pitfall. I wanted more mystery, less obvious outcome. Just once it would be great to have a hero/heroine who was actually smart. (So when the harbourmaster gave her a lantern to help her light her way on the ship, it would have been nice if she at least held on to it to the end of the pier.) And electric ells inside a boat that has been thoroughly inspected? Not to mention the hole in the side of it? And (spoiler alert)no one inspecting the boat noticed survivors/bodies?
Please take a look at this and try before you buy. As for me, not even a free credit would tempt me this time.
I was nervous out on the deck, so heading into the dim ship's interior was scary. The artwork was very well done. But. You knew there was a but, didn't you?
I had enough clues to solve the mystery and just did not care beyond the trial of the game, which I finished well ahead of the hour.
So here's the mechanics: 3 levels of play to choose from, lockable inventory bar, detailed journal with your objectives, hint that functions outside of the HOS, interactive map shows your available actions and transports you there. Lots of puzzles, not too tough. HOS are not terrifically challenging, are typical junkpile, but do have some color to them. VOs are fairly good. And cutscenes were also fairly good.
As usual, the storyline was the pitfall. I wanted more mystery, less obvious outcome. Just once it would be great to have a hero/heroine who was actually smart. (So when the harbourmaster gave her a lantern to help her light her way on the ship, it would have been nice if she at least held on to it to the end of the pier.) And electric ells inside a boat that has been thoroughly inspected? Not to mention the hole in the side of it? And (spoiler alert)no one inspecting the boat noticed survivors/bodies?
Please take a look at this and try before you buy. As for me, not even a free credit would tempt me this time.
I don't recommend this game.
Dark Manor: A Hidden Object Mystery
The bayou. The roaring 1920’s. A supernatural secret. Step into Dark Manor, where ghostly hosts will help you find your way! Beautify your manor today!
Overall rating
2
/
5
265 of 281 found this review helpful
Maybe I was playing a different game...
PostedAugust 23, 2013
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
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Maybe I was playing a different game, at least that is the only reason I can see for the two "glowing" reviews before me.
Or perhaps I am holding a free game to too high a standard.
Here it is in a nut shell: Did you play "Gardenscapes," "Chronicles of Albian," or "Dream Inn: Driftwood?" Then you've pretty much been here, done this.
No strong story line, no levels to choose from, dark backgrounds with hard to see items and an odd scanning method to look around a scene. The dialogue may be considered witty or even amusing. You can connect with a friend to play through Facebook. There is a long list of potential achievements, mostly centering around the "currency" you earn/collect to improve your mansion and grounds . The hint recharges very fast. I just object to the dark searches and lack of anything that pulls me in.
I can only recommend this as a pure HOG. And would warn you that I never found a way to leave the game from inside it. I had to get out and then close the window. Not cool, People.
Strangely enough I would rather pay for something more challenging and enjoyable than play this freebee.
Or perhaps I am holding a free game to too high a standard.
Here it is in a nut shell: Did you play "Gardenscapes," "Chronicles of Albian," or "Dream Inn: Driftwood?" Then you've pretty much been here, done this.
No strong story line, no levels to choose from, dark backgrounds with hard to see items and an odd scanning method to look around a scene. The dialogue may be considered witty or even amusing. You can connect with a friend to play through Facebook. There is a long list of potential achievements, mostly centering around the "currency" you earn/collect to improve your mansion and grounds . The hint recharges very fast. I just object to the dark searches and lack of anything that pulls me in.
I can only recommend this as a pure HOG. And would warn you that I never found a way to leave the game from inside it. I had to get out and then close the window. Not cool, People.
Strangely enough I would rather pay for something more challenging and enjoyable than play this freebee.
I don't recommend this game.
A doctor has mysteriously vanished from a psychiatric clinic, and it’s up to you, hypnotist Maya Anderson, to solve the mystery!
Overall rating
1
/
5
8 of 15 found this review helpful
Say WHAT!?
PostedJuly 3, 2013
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I'm clear on the Adventure games being different than HOGS. But This game started in the middle With two characters on a public conveyance of indeterminate type. I tried to go back to a menu, and was asked if I wanted to loose my progress? What progress? I didn't have anything to I've been playing various genres of games for years.
I think of myself as a fairly average player.
But the time I spent on this one was pure and simple frustration.
I came back to the web sight to read some of the reviews thinking maybe this downloaded badly. Maybe it would get better.
Surprise! It's not me - it's the game.
Goodbye, Game!
I think of myself as a fairly average player.
But the time I spent on this one was pure and simple frustration.
I came back to the web sight to read some of the reviews thinking maybe this downloaded badly. Maybe it would get better.
Surprise! It's not me - it's the game.
Goodbye, Game!
I don't recommend this game.