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:
Agent Sarah, famous police detective, is called by the Chief of Police to solve yet another unsolvable crime in this captivating hidden object adventure game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
21 of 27 found this review helpful
It's All in Your Mind!
PostedAugust 20, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromDemos are available for a reason. This game is a good reason.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I am, of course, referring to the story in this junk pile HOG.
The dialogue, such as it is, is read on-screen. The music can be turned on or off in settings. There are no levels of play and you won't have your name in this game. The HOPs are varied with names, sillouettes, jumbled words, etc. and each scene is played repeatedly till you earn five stars. Scenes are a mix of photos and drawings. There will be a brief puzzle in between sections of the "story."
Frankly, I bailed after going through a couple of the locations.
Boredom overcame me and I left for greener pastures, i.e. a game with better artwork, story, and game play.
This game needs a preview before you commit to it.
Please play the demo.
The dialogue, such as it is, is read on-screen. The music can be turned on or off in settings. There are no levels of play and you won't have your name in this game. The HOPs are varied with names, sillouettes, jumbled words, etc. and each scene is played repeatedly till you earn five stars. Scenes are a mix of photos and drawings. There will be a brief puzzle in between sections of the "story."
Frankly, I bailed after going through a couple of the locations.
Boredom overcame me and I left for greener pastures, i.e. a game with better artwork, story, and game play.
This game needs a preview before you commit to it.
Please play the demo.
Can you stop a dangerous foe from turning art against the realms?
Overall rating
3
/
5
24 of 44 found this review helpful
That Last Broken Lense Was The Straw That......
PostedAugust 19, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromOK is not good enough when there are hundreds of better games!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The Guardians are called upon to help the people of a small town that are being turned to amber. Your uncle is sucked into a portal to the town and is also turned to amber. Luckily you have the Vermin Catcher, a device to banish evil green webs associated with evil magic. It also breaks after each use and won't help with the amber problem.
You will have your Mechanical Owl to help also - until he shatters in his second flight.
You'll need all the luck you can muster!
You will have your Mechanical Owl to help also - until he shatters in his second flight.
You'll need all the luck you can muster!
Good stuff: All the usual game elements wrapped up with a load of CE bling and an almost OK story.
Bad stuff: Why would you want to take along an instrument or piece of equipment that breaks after each use? The Vermin Catcher is your cross to bear in this story. And no matter how often you "happen" upon another lense for the Vermin Catcher, it is still a dicey piece of equipment.
About that story: I would have been happier if we skipped the evil entity running amuck, again, and just worked with the sisters' rivalry.
About that story: I would have been happier if we skipped the evil entity running amuck, again, and just worked with the sisters' rivalry.
Bottom line: It is what it is. I found too much in this new chapter of the Guardians saga that was a retread of dozens of other games.
You need to play the demo for yourself. You may see something you like. I didn't.
A murder investigation uncovers ancient secrets and dark magic!
Overall rating
2
/
5
19 of 29 found this review helpful
Pieces, Pieces, Pieces and Many More With Potions on the Side
PostedAugust 18, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromTime for St. Germaine to retire!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The cardinal is sending you out once again after a plea from a local doctor when young girls have been found murdered in his town.
Once again you will be three steps behind St. Germaine as he runs amuck.
Once again you will be three steps behind St. Germaine as he runs amuck.
Good stuff: There are HOPs, mini-games/puzzles, collectibles, and a story, along with a collection of CE bling.
Bad stuff: Let's start with something basic - Our "morphing" objects are not morphing at all. They fade in and out of the scenes without morphing at all.
I did not keep a count of the pieces I found, but the quantity surpassed any nightmares I might have. And I was aware that there were still pieces of the doctor's bag as well as the duchess's fountain to be found, in addition to a piece from the town square griffin statue's plaque.
I have never heard a player express eagerness over having to make a potion. Between the potions and their ingredients and the massive quantity of amulet/key pieces to be found, I was delighted when the demo ended.
I did not keep a count of the pieces I found, but the quantity surpassed any nightmares I might have. And I was aware that there were still pieces of the doctor's bag as well as the duchess's fountain to be found, in addition to a piece from the town square griffin statue's plaque.
I have never heard a player express eagerness over having to make a potion. Between the potions and their ingredients and the massive quantity of amulet/key pieces to be found, I was delighted when the demo ended.
Bottom line: We've been here, we've done this, and you may not want to do it again.
Please try the demo before you take the plunge into this pile of pieces and potions.
I don't recommend this game.
As Avenlee Courtwald, a young writer, uncover the mystery behind a tragic murder.
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 12 found this review helpful
I Like To Think They Meant Well!
PostedAugust 15, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromBeach was great. I want to go back!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
We all know what to expect from a Hiddenverse game - lots of junk piles to sort through and very little story. Hiddenverse: The Ominous Opus will not be a surprise to any player as it follows previous series games in both respects.
I was surprised by the bad English translations and grammar. I do a lot of editing and it was painful to read the on-screen dialogue.
The artwork was all right and a lot of the objects in the HOPs will be familiar to those of us who have played previous Hiddenverse games. Most players will also recognize the stars to be collected and spent to proceed in the game.
So what we have here is a badly written/translated minimalist story, static characters, and the expected junk piles to be sorted out.
I pass.
Try it for yourself, as you may find it more to your liking.
I was surprised by the bad English translations and grammar. I do a lot of editing and it was painful to read the on-screen dialogue.
The artwork was all right and a lot of the objects in the HOPs will be familiar to those of us who have played previous Hiddenverse games. Most players will also recognize the stars to be collected and spent to proceed in the game.
So what we have here is a badly written/translated minimalist story, static characters, and the expected junk piles to be sorted out.
I pass.
Try it for yourself, as you may find it more to your liking.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a dangerous cloaked assailant before it’s too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
45 of 63 found this review helpful
E.A.P. Spins In His Grave Again!
PostedJuly 25, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromHeading out for vacation at the beach - almost gone!!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Dupin is back, taking you to the Phoenix Estate in response to an anonymous letter claiming the owner will be killed at midnight. Once there, you will collect two or more of everything you find to open locks on everything to find more items to collect to open more locks, etc.
Good stuff: The artwork is beautiful, the HOPs are better than usual, there are morphing items to find, and a nice assortment of CE Bling.
Bad stuff: Once again E.A.P. has been rewritten. Does anyone on this development team understand the concept of a world renown author? Why don't they just write something new and leave E.A.P. to rest in peace?
Other than the character names from the short story, "Ligeia," and the title, there is little resemblance between this game and the story. They could have given Dupin his own game series. I'm sure he would be just as smug.
Other than the character names from the short story, "Ligeia," and the title, there is little resemblance between this game and the story. They could have given Dupin his own game series. I'm sure he would be just as smug.
Bottom line: This is an average game with a so-so story and the usual game progression we've come to expect from Dark Tales.
Please play the demo and decide for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Solve puzzles and search for hidden clues to find out who is responsible for the King's untimely death.
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Slow Moving Game with Minimal Story
PostedJuly 24, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromHeading out for vacation at the beach!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
You receive a message that your father has died and you must return to your kingdom immediately. Once home, you will go to various locations to look for a few items in each place. There is a zoom feature as some items will be very tiny without it.
Basically there is little story, just a few lines to send you to look for the next items. You will get coins to get what you need if it is not something you must find.
I was ready to get out in a surprisingly short time even though I have several of the Far Kingdoms games. This whole game seemed like it was designed for small children, except my short people rejected it as too simple.
Please try the demo for yourself.
Basically there is little story, just a few lines to send you to look for the next items. You will get coins to get what you need if it is not something you must find.
I was ready to get out in a surprisingly short time even though I have several of the Far Kingdoms games. This whole game seemed like it was designed for small children, except my short people rejected it as too simple.
Please try the demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
If all the world is a stage, what role do YOU play? Solve the Ivory Cane mystery to find out!
Overall rating
3
/
5
39 of 47 found this review helpful
Adventure into Murder Without HOPs
PostedJuly 24, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromHeading out for vacation at the beach!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
You are suspected of murdering your beloved, Sasha, and you have no idea what is going on. You seem to have one mysterious stranger who will help you and seems to believe you are innocent.
You escape out the window of the room you shared with Sasha and set out to find the friends you left her with last night. Hopefully they can tell you what happened.
You escape out the window of the room you shared with Sasha and set out to find the friends you left her with last night. Hopefully they can tell you what happened.
Unfortunately everyone you meet will expect you to do do one or more favors to get the least help they can give you.
There will be plenty of puzzles and those old pop-up segments to fill with the items you collect to get something you need when they combine.
There will be plenty of puzzles and those old pop-up segments to fill with the items you collect to get something you need when they combine.
The story is as mysterious as you could wish and the stranger as ambiguous as can be. Is he really on your side? Or setting you up?
The puzzles are OK. and there are ten elephants to find across the scenes of the game. The artwork is also nicely done.
The puzzles are OK. and there are ten elephants to find across the scenes of the game. The artwork is also nicely done.
This is an OK SE game. I just got tired of running back and forth and having no clue what to do. You may enjoy it a great deal more than I.
Please try the Demo to see for yourself.
Can you stop a dangerous band of criminals from destroying the city?
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 43 found this review helpful
This Is How Average Can Be Bad
PostedJuly 21, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromThe implication, especially in this chapter would have you believe that there are enough tatooed citizens to reach a crisis point with the local citizens. In this medium sized city, that would be 1000's of people. How long was that guy in business?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is the third game in The Andersen Accounts series. They should have stopped at one. The basic premise of magical tattoos that endow their owners with "powers" is not bad, just the handling of it in this series!
This time you are asked to check on your girlfriend's younger sister. She was to audition at a theater and has not been heard from since an aborted phone call earlier in the day. Aren't you lucky?
This game has all the usual facets included. There is CE bling. The artwork is evenly colored and well-drawn.
I have plenty of games that are average with a wonky story.
I have plenty of average games with a good story.
I have plenty of really good games.
I have plenty of average games with a good story.
I have plenty of really good games.
Why would I want to pay for this one?
Please try the demo - you may find a reason to see more.
Please try the demo - you may find a reason to see more.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a criminal you can’t always see?
Overall rating
2
/
5
39 of 53 found this review helpful
You'll be Blue After Playing This Demo, In More Ways Than One!
PostedJuly 19, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromAlong with the constant rain, I was distracted by the pieces of cloth that were "hidden" in almost every cache that our detective opened.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
By now you've gotten the basic plot of this new entry in the Secret City Series: Criminal wants to steal artifacts to get at the most powerful artifact of them all, the Heart of London.
Unfortunately everything about this game is unbalanced. From the artwork to the characters, nothing seems to have been thought out, with the biggest blooper being the story.
To keep this review brief, I'll stick to one scene: You have broken out of a cell in the basement of the villians' headquarters and reached the room where the leader is threatening his captives. You will walk into the room, play puzzles, inspect everything, and even go through to another room while he and his victims ignore you - maybe they were blinded by the fuzzy over-colored artwork!
The Secret City will once again be dripping with rain and excess blue, purple and green ink. There will be lots of puzzles, some HOPs, odd characters, and a slow-as-molasses in the Arctic progression of the story along with an assortment of CE bling.
The basic premise for the Secret City series is clever, with several different races of magic beings co-existing with humans in London. It saddens me that the stories are so ill-conceived, badly colored, and disjointed. I know Domini Games can do better.
Please try the demo.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a powerful foe from taking over Paris?
Overall rating
4
/
5
31 of 47 found this review helpful
Paris Made Pretty
PostedJuly 12, 2019
Granny_Gruff
fromCan you imagine any museum allowing patrons to scavange through their exhibits in a quest for parts of an artifact?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Young Hawkes is back for another adventure with Phineas, this time in Paris. An old friend of Phineas has asked for help as she provides security for a new exhibit at the museum. Playing as young Hawkes, you arrive at the museum in Phineas' hot air balloon shortly after it opens. Within minutes, the central display case is looted of the Spirit Stone. The Stone will work only with the three special stones hidden around the museum. You will need to secure those three stones to keep them from the thief, so he can't use them with the Spirit Stone.
Good stuff: Stellar artwork, HOPs, and mini-games/puzzles are the drawing card for this new Vermillion Watch Adventure from Eipix. There are morphing objects in the HOPs and Sun signs in the scenes along with the collection of typical CE bling. The settings in Victorian Era Paris are not only beautifully drawn, they are also exquisitely colored.
Bad stuff: The story is OK, average at best. Just try not to think too deeply about it, concentrate on the views, and enjoy something we've all been hoping for: a new GOOD game from Eipix.
Bottom line: This entry in the Vermillion Watch series should earn a better average rating than the last couple and rightly so.
I usually play for the story, but sometimes another factor pulls me in. This time it is the talents of Eipix's graphic artists.
I usually play for the story, but sometimes another factor pulls me in. This time it is the talents of Eipix's graphic artists.
Please try the demo for yourself.
I recommend this game!