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:
Save a missing family from an infamous haunted house!
Overall rating
2
/
5
27 of 31 found this review helpful
Once Again, Apologies To E.A.P. For Abuse of a Dead Author!
PostedDecember 18, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromThis is like rewriting The Pit & The Pendulum featuring a golf green and a letter opener.
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
Luisa and Mark have moved into a house reputed to be the gateway to the dead. Their daughter, Lilly, has been possessed by evil spirits. The entire family has disappeared and local authorities have wimped out on their investigation. You have joined Dupin to enter the house and look for evidence of what happened.
Any similarities between this game and E.A.P.'s short story, "Morella" begin and end with the name. Once again the Devs have played fast and loose with E.A.P.' s work with this unfortunate and now predictable result.
Good stuff: This game has everything you would expect from a sub-par HO game.
Bad news: It's a collectors edition with little bling and a minimal story that features game play that is a basic reproduction of bits and pieces of the earlier Dark Tales games. The characters, artwork, and progress through the game are all going to give you a wicked sense of deja vu.
Please try the demo before committing to this turkey.
Any similarities between this game and E.A.P.'s short story, "Morella" begin and end with the name. Once again the Devs have played fast and loose with E.A.P.' s work with this unfortunate and now predictable result.
Good stuff: This game has everything you would expect from a sub-par HO game.
Bad news: It's a collectors edition with little bling and a minimal story that features game play that is a basic reproduction of bits and pieces of the earlier Dark Tales games. The characters, artwork, and progress through the game are all going to give you a wicked sense of deja vu.
Please try the demo before committing to this turkey.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save the holidays before it’s too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 23 found this review helpful
They'd Have Done Better If they Had Watched the Movie!
PostedDecember 15, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromSanta was one of the fairies that have visited OZ, frequently.
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
Dorothy, who you may remember spent all of The Wizard of OZ movie trying to get home to Auntie Em and Uncle Henry, is ready to run off for Christmas in OZ, leaving the old folks alone for the holiday.
Naturally there will be trouble before the celebration can even begin. Dorothy will have to find the missing Christmas presents and decorations before there can be a celebration.
Right here let me point out that the Devs did not read an OZ book - there are more than two dozen - nor have they seen The Wizard of OZ movie, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Those three references would have given them a wealth of material to work with.
As it is, the Devs have fired the Guardian of the Gate and hired Clutch to fetch Dorothy. He crash lands at Dorothy's farm house and she gets to repair his balloon. And we're off.
Good stuff: The HOPs have a Match 3 alternative. There are mini-games and puzzles. You will find collectibles and missing drawer handles in almost every scene - there are three different collectibles. The drawer handles are just a nuisance. You have Toto as a helper. (You may have noticed he was a singularly quiet dog in the movie. Not so much in this game.)
Bad stuff: Not only is the artwork highly over colored, but it is strangely fuzzy and/or blurry. Every scene, closeup, and game takes a bit to load up, reminding us of how far we've come in game mechanics. Can someone please tell this company about the recent advances?
I'd jump on my high horse about the logic flaws, but after you find your second pair of scissors and make a reindeer hoof, you'll have your own list.
Suffice it to say, there is not much Christmas and sadly little accurate OZ in this game. Please play the Demo for yourself before, well, you know...
Naturally there will be trouble before the celebration can even begin. Dorothy will have to find the missing Christmas presents and decorations before there can be a celebration.
Right here let me point out that the Devs did not read an OZ book - there are more than two dozen - nor have they seen The Wizard of OZ movie, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Those three references would have given them a wealth of material to work with.
As it is, the Devs have fired the Guardian of the Gate and hired Clutch to fetch Dorothy. He crash lands at Dorothy's farm house and she gets to repair his balloon. And we're off.
Good stuff: The HOPs have a Match 3 alternative. There are mini-games and puzzles. You will find collectibles and missing drawer handles in almost every scene - there are three different collectibles. The drawer handles are just a nuisance. You have Toto as a helper. (You may have noticed he was a singularly quiet dog in the movie. Not so much in this game.)
Bad stuff: Not only is the artwork highly over colored, but it is strangely fuzzy and/or blurry. Every scene, closeup, and game takes a bit to load up, reminding us of how far we've come in game mechanics. Can someone please tell this company about the recent advances?
I'd jump on my high horse about the logic flaws, but after you find your second pair of scissors and make a reindeer hoof, you'll have your own list.
Suffice it to say, there is not much Christmas and sadly little accurate OZ in this game. Please play the Demo for yourself before, well, you know...
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your sister on the Day of the Dead?
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 26 found this review helpful
Today We Save The Locals From The Demon Soul Fishers
PostedDecember 11, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromI don't want to save any of these people!
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
1
/
5
Your sister sends you a postcard welcoming you home in time for the Day of the Dead Festival after you have lost your job. You arrive to find you are expected to work your stay off by making decorations for the fiesta, such as a marigold wreath and a decoratively painted sugar skull. Having completed your tasks, you hop in a fisherman's boat and are almost capsized in the lake on the way to the island where the festival will occur. Luckily you plug the hole, help bail, and arrive at the island in time to see demons descend on the populace.
Good stuff: There are HOPs, mini-games/puzzles, colorful artwork, collectible scorpions, and assorted CE bling.
Bad stuff: My usual gripe about the logic: Sister dear greeted you already dressed for the festival. As soon as you decorate a wreath with marigolds, she leaves you to work out the sugar skull and takes a boat to the island. You have to repair the amulet out of your suitcase, the one your sister had given it to you before you left home. You need to use it to open a diary that has been at the house all the while you were gone. Naturally a replacement piece for the amulet is waiting on a shelf for you. The good news is the recipe for the sugar skull is in that book. If you hadn't come home with the amulet, the festival would have been a bust!
By the time I had greased something with hand cream, used a diorama wheel for a heavy cart, and blown a door open with the insides of a large firework wrapped in paper, I was ready to run from the slowly moving story that had actually not told me what was going on!
There was a puzzle diorama that told a story about an Aztec Princess and her Prince. They are both now dead and, in theory, reunite for the one night of this festival. But that does not help with the current crisis.
The demon soul fishers have joined the festival and are harvesting the local residents.
There seems no connection between the Aztecs, the opening animation of a figure that wants to eliminate death, and the rapidly dwindling population trying to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
Since there seemed no reason to continue, I was quite relieved when the Demo ended so quickly.
If I have to choose between Eipix's more usual dark artwork and a good story, versus bright artwork and an MIA story, I would pick the dark. At least a coherent story might put some sense into this muddle.
Please play the Demo for your self.
Good stuff: There are HOPs, mini-games/puzzles, colorful artwork, collectible scorpions, and assorted CE bling.
Bad stuff: My usual gripe about the logic: Sister dear greeted you already dressed for the festival. As soon as you decorate a wreath with marigolds, she leaves you to work out the sugar skull and takes a boat to the island. You have to repair the amulet out of your suitcase, the one your sister had given it to you before you left home. You need to use it to open a diary that has been at the house all the while you were gone. Naturally a replacement piece for the amulet is waiting on a shelf for you. The good news is the recipe for the sugar skull is in that book. If you hadn't come home with the amulet, the festival would have been a bust!
By the time I had greased something with hand cream, used a diorama wheel for a heavy cart, and blown a door open with the insides of a large firework wrapped in paper, I was ready to run from the slowly moving story that had actually not told me what was going on!
There was a puzzle diorama that told a story about an Aztec Princess and her Prince. They are both now dead and, in theory, reunite for the one night of this festival. But that does not help with the current crisis.
The demon soul fishers have joined the festival and are harvesting the local residents.
There seems no connection between the Aztecs, the opening animation of a figure that wants to eliminate death, and the rapidly dwindling population trying to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
Since there seemed no reason to continue, I was quite relieved when the Demo ended so quickly.
If I have to choose between Eipix's more usual dark artwork and a good story, versus bright artwork and an MIA story, I would pick the dark. At least a coherent story might put some sense into this muddle.
Please play the Demo for your self.
I don't recommend this game.
Awakened from centuries of slumber, you must save the future!
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 29 found this review helpful
Dark and Foreboding - Happy Holidays!
PostedDecember 11, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromIn a warm house, staring out at blowing snow and staying put!
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
Ezar, Lord of the Dark World, long ago defeated by the last Ancient One, is heck bent on destroying the Tree of Life and merging the Dark World with the Real World. Jack and his wife, Anabel, wake you from centuries of sleep to save the world.
You play as the Ancient One.
Good Stuff: HOPs, mini-games, and another demon bent on destroying the world are included along with collectibles and CE bling. Collectibles include morphing items and dragon footprints. The footprints, as you collect them, can be seen in the Grimoire. Each time you have enough, you will be able to assemble a simple puzzle and get a picture and information on the creatures in the game. The Grimoire is a magical book that provides potions and spells that you need as you progress through the game.
Bad stuff: The challenge is missing in the demo. The HOPs and mini-games are sometimes almost childish.
The logic flaws are egregious in this game. You arrive by portal in a city, at the edge of a river, next to a two story house. Inside the house a child is calling for help. You stare helplessly up at the second story window, where the child is. Then you spot a broken bridge above the house, where an elevated train car is stuck. So you just hop up there, grab an emergency ladder on the outside of the train car and climb up to the window! Later you return to the train, stick your arm through a broken glass window to insert a ticket in a machine inside the car! The door whacks open, presumably shredding your arm in the process!
There's more, but I want to save you some amusement while you are trying the demo!
I can't imagine why they rushed this one to release before Christmas. Someone must have felt we would need a balance to any cheery holiday feelings.
I pass.
Please try the demo yourself.
You play as the Ancient One.
Good Stuff: HOPs, mini-games, and another demon bent on destroying the world are included along with collectibles and CE bling. Collectibles include morphing items and dragon footprints. The footprints, as you collect them, can be seen in the Grimoire. Each time you have enough, you will be able to assemble a simple puzzle and get a picture and information on the creatures in the game. The Grimoire is a magical book that provides potions and spells that you need as you progress through the game.
Bad stuff: The challenge is missing in the demo. The HOPs and mini-games are sometimes almost childish.
The logic flaws are egregious in this game. You arrive by portal in a city, at the edge of a river, next to a two story house. Inside the house a child is calling for help. You stare helplessly up at the second story window, where the child is. Then you spot a broken bridge above the house, where an elevated train car is stuck. So you just hop up there, grab an emergency ladder on the outside of the train car and climb up to the window! Later you return to the train, stick your arm through a broken glass window to insert a ticket in a machine inside the car! The door whacks open, presumably shredding your arm in the process!
There's more, but I want to save you some amusement while you are trying the demo!
I can't imagine why they rushed this one to release before Christmas. Someone must have felt we would need a balance to any cheery holiday feelings.
I pass.
Please try the demo yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Accompany Diana as she chases the thief of an ancient artifact into another world in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 22 found this review helpful
Better Late Than Never
PostedDecember 10, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromImitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It does not pertain to copying your own games.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This time Diana is sucked into a portal. She ends up in the distant past. She must help to stop a demon, Rhitoris.
Good stuff: The artwork is lovely, even when it is slightly blurry.
The HOPs, mini-games, puzzles, collectibles, and CE bling are here.
Bad stuff: Diana is doing everything again. She's already traveled by portal into an ancient civilization. She's already fought her way back home. Most of the game is slow and the challenge is MIA.
Why not a new time? Or a new place?
I urge you to try the Demo for yourself. There are better ways to relax during the holiday season than playing a very average game with no challenge.
Good stuff: The artwork is lovely, even when it is slightly blurry.
The HOPs, mini-games, puzzles, collectibles, and CE bling are here.
Bad stuff: Diana is doing everything again. She's already traveled by portal into an ancient civilization. She's already fought her way back home. Most of the game is slow and the challenge is MIA.
Why not a new time? Or a new place?
I urge you to try the Demo for yourself. There are better ways to relax during the holiday season than playing a very average game with no challenge.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you break an evil curse and save the day?!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 33 found this review helpful
Not a "Christmas" Game, But Still Fun!
PostedDecember 8, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromI can play this and still think about gifts to give at the same time!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
When is a Rose not a rose? When she is really a bewitched Bride. An evil witch invited herself to the wedding of Prince Edward and his bride, Rose. Before their knot could be tied, the witch had enchanted everyone, bridal couple, attendants, guests, and servants. You arrived so quickly after the disaster that the witch is still in the garden, but even so, you must work swiftly to save the wedding from her evil intentions.
Work as fast as you can - the bride is starting to wilt!
Good stuff: This is a really beautifully drawn game, as bright and light as the season. The story moves along with lots of collectibles, good HOPs, mini-games, and puzzles. You have a fox helper, originally the best man, who feeds you story bits and is eager to help end the enchantment. He's cute, but not overbearingly so and does a couple things that are helpful in the demo.
Bad stuff: A couple of the game instructions are badly written. And a fairy tale, no matter how charming in execution, is not a Christmas story.
Bottom line: If you are looking for an amusing, well-done, bright little game to while away the dark winter afternoon, you have found it. If you are looking for a warm, feel-good, Holiday tale, keep trying.
Either way, I'd recommend the Demo as a pretty way to spend some time.
Work as fast as you can - the bride is starting to wilt!
Good stuff: This is a really beautifully drawn game, as bright and light as the season. The story moves along with lots of collectibles, good HOPs, mini-games, and puzzles. You have a fox helper, originally the best man, who feeds you story bits and is eager to help end the enchantment. He's cute, but not overbearingly so and does a couple things that are helpful in the demo.
Bad stuff: A couple of the game instructions are badly written. And a fairy tale, no matter how charming in execution, is not a Christmas story.
Bottom line: If you are looking for an amusing, well-done, bright little game to while away the dark winter afternoon, you have found it. If you are looking for a warm, feel-good, Holiday tale, keep trying.
Either way, I'd recommend the Demo as a pretty way to spend some time.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a dangerous specter from destroying the opera?
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 9 found this review helpful
Only One Question Remains: Were Julia and Andrea Twins?
PostedDecember 4, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromSome performance - three actors, a costumer, a dummy and a ghost.
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
There is a story here, just one in which we don't get to have a share. So here's what we know:
A man gets mugged in a subway station. A girl named Julia will be starring in an opera. Another actor, Clementine, criticizes her voice. There is a male actor in the play, a carriage on stage, and a dummy in the audience. Julia's sister, Andrea, also an opera singer, committed suicide according to a newspaper article. There may be a ghostly presence hovering around the theater.
If that coveys a story to you, you are a better man than I, Gunga Din.
Good Stuff: Artwork is OK. VO's are also fine. HOPs are present along with lots of mini-games/puzzles. There are thirty collectible musical notes and assorted CE bling.
Bad stuff: Let's get the elephant in the room out of the way first: The story is pretty much MIA.
And of course the usual logic flaws leave you scratching your head: My sewing kit is in the dressing room when I arrive and the scissors are in a wall cabinet before I've opened the kit. Then I "fix" the costume front with a piece of fabric in a different color, after assuring myself that it matches and rip stitches out of the back and don't restore them.
At this point I would say that the Devs missed several opportunities. The theater, with an opening performance imminent, should have been bustling with characters - all of whom could have contributed to the story and helped develop some interest in what is happening. And no Costumer worth their salt would have cut stitches in the back of Julia's costume, fixed the front, and left those broken stitches to rip further when the costume is worn.
I'll leave you to pinpoint the glaring continuity flaw that follows.
It would have made sense to have a director, stagehands, and other actors to whisper a little gossip as the new arrival moved around the building. As the game story exists, I don't know or care about what's happening.
Please play the demo before you decide to add this new DM series entry to your collection.
A man gets mugged in a subway station. A girl named Julia will be starring in an opera. Another actor, Clementine, criticizes her voice. There is a male actor in the play, a carriage on stage, and a dummy in the audience. Julia's sister, Andrea, also an opera singer, committed suicide according to a newspaper article. There may be a ghostly presence hovering around the theater.
If that coveys a story to you, you are a better man than I, Gunga Din.
Good Stuff: Artwork is OK. VO's are also fine. HOPs are present along with lots of mini-games/puzzles. There are thirty collectible musical notes and assorted CE bling.
Bad stuff: Let's get the elephant in the room out of the way first: The story is pretty much MIA.
And of course the usual logic flaws leave you scratching your head: My sewing kit is in the dressing room when I arrive and the scissors are in a wall cabinet before I've opened the kit. Then I "fix" the costume front with a piece of fabric in a different color, after assuring myself that it matches and rip stitches out of the back and don't restore them.
At this point I would say that the Devs missed several opportunities. The theater, with an opening performance imminent, should have been bustling with characters - all of whom could have contributed to the story and helped develop some interest in what is happening. And no Costumer worth their salt would have cut stitches in the back of Julia's costume, fixed the front, and left those broken stitches to rip further when the costume is worn.
I'll leave you to pinpoint the glaring continuity flaw that follows.
It would have made sense to have a director, stagehands, and other actors to whisper a little gossip as the new arrival moved around the building. As the game story exists, I don't know or care about what's happening.
Please play the demo before you decide to add this new DM series entry to your collection.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you catch a murderer that’s terrorizing a local university?
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 13 found this review helpful
If Average is OK, This Game's Almost for You!
PostedDecember 3, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromSad City, State of Disappointment
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
You play as famous mystery writer Miss Douglas, invited to elite Discipulus University to receive a Life Time Achievement Award in Literature for your books. You are picked up at the airport by a student, Oliver, who has you hangglide from a nearby ridge into the campus at night. As if the hang gliding at night is not strange enough, the equipment will need to be constructed/repaired before this craziness continues. Shortly thereafter you meet the acting head of the university, Bradley Dawson, who seems to want to convey something secret to you. He leaves you clues, including a message in a fortune cookie written in invisible ink. Within minutes of your meeting, he is murdered.
Good stuff: All the usual game elements are here as well as collectibles and CE bling. The artwork is beautiful and crisp.
Bad stuff: Apparently Professor Bradley knew he would be murdered and set up the entire campus to help you out!
I do not jest.
Prof. Bradley hid a small chest for you to find amulets to open compartments on. In one compartment is an Allen wrench to use on the old bike hanging in the campus cafe. You can use the rusty chain off the bike to fix the broken bridge between the administration building and the frat and sorority houses to further your investigation. Since the bridge did not break till after the Prof.'s death, he really must have been psychic!
At this point you may have deduced that I am less than impressed with the logic behind this mystery story. Kudos to you.
And how I wish that was the only problem!
The HOPs are varied and several of the interactive ones are just disappointing and needed "hint" help. Right behind them in this regrettable list were the puzzles/mini-games. Several had such bad instructions, they could have been eliminated entirely and players would have managed better.
The bottom line was a deep disappointment at being unable to guess at what I needed to do several times.
This new entry in the DR series follows the pattern of the previous games - they are either 4-5 star wonders or 2 star flatliners.
Please try the demo for yourself.
Good stuff: All the usual game elements are here as well as collectibles and CE bling. The artwork is beautiful and crisp.
Bad stuff: Apparently Professor Bradley knew he would be murdered and set up the entire campus to help you out!
I do not jest.
Prof. Bradley hid a small chest for you to find amulets to open compartments on. In one compartment is an Allen wrench to use on the old bike hanging in the campus cafe. You can use the rusty chain off the bike to fix the broken bridge between the administration building and the frat and sorority houses to further your investigation. Since the bridge did not break till after the Prof.'s death, he really must have been psychic!
At this point you may have deduced that I am less than impressed with the logic behind this mystery story. Kudos to you.
And how I wish that was the only problem!
The HOPs are varied and several of the interactive ones are just disappointing and needed "hint" help. Right behind them in this regrettable list were the puzzles/mini-games. Several had such bad instructions, they could have been eliminated entirely and players would have managed better.
The bottom line was a deep disappointment at being unable to guess at what I needed to do several times.
This new entry in the DR series follows the pattern of the previous games - they are either 4-5 star wonders or 2 star flatliners.
Please try the demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
When the clock strikes, London shall burn!
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 41 found this review helpful
I'd Give One More Star Without the Typos and Stumbles!
PostedNovember 30, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromThe "great" detective is robbed only minutes into the game?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The Big Ben Tower is set to open and there is trouble afoot. The Clockmaker has called you in after threats on his life and dire warnings of disasters to come. You arrive to interview him, only to see him die within a few feet of your carriage. Determined to investigate, you head into the crowd to interview a witness, only to have the Clockmaker's briefcase stolen from out of your hands. The case has begun. Good luck, detective!
Good Stuff: Varied HOPs, mini-games and puzzles, good artwork, well done VO's and characterizations, and a good story. There are collectibles and morphing objects hidden throughout the game and additional CE bling. You will have a notebook, with the opportunity to make deductions and form conclusions in it. There's a special matching puzzle for your fist fight.
Bad stuff: It would have been wonderful if someone had edited this game before release for things like calling a chaiN in the park HOP a chaiR. Or having the magnesium the detective needed for his camera being hidden in a statue in the park, with the necklace used to open the statue being left where the villain was to pick up the briefcase. So does that mean the villain hid the magnesium? Or did the detective leave it for himself in case he ever needed it in the park?
When the detective's hand is marked by the villain, the mark is switched to the opposite hand when he falls in the river.
It's these moments that stop the game illusion and bring me up short. Please make them stop.
Basically the game is good and will be added to my collection. I found the story and the intricate background interesting and very well done. I just wish they had taken one more look at it before its release. If you want players to investigate a crime, you need to pay attention to details.
Please try the demo before you buy.
Good Stuff: Varied HOPs, mini-games and puzzles, good artwork, well done VO's and characterizations, and a good story. There are collectibles and morphing objects hidden throughout the game and additional CE bling. You will have a notebook, with the opportunity to make deductions and form conclusions in it. There's a special matching puzzle for your fist fight.
Bad stuff: It would have been wonderful if someone had edited this game before release for things like calling a chaiN in the park HOP a chaiR. Or having the magnesium the detective needed for his camera being hidden in a statue in the park, with the necklace used to open the statue being left where the villain was to pick up the briefcase. So does that mean the villain hid the magnesium? Or did the detective leave it for himself in case he ever needed it in the park?
When the detective's hand is marked by the villain, the mark is switched to the opposite hand when he falls in the river.
It's these moments that stop the game illusion and bring me up short. Please make them stop.
Basically the game is good and will be added to my collection. I found the story and the intricate background interesting and very well done. I just wish they had taken one more look at it before its release. If you want players to investigate a crime, you need to pay attention to details.
Please try the demo before you buy.
I recommend this game!
Can you restore balance to the world tree in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 7 found this review helpful
I Can Watch a Soap Opera on TV & Skip the Norse Gods
PostedNovember 30, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromWhy would you want to destroy the Nine Worlds if you live there?
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
1
/
5
Actually that's not fair. A soap opera would be more understandable, as usually you soon know who's the bad guy.
In this new chapter of the Saga, four Stags groom the base of the Tree of Life. Some villain has taken the Stags away from the Tree of Life and you and your group of heroes will have to find the Stags across the nine worlds and return them to the base of the Tree.
The opening of the game shows the Stags being taken by unknown forces. The action shifts to the village where you are staying with the other heroes and Odin. There is an attack by demonic creatures. Once the creatures are defeated after a series of inane tasks, everyone in your group sets off for different worlds, except for the hero that takes the Stag found near the village back to the Tree. From that point on, you will play as whichever of the heroes was sent to the world you must currently work your way through.
Good stuff: Several of the HOPs were very like the opening of the first game in the series, so much so, I had to check the game title. The puzzles looked rustic, but familiar. The artwork was often dazzling in it's complexity and beauty.
Bad stuff: I am still confused by the running use of rune signs and stylized letters. If your use of Norse Mythology is from left field, why cram the lettering down our throats? The story moved glacially slowly, when it did move, which was seldom.
If we had some vague idea - beyond that someone is trying to destroy the Nine Worlds idea - we might care what is going on. Unfortunately, the stark idea that I have to save the world again is not particularly attractive.
I pass.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
In this new chapter of the Saga, four Stags groom the base of the Tree of Life. Some villain has taken the Stags away from the Tree of Life and you and your group of heroes will have to find the Stags across the nine worlds and return them to the base of the Tree.
The opening of the game shows the Stags being taken by unknown forces. The action shifts to the village where you are staying with the other heroes and Odin. There is an attack by demonic creatures. Once the creatures are defeated after a series of inane tasks, everyone in your group sets off for different worlds, except for the hero that takes the Stag found near the village back to the Tree. From that point on, you will play as whichever of the heroes was sent to the world you must currently work your way through.
Good stuff: Several of the HOPs were very like the opening of the first game in the series, so much so, I had to check the game title. The puzzles looked rustic, but familiar. The artwork was often dazzling in it's complexity and beauty.
Bad stuff: I am still confused by the running use of rune signs and stylized letters. If your use of Norse Mythology is from left field, why cram the lettering down our throats? The story moved glacially slowly, when it did move, which was seldom.
If we had some vague idea - beyond that someone is trying to destroy the Nine Worlds idea - we might care what is going on. Unfortunately, the stark idea that I have to save the world again is not particularly attractive.
I pass.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.