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:
Ghosts, necromancers and dangerous man-eating wolves lie in wait on the Forsaken Isle. Will you still go and save Lady Annabel?
Overall rating
4
/
5
35 of 44 found this review helpful
Not Perfect, But a Giant Step in the Right Direction
PostedApril 11, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromCollectibles and Extras in an SE game - Winner!
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
In a previous century, Lady Annabel had disappeared on the island she was visiting. Her father had sent her to meet his business partner, Lord Vincent. After Lady A. vanished, wild man-eating wolves attacked the locals and the island was abandoned. You have visited after a hundred years and recent visions of Lady A., one of your ancestors, begging for your help to release her soul. Things go rapidly from bad to worse as you are snatched off your boat and stranded on a wreck in the harbour. You will have to fight the wolves and the raging warlock lord to save your life and help the spirit of Lady A.
Good stuff: Collectibles, HOPS of varying types and interaction, mini-games, and extras like wallpapers, artwork, and character stories. The story was well done and given a good bit of development, while maintaining some mystery.
Did I mention there were collectibles and extras on this standard edition game?
Bad stuff: Mini-game directions were less than helpful. The game play was reminiscent of a lot of other games.
I really like finding not only a good story, but also extras, in a standard game. Those two elements together mean a buy for my extensive game collection.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
This game is not perfect, but it is a nice little present for Gamers. You too may find a hidden gem!
Good stuff: Collectibles, HOPS of varying types and interaction, mini-games, and extras like wallpapers, artwork, and character stories. The story was well done and given a good bit of development, while maintaining some mystery.
Did I mention there were collectibles and extras on this standard edition game?
Bad stuff: Mini-game directions were less than helpful. The game play was reminiscent of a lot of other games.
I really like finding not only a good story, but also extras, in a standard game. Those two elements together mean a buy for my extensive game collection.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
This game is not perfect, but it is a nice little present for Gamers. You too may find a hidden gem!
I recommend this game!
A pearl is stolen, leading you on a worldwide chase!
Overall rating
3
/
5
28 of 35 found this review helpful
Well, It's Hidden Expedition.
PostedApril 9, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromThere are better HE series games, and there are worse. This is OK.
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
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Marco Polo has a treasure he entrusts to a valued friend as he lays dying. Friend heads off to Figi to avoid the Zambetti Family, who apparently have a grudge against Marco and Venice.
Fast forward to today and the treasure is now a large black pearl - or perhaps it is inside the pearl. The pearl has been stolen and you are the H.E.L.P. agent sent to recover it.
You arrive at the scene of the crime so fast, the thief is still around. Eventually they escape via your helicopter and you are sent a boat to help you chase them.
And that's where Eipix lost me as far as the story goes.
Think about it.
H.E.L.P. can get an agent to the crime scene before the criminals leave, but sends a boat to chase a helicopter?!!
Good Stuff: All the multi layered HOPs, mini-games, beautiful artwork, good characterizations, bits of humor, collectibles, and CE bling you've come to expect from this series.
Bad Stuff: The story is not very convincing or engaging. Why is there a vendetta still being carried out by the Zambettis hundreds of years after Marco Polo's death? There's some nonsense about a flood and nobles of the 14th century not happy about sleeping in tents, but surely that is just a smoke screen. I'll leave you to ponder the logic flaws on your own.
Frankly, I will eventually purchase this game because I usually enjoy the Hidden Expedition games. I will not buy for anything I saw in this demo. I will buy just for my hope the story will get better and an average HE game is better than any other average game.
Please try the demo for yourself.
Fast forward to today and the treasure is now a large black pearl - or perhaps it is inside the pearl. The pearl has been stolen and you are the H.E.L.P. agent sent to recover it.
You arrive at the scene of the crime so fast, the thief is still around. Eventually they escape via your helicopter and you are sent a boat to help you chase them.
And that's where Eipix lost me as far as the story goes.
Think about it.
H.E.L.P. can get an agent to the crime scene before the criminals leave, but sends a boat to chase a helicopter?!!
Good Stuff: All the multi layered HOPs, mini-games, beautiful artwork, good characterizations, bits of humor, collectibles, and CE bling you've come to expect from this series.
Bad Stuff: The story is not very convincing or engaging. Why is there a vendetta still being carried out by the Zambettis hundreds of years after Marco Polo's death? There's some nonsense about a flood and nobles of the 14th century not happy about sleeping in tents, but surely that is just a smoke screen. I'll leave you to ponder the logic flaws on your own.
Frankly, I will eventually purchase this game because I usually enjoy the Hidden Expedition games. I will not buy for anything I saw in this demo. I will buy just for my hope the story will get better and an average HE game is better than any other average game.
Please try the demo for yourself.
Only you can save the kingdom from a mysterious disease!
Overall rating
2
/
5
36 of 59 found this review helpful
Fuzzy Artwork + Bad Story + Wonky Logic = NO SALE
PostedApril 6, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromAnother game falling short of average featuring a very old tale.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The back story is a throw-back of black vs. white. You are a healer called in to help the powers that be deal with a strange illness that seems to turn victims into trees. All this done by the usual bad guy that wants to take over the kingdom. You will have a bird helper, make potions, and want to run in the opposite direction!
Good stuff: There are the expected game elements with four levels of play, a choice of easy or hard on the puzzles, and a Match 3 alternative to the HOPs. There are several different collectibles and CE bling.
Bad stuff: The artwork has a distressing tendency to fuzz out as you go from scene to scene and from scene to puzzle. There will be potions to make, each one different even though the same disease is being treated. You will need to find five ingredients and mix the potion in a special box you carry around. Your little bird helper is day-glo pink and seems very small for the things you send him to get. His color almost fades along-side the highly colored artwork of the game. (I'm not a fan.)
Then there are the logic problems.
You carry around a feather duster till you dust a tapestry in the castle, when it disappears. So you hunt up a WIG to dust a book out in the courtyard a few minutes later!
The bad guy attacks you and flies off on a dragon. You give chase by repairing a ladder, solving a zodiac puzzle, and climbing out a window so you can melt metal, fill a mold, and make a tiny horn to call the imperial gryphons to give chase!
And that, students, is how you hurry!
Somewhere in all this, I bailed.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
Good stuff: There are the expected game elements with four levels of play, a choice of easy or hard on the puzzles, and a Match 3 alternative to the HOPs. There are several different collectibles and CE bling.
Bad stuff: The artwork has a distressing tendency to fuzz out as you go from scene to scene and from scene to puzzle. There will be potions to make, each one different even though the same disease is being treated. You will need to find five ingredients and mix the potion in a special box you carry around. Your little bird helper is day-glo pink and seems very small for the things you send him to get. His color almost fades along-side the highly colored artwork of the game. (I'm not a fan.)
Then there are the logic problems.
You carry around a feather duster till you dust a tapestry in the castle, when it disappears. So you hunt up a WIG to dust a book out in the courtyard a few minutes later!
The bad guy attacks you and flies off on a dragon. You give chase by repairing a ladder, solving a zodiac puzzle, and climbing out a window so you can melt metal, fill a mold, and make a tiny horn to call the imperial gryphons to give chase!
And that, students, is how you hurry!
Somewhere in all this, I bailed.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you find your long-lost brother in time?!
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 19 found this review helpful
Logic and Intelligence Are MIA
PostedApril 2, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromTales of Terror has no terror and little tale.
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
Twenty years ago, your baby brother was kidnapped from the nursery as you played nearby. Now you are a reporter and have received a letter informing you that he has been at a local estate all this time. Do you research the estate and the owners? Do you notify authorities? Do you do anything reasonable?
Of course not.
You run right out to the estate, get drugged, handcuffed, and now will use your limited intelligence to try and escape.
There will be bloody knives, skelletons, and as many supposedly scary things as the Devs can think up.
Good stuff: The usual game elements done with varying success and some CE bling are set in a story that does NOT need to be told again.
Bad stuff: All the scary stuff isn't. The story is bland and has been told to better effect elsewhere. Mostly the game feels disjointed and ill-conceived.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
Of course not.
You run right out to the estate, get drugged, handcuffed, and now will use your limited intelligence to try and escape.
There will be bloody knives, skelletons, and as many supposedly scary things as the Devs can think up.
Good stuff: The usual game elements done with varying success and some CE bling are set in a story that does NOT need to be told again.
Bad stuff: All the scary stuff isn't. The story is bland and has been told to better effect elsewhere. Mostly the game feels disjointed and ill-conceived.
Please try the Demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you find your Maestro’s murderer in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
17 of 25 found this review helpful
Eipix Fails Again And Takes Another Series Down!
PostedApril 2, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromAnother text book example of how to kill a series!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Your teacher wins another music competition and arrives back at his studio for your lesson in time for you to murder him with the poisoned wine some "well-wisher" gave him at the competition. Naturally someone arrives as Maestro hits the floor and yells for the police. Boy, are you in trouble!
Good stuff: Multi level and interactive HOPs, mini-games, and some CE bling.
Bad stuff: Strangely colored artwork, blurry tiny objects in the HOPs, a particularly faulty story, and unattractive characters.
The plot twist is glaringly obvious and the lady protagonist is implausible. If you insist on setting your story in a particular time period, at least have a slight knowledge of the era. No young woman would have been allowed to have a "private" lesson in a male teacher's home without a chaperone, absolutely not in the evening. As for the locks and other puzzles as well as the stilted game play, I blush for Eipix.
(Do you suppose that a bad game results in tax deductions?
I have no other explanation for why Eipix should wish to kill another game series.)
Please try the Demo. Think about whether you wish to encourage this type of slip shod production.
Good stuff: Multi level and interactive HOPs, mini-games, and some CE bling.
Bad stuff: Strangely colored artwork, blurry tiny objects in the HOPs, a particularly faulty story, and unattractive characters.
The plot twist is glaringly obvious and the lady protagonist is implausible. If you insist on setting your story in a particular time period, at least have a slight knowledge of the era. No young woman would have been allowed to have a "private" lesson in a male teacher's home without a chaperone, absolutely not in the evening. As for the locks and other puzzles as well as the stilted game play, I blush for Eipix.
(Do you suppose that a bad game results in tax deductions?
I have no other explanation for why Eipix should wish to kill another game series.)
Please try the Demo. Think about whether you wish to encourage this type of slip shod production.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you beat the clock and get your life back?
Overall rating
1
/
5
39 of 52 found this review helpful
Sad Farewell to Another Series Tanked by a Bad Entry
PostedApril 2, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromText book example of how to kill a series!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Adam can change bodies with you if he can get your favorite object. As an up and coming rock star with a lucky guitar pick, you will furnish an escape as his current body is wanted for murder!
The premise showed promise till it was killed shortly into the demo when the body swap occurred BEFORE Adam got your guitar pick!
Good stuff: Usual game elements set in a mangled story.
Bad stuff: All of the magic and music you expect in a Cadenza series game has been lost in the rush to market. The story is a cascade of bits and pieces that don't add up, with enough logic lapses to make you weep.
PLEASE try the demo before you decide on this game.
The premise showed promise till it was killed shortly into the demo when the body swap occurred BEFORE Adam got your guitar pick!
Good stuff: Usual game elements set in a mangled story.
Bad stuff: All of the magic and music you expect in a Cadenza series game has been lost in the rush to market. The story is a cascade of bits and pieces that don't add up, with enough logic lapses to make you weep.
PLEASE try the demo before you decide on this game.
I don't recommend this game.
In the midst of a battle for the Academy of Alchemy, a young promising student, Eliana, is sent on a dangerous mission of retrieving three powerful artifacts, the Dragon Crystals.
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 33 found this review helpful
Surprise! It's a Another Game.
PostedMarch 26, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromIf you are evil and want to destroy the world, where will you be?
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
2
/
5
Eliana was dropped at the door of the Academy as a baby and has been there ever since. She is now sixteen and will receive her Alchemy certificate and set off to save the world with her friend, Anna.
Good stuff: HOPs with a Pair Matching alternative, minigames with fair instructions, clear artwork, and collectibles with CE bling. You will have both a fairy helper and an amulet to aid you in saving the world.
Bad stuff: Once again this series confuses Alchemy with magic and seems unsure if they really want to commit to a their tale.
There is a lot of back and forth as well as characters who try to appear sinister or mysterious. I'm also confused as to why, with an Academy full of Alchemists/Magicians/Wizards, they would send a sixteen year old child out to save the world. There is little use for carrying around a fairy helper in your inventory after the first few times she helps and there is, of course, an extra puzzle to use that amulet.
I'm passing on this third entry in the Queen's Quest series. I felt as though I was moving through thick fog while playing.
Please try the demo for yourself.
Good stuff: HOPs with a Pair Matching alternative, minigames with fair instructions, clear artwork, and collectibles with CE bling. You will have both a fairy helper and an amulet to aid you in saving the world.
Bad stuff: Once again this series confuses Alchemy with magic and seems unsure if they really want to commit to a their tale.
There is a lot of back and forth as well as characters who try to appear sinister or mysterious. I'm also confused as to why, with an Academy full of Alchemists/Magicians/Wizards, they would send a sixteen year old child out to save the world. There is little use for carrying around a fairy helper in your inventory after the first few times she helps and there is, of course, an extra puzzle to use that amulet.
I'm passing on this third entry in the Queen's Quest series. I felt as though I was moving through thick fog while playing.
Please try the demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a stone-cold monster before it's too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
26 of 38 found this review helpful
If the Basilisk is Human During the Day, How Did He Attack Dad This Afternoon?
PostedMarch 19, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromStatues, monsters, and bad guys in charge! AGAIN! I want more.
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
Since the basic premise of this game is broken during the intro, you know how thrilled I am!
You arrive home from guard training to take the place of the local missing commander and investigate reports of an attacking monster. Shortly after your arrival, the monster turns Dad to stone. The local Baron orders both an investigation and results!
But the monster, according to the local healer, Lisa, is human during the day, a monster at night, and will die at the next eclipse which will occur in two days.
Dad became a statue in broad daylight as did another local craftsman. You saw the basilisk that attacked Dad.
And, surprise, that two days till the eclipse is gone without the sun going down! You repair a boat and go across the river after the basilisk destroys the bridge and the eclipse has started by the time you get across. Talk about time flying!
Are we all confused by Devs who set up their story and then tank it?
Good stuff - all the required game elements are here, with the usual selection of time wasters and logic drainers, along with CE bling. You will have a special weapon that Dad used during his guard service which will involve extra puzzles
Bad stuff: Along with the basic sabotage of the story there were some decidedly odd things - one local guard immediately assumes, despite your uniform, that you are a bad guy and attacks. The next one that happens along after you defeat the first guard, waits while you go get your orders that Dad hid in the bar. The healer's head was floating over the cauldron after the player said she left. Also, the coachmaker's lock figurine was found under Lisa's bed.
Once again the story is disjointed and confused with little to attract us to the characters.
Beyond all that, we again have, to quote BFG, "stone-cold" statues in our story. (Hey, guys, not a good sign when they use the same phrase to describe yesterday AND today's games in their blurbs.)
I found nothing here to make me want to purchase this game. You may find something to like. Please try the Demo for yourself.
You arrive home from guard training to take the place of the local missing commander and investigate reports of an attacking monster. Shortly after your arrival, the monster turns Dad to stone. The local Baron orders both an investigation and results!
But the monster, according to the local healer, Lisa, is human during the day, a monster at night, and will die at the next eclipse which will occur in two days.
Dad became a statue in broad daylight as did another local craftsman. You saw the basilisk that attacked Dad.
And, surprise, that two days till the eclipse is gone without the sun going down! You repair a boat and go across the river after the basilisk destroys the bridge and the eclipse has started by the time you get across. Talk about time flying!
Are we all confused by Devs who set up their story and then tank it?
Good stuff - all the required game elements are here, with the usual selection of time wasters and logic drainers, along with CE bling. You will have a special weapon that Dad used during his guard service which will involve extra puzzles
Bad stuff: Along with the basic sabotage of the story there were some decidedly odd things - one local guard immediately assumes, despite your uniform, that you are a bad guy and attacks. The next one that happens along after you defeat the first guard, waits while you go get your orders that Dad hid in the bar. The healer's head was floating over the cauldron after the player said she left. Also, the coachmaker's lock figurine was found under Lisa's bed.
Once again the story is disjointed and confused with little to attract us to the characters.
Beyond all that, we again have, to quote BFG, "stone-cold" statues in our story. (Hey, guys, not a good sign when they use the same phrase to describe yesterday AND today's games in their blurbs.)
I found nothing here to make me want to purchase this game. You may find something to like. Please try the Demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop these stone-cold conspirators in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
26 of 37 found this review helpful
Stone Carver Will Recreate Your Loved Ones After Death!
PostedMarch 19, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromIf a stone parrot can fly, can a stone doberman bite through your bones?
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
Tristan, a local sculptor, makes living statues to replace dead loved ones for the people in his town. They will have the memories and skills of the deceased. Tristan is now missing and his wife, Olivia, shows up at your door - with a pigeon - to ask for your help. The pigeon is to bring her word as soon as you find Tristan.
Good stuff: Lots of orange and yellow and red scenes and all the usual game elements.
Bad stuff: I know I'm singing to the choir here but along with the usual Logic Breaks – SPOILER ALERT - Tristan is locked behind a door that requires multiple steps in two locations to open and he presumably put himself there. How did he hide all the lock pieces and puzzle bits before he closed the door? And when Olivia arrives to greet her missing hubby, why is she holding a knife and rushing to attack a STONE statue? - Or is she after the husband she was so anxious to find?
I am flummoxed by the lapses in judgment and the required actions in this game.
Most especially, why did replacing people with statues seem like a good idea?
I can't recommend what I won't purchase, but I can urge you to try this demo for yourself. Please, BEFORE you decide to buy the game.
Good stuff: Lots of orange and yellow and red scenes and all the usual game elements.
Bad stuff: I know I'm singing to the choir here but along with the usual Logic Breaks – SPOILER ALERT - Tristan is locked behind a door that requires multiple steps in two locations to open and he presumably put himself there. How did he hide all the lock pieces and puzzle bits before he closed the door? And when Olivia arrives to greet her missing hubby, why is she holding a knife and rushing to attack a STONE statue? - Or is she after the husband she was so anxious to find?
I am flummoxed by the lapses in judgment and the required actions in this game.
Most especially, why did replacing people with statues seem like a good idea?
I can't recommend what I won't purchase, but I can urge you to try this demo for yourself. Please, BEFORE you decide to buy the game.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a mystical murderer in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
35 of 63 found this review helpful
I'm Not Sure Where They Wanted To Go, But They Didn't Get There
PostedMarch 17, 2017
Granny_Gruff
fromWhat do you expect in a 5 star game? You'll need to know going in.
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
You are called in to use your "Special Abilities" to help investigate the latest in a group of serial murders. There will be mystic signs, magic, drugs, shape-shifters, vigilantes, and anything else the devs can think of to throw at you. You just follow along the trail. You find lots of evidence which the detective in charge missed, hand it over, and keep on going alone. Trouble is bound to pop up.
Good stuff: You start out with a choice of two basic modes, one lighter and one more creepy. There will be HOPs with a Match 3 alternative, puzzles, your "special power"(Which does not require a repetitious puzzle each time you use it!), two extra chapters, collectible "signs," and CE bling, along with the Mystery to solve.
Bad stuff: As the various elements are thrown at you, there will be moments when you wonder why there had to be so many bits stirred into this pot. You alone can determine if there is any sense to be made of this stew. The various game elements are familiar, just rather oddly mixed.
You will need to play the demo on this game as reading the reviews should tell you there is some conflicting messages out there when even reviewers known for their rah-rah attitudes include the word "but" in those rave reviews.
I am still not sure I want to travel this road. Please see for yourself.
Good stuff: You start out with a choice of two basic modes, one lighter and one more creepy. There will be HOPs with a Match 3 alternative, puzzles, your "special power"(Which does not require a repetitious puzzle each time you use it!), two extra chapters, collectible "signs," and CE bling, along with the Mystery to solve.
Bad stuff: As the various elements are thrown at you, there will be moments when you wonder why there had to be so many bits stirred into this pot. You alone can determine if there is any sense to be made of this stew. The various game elements are familiar, just rather oddly mixed.
You will need to play the demo on this game as reading the reviews should tell you there is some conflicting messages out there when even reviewers known for their rah-rah attitudes include the word "but" in those rave reviews.
I am still not sure I want to travel this road. Please see for yourself.