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:
Your new dream home has become a deadly nightmare!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 46 found this review helpful
Is OK enough? Is Slightly Ghostly Enough?
PostedOctober 21, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI hope the real estate agent has liability insurance!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Once again we have a confused story that was not well conceived, completely thought out, nor refined as to details.
Rachel, her two small children, niece Zoe, and husband Danny are moving into a house that they purchased, according to the game, not only sight unseen, but they've already had work done without having been inside. They have no information about the history of the house or its owners.
Is it creepy? Sort of. Will you run screaming into the night? NO.
A better question will be: Do you want to run around a purportedly haunted house to dig Rachel out of the hole she dug and jumped into?
Good stuff: If you are fond of partially decrepit houses full of boxes, paint cans, the last owner’s old furniture, and cobwebs, you'll like the artwork. There are a variety of HOPs, mini-games, a cell phone with numerous ghost apps on it, and 11 keys to find along with morphing items and some CE bling.
Bad stuff: The story is lacking in any structure, details, characterizations, and interest. The progress through the game is impeded by what is now becoming the normal lack of logic and thought - The children are told not to go upstairs where work has not been completed. So where do they get their sandwiches delivered by Mommy?
Upstairs.
Rachel runs around the house looking for a remote and batteries to power it so that she can move a TOY under the edge of the bed a few inches to the side.
She leaves her niece alone in the room where the kids disappeared into the wardrobe.
As an average game this is OK. As the thriller of the day, not so much.
There is not enough story to hold the bits and pieces together long enough to make me want to save Rachel and her family.
Please play the demo first.
Rachel, her two small children, niece Zoe, and husband Danny are moving into a house that they purchased, according to the game, not only sight unseen, but they've already had work done without having been inside. They have no information about the history of the house or its owners.
Is it creepy? Sort of. Will you run screaming into the night? NO.
A better question will be: Do you want to run around a purportedly haunted house to dig Rachel out of the hole she dug and jumped into?
Good stuff: If you are fond of partially decrepit houses full of boxes, paint cans, the last owner’s old furniture, and cobwebs, you'll like the artwork. There are a variety of HOPs, mini-games, a cell phone with numerous ghost apps on it, and 11 keys to find along with morphing items and some CE bling.
Bad stuff: The story is lacking in any structure, details, characterizations, and interest. The progress through the game is impeded by what is now becoming the normal lack of logic and thought - The children are told not to go upstairs where work has not been completed. So where do they get their sandwiches delivered by Mommy?
Upstairs.
Rachel runs around the house looking for a remote and batteries to power it so that she can move a TOY under the edge of the bed a few inches to the side.
She leaves her niece alone in the room where the kids disappeared into the wardrobe.
As an average game this is OK. As the thriller of the day, not so much.
There is not enough story to hold the bits and pieces together long enough to make me want to save Rachel and her family.
Please play the demo first.
I don't recommend this game.
Stop a strange phenomenon that could threaten the entire world!
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 35 found this review helpful
More Shadowland, More Guys in Beak-Nose Masks, More Save the World!
PostedOctober 18, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromApparently the same place I was after the first Haunted Train game or some place just like it.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
If you didn't get the message from my headline, this game incorporates bit and pieces from other recent games and another round of "Save the World" to make up the new entry in the Haunted Train series.
Olivia and Daniel are once again helping Charon. Olivia is at a museum when Charon has a disturbing vision of her being in danger. He and Daniel disembark their train in Amsterdam as rifts open in several places in town - including the museum where Olivia was working. Daniel will have to save the world along with his beloved Olivia and friend Charon. Good luck, Daniel.
Good stuff: The artwork is nice. There are the expected game elements including a special amulet Charon gives Daniel, collectible Omega signs, and some CE bling.
Bad stuff: The story is almost worse than the bad attempt at a story in the first game in the series. Everything else is so pedestrian you will be wondering why the Devs bothered.
I find the lack of any originality in any facet of the game to be sad.
If you get bored and want to keep score, it should be relatively easy to count up the many ways this game is like so many others.
Play this demo and you will be as morose as I am.
Olivia and Daniel are once again helping Charon. Olivia is at a museum when Charon has a disturbing vision of her being in danger. He and Daniel disembark their train in Amsterdam as rifts open in several places in town - including the museum where Olivia was working. Daniel will have to save the world along with his beloved Olivia and friend Charon. Good luck, Daniel.
Good stuff: The artwork is nice. There are the expected game elements including a special amulet Charon gives Daniel, collectible Omega signs, and some CE bling.
Bad stuff: The story is almost worse than the bad attempt at a story in the first game in the series. Everything else is so pedestrian you will be wondering why the Devs bothered.
I find the lack of any originality in any facet of the game to be sad.
If you get bored and want to keep score, it should be relatively easy to count up the many ways this game is like so many others.
Play this demo and you will be as morose as I am.
I don't recommend this game.
Uncover your grandfather's true identity and restore his legacy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
15 of 21 found this review helpful
Maybe Eve Needs a Hobby?
PostedOctober 17, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromHow do you suppose Grtandpa changed hie green skin color?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Eve Glover is back and this time she finds out she is part alien.
It seems dear old Grandpa, with his endless and interesting stories of another world called Arden, was just recounting tales of a place he knew intimately. Grandpa was sent to earth after having been a Guardian on Arden. He was sent with a powerful artifact that he was to guard. He has died, but Eve, living in his home, is about to become the new Guardian by default. She is called to Arden to help the people deal with a monster of their own creation, The Chalice. It was created to end war on the planet and worked well for a while - until it decided the problem causing the wars was the free will of the people of Arden.
Now it is up to the new Guardian to release the planet from the grip of the Chalice and save both Arden and Earth.
Good stuff: There are a variety of HOPs with a morphing object in each and a puzzle alternative, lots of mini-games, collectible somethings (they look like a weird trophy), a slightly better story for this series, and some CE bling.
Bad stuff: Some of those mini-games will need better instructions, but most are OK. The collectibles are in your face. Everything needs to be charged and, while the story seemed better than the last game in the series, it was just OK.
You may want to wait for the SE.
You will still really need to try the Demo and decide if you truly want to save another planet - again.
I pass.
It seems dear old Grandpa, with his endless and interesting stories of another world called Arden, was just recounting tales of a place he knew intimately. Grandpa was sent to earth after having been a Guardian on Arden. He was sent with a powerful artifact that he was to guard. He has died, but Eve, living in his home, is about to become the new Guardian by default. She is called to Arden to help the people deal with a monster of their own creation, The Chalice. It was created to end war on the planet and worked well for a while - until it decided the problem causing the wars was the free will of the people of Arden.
Now it is up to the new Guardian to release the planet from the grip of the Chalice and save both Arden and Earth.
Good stuff: There are a variety of HOPs with a morphing object in each and a puzzle alternative, lots of mini-games, collectible somethings (they look like a weird trophy), a slightly better story for this series, and some CE bling.
Bad stuff: Some of those mini-games will need better instructions, but most are OK. The collectibles are in your face. Everything needs to be charged and, while the story seemed better than the last game in the series, it was just OK.
You may want to wait for the SE.
You will still really need to try the Demo and decide if you truly want to save another planet - again.
I pass.
I don't recommend this game.
Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily is a captivating blend of hidden object challenges, puzzle solving and daring detective work.
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
Here's a Game That Didn't Leave Me Cold!
PostedOctober 14, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI'm not sure what's going on - but I want to find out!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You play as a detective on the way to a mountain resort for a long over-due rest. You are passed by a police car driving even faster than you on the icy road in a snow storm. Seconds later you swerve to avoid the cruiser and a pedestrian in the storm. When you manage to get out of your wrecked car, you find the police car empty, the policeman gone, and no sign of the man on foot. You head off towards the nearby resort, following in the policeman's footprints. Arriving there, you find him frozen to death at the gate. Your investigation starts here.
Good stuff: HOPs with a Mahjong alternative, a variety of mini-games, collectibles, intriguing evidence to collect, a convoluted and compelling story, and all bundled up in a Standard Edition game!
Bad stuff: Not every game mechanism worked as it should have on my Windows 10 PC. And we seriously need to get away from those opening vehicle crashes.
Mostly this was a nice little midweek surprise - an SE with a good story and collectibles is definitely a throwback to earlier times when players were valued by the game developers.
Please check this one out - you are sure to be entertained and may want to spring early for a little weekend entertainment.
Good stuff: HOPs with a Mahjong alternative, a variety of mini-games, collectibles, intriguing evidence to collect, a convoluted and compelling story, and all bundled up in a Standard Edition game!
Bad stuff: Not every game mechanism worked as it should have on my Windows 10 PC. And we seriously need to get away from those opening vehicle crashes.
Mostly this was a nice little midweek surprise - an SE with a good story and collectibles is definitely a throwback to earlier times when players were valued by the game developers.
Please check this one out - you are sure to be entertained and may want to spring early for a little weekend entertainment.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop history from repeating itself?
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 41 found this review helpful
Five Stars if There had Been a Diary!
PostedOctober 14, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI like the nurse. And Bluebeard's beard is - blue, that is.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Our story opens with Bluebeard being handed his new born son, who immediately grows horns and satyr legs! He is determined to have a normal healthy child and looks in his crystal ball to find a maiden with the purest soul. It shows Rachel. We next see Rachel and her fiancé, Richard, in her house, discussing the recent unwanted attention she has received from Bluebeard. At first Richard dismisses the unwanted suitor, until Bluebeard bursts in and makes threats. Next thing our lovers know Richard is in jail and Rachel is headed to the altar with Bluebeard to save Richard's life. This is the newest entry in the Dark Romance series, where you play as two different people to complete the story.
Good stuff: HOPs with a Match 3 alternative, mini-games with two challenge levels, lots of collectibles, two view points to play from, an engrossing story, great characterizations, and CE bling all combine to make the best entry yet to the Dark Romance series.
Bad stuff: Without a diary, I found bits of information flying by me - most aggravating was the disappearance of a diary that presumably had information about Bluebeard's first wife, Olivia. I'll never know what she wrote as the diary vanished before I could read it and there was no way to get back to that diary, short of restarting the game.
Hopefully you can read faster than I and will enjoy this new gem.
Give the demo a try to see what we are all raving about!
Good stuff: HOPs with a Match 3 alternative, mini-games with two challenge levels, lots of collectibles, two view points to play from, an engrossing story, great characterizations, and CE bling all combine to make the best entry yet to the Dark Romance series.
Bad stuff: Without a diary, I found bits of information flying by me - most aggravating was the disappearance of a diary that presumably had information about Bluebeard's first wife, Olivia. I'll never know what she wrote as the diary vanished before I could read it and there was no way to get back to that diary, short of restarting the game.
Hopefully you can read faster than I and will enjoy this new gem.
Give the demo a try to see what we are all raving about!
I recommend this game!
Can you escape your fate as a human experiment, or will you comply?
Overall rating
2
/
5
36 of 62 found this review helpful
Thank Heavens That's Over!
PostedOctober 10, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromNo.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
You and your coworker, Ted, have been sent for a final review of a luxury apartment tower before its demolition. Things quickly get out of hand as the two of you are separated and the true nature of the building starts to become more apparent.
This second installment in the Maze series is better than the first game. The puzzles and artwork are a notch up. Unfortunately everything else is just not.
I will have to be counted in the group that does not appreciate this type of psychological test by an aberrant computer. It is just not my type of story.
I was tired of being the mouse’s cheese in this game of cat and mouse well before the end of the Demo.
I won’t recommend anything I will not purchase. Please try the Demo before you purchase.
This second installment in the Maze series is better than the first game. The puzzles and artwork are a notch up. Unfortunately everything else is just not.
I will have to be counted in the group that does not appreciate this type of psychological test by an aberrant computer. It is just not my type of story.
I was tired of being the mouse’s cheese in this game of cat and mouse well before the end of the Demo.
I won’t recommend anything I will not purchase. Please try the Demo before you purchase.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your best friend before it's too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
41 of 49 found this review helpful
Been Here, Done This
PostedOctober 9, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI threw logic a life preserver, but it drowned anyway!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Your good friend, Maria, is setting sail to take a part in a new movie with a famous director. She jumps on a ship that is in need of repair, gets kidnapped before it sets sail in the only visible life boat, - hey, nobody will notice it's missing till the ship sinks - and the inept kidnapper leaves you clear clues so you can follow just in time to witness something unpleasant.
Mediocre stuff: All the game elements are here with all too familiar HOPs with morphing objects, puzzles with almost adequate instructions, varying qualities of artwork and sounds, and a story lacking passion and interest.
Bad stuff: All of the above because there is no originality here.
Another bland, overly average addition to an established series with been there, done that game features and a story that has more holes than Swiss cheese and is so much like other games that you'll want to check the title to see what you are playing - repeatedly.
If you have played any of the dozens of series games dumped on the market by Eipix this year, you have probably seen facets of this one and will find it distressingly similar with what is becoming a common lack of logic and cohesion in an ultra-light story.
I, too, realize that the gaming experience is personal to each of us. I, too, have played hundreds of games since I joined BFG. Long ago I knew that not every game would be a hit for everyone. That being said, I still expect some interest, some spark to make me want the game in my collection.
Unfortunately, this particular game is not my pick for today - or any day. I can not recommend what I will not purchase myself.
Please try the Demo and form your own conclusions.
Mediocre stuff: All the game elements are here with all too familiar HOPs with morphing objects, puzzles with almost adequate instructions, varying qualities of artwork and sounds, and a story lacking passion and interest.
Bad stuff: All of the above because there is no originality here.
Another bland, overly average addition to an established series with been there, done that game features and a story that has more holes than Swiss cheese and is so much like other games that you'll want to check the title to see what you are playing - repeatedly.
If you have played any of the dozens of series games dumped on the market by Eipix this year, you have probably seen facets of this one and will find it distressingly similar with what is becoming a common lack of logic and cohesion in an ultra-light story.
I, too, realize that the gaming experience is personal to each of us. I, too, have played hundreds of games since I joined BFG. Long ago I knew that not every game would be a hit for everyone. That being said, I still expect some interest, some spark to make me want the game in my collection.
Unfortunately, this particular game is not my pick for today - or any day. I can not recommend what I will not purchase myself.
Please try the Demo and form your own conclusions.
I don't recommend this game.
Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows Collector's Edition
There's more to this resort than meets the eye.
Overall rating
4
/
5
29 of 34 found this review helpful
Phantasmat is Coming on Strong!
PostedOctober 6, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromIf we are lucky, this is the first in a long line of better games from Eipix!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Your sister, Valerie, still does not know your father has died. You have tried to reach her and was unsuccessful. Now you have found her at a job at the once plush Arcadia Resort. She is working for Dr. Edwin Corvine, son of the late owner of the resort. Despite your sister's advice to stay away, you feel it is imperative she know about Dad, so you travel up to the isolated resort.
I don't want to spoil a single moment of this new installment in the Phantasmat series so I'll leave you to explore the Demo for yourself.
Good stuff: Morphing diary pages to collect, varied multi-level HOPs, challenging mini-games, great artwork and characterizations, and an interesting story along with the CE bling.
Bad stuff: Those challenging mini-games had challenging instructions that left much to be desired. The directions on a couple were just inadequate and so frustrating I took one star off my rating.
Bottom line: The Phantasmat series has a scary new entry that deserves your notice. Please try the Demo and I think you'll find a great way to spend the up-coming weekend! Enjoy!
I don't want to spoil a single moment of this new installment in the Phantasmat series so I'll leave you to explore the Demo for yourself.
Good stuff: Morphing diary pages to collect, varied multi-level HOPs, challenging mini-games, great artwork and characterizations, and an interesting story along with the CE bling.
Bad stuff: Those challenging mini-games had challenging instructions that left much to be desired. The directions on a couple were just inadequate and so frustrating I took one star off my rating.
Bottom line: The Phantasmat series has a scary new entry that deserves your notice. Please try the Demo and I think you'll find a great way to spend the up-coming weekend! Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Find out what mysteries his peaceful village is hiding.
Overall rating
2
/
5
28 of 35 found this review helpful
During Developers' Meetings, Logic Was Locked Out!
PostedOctober 5, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromIf we are lucky, this is a one shot deal!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The detective has been called in to help Phillip who is having fearful nightmares about his sister. As the opening scenes were of his sister having her own nightmares, you might think there is a pattern here. No.
Good stuff: There were HOPS, mini-games, a map, four levels of game play to select from, notes, and a story.
Bad stuff: Pretty much everything on the previous list to some degree! The first few HOPs followed a predictable order in the things you were finding - find stuff to find key to open something to find stuff.
The mini-games were simple and sad. The map, notes, and game levels were minimal - i.e. You are told to read the notes frequently. You open them to see two sentences that are not informative and do not help the story along.
As for that story, it starts with the customary vehicle crash as a tree falls in front of your carriage. You head for the village in the distance but meet a nasty wolf. So the wolf stands and leers at you while you run back and forth acquiring a piece of raw meat, and, oddly, flowers, which, once rubbed on the meat, put the wolf to sleep when he eats the meat.
Once in town you eventually make your way to Phillip's house, which is on fire - but only in selective places. The front door, a portion of floor in front of the fireplace in the front room, and part of the bed are all singed. Luckily you were able to put all three areas out with a single bucket of water. And fortunate Phillip was lying on the floor of an untouched room between the front room and bedroom.
On a suggestion from Phillip, you make your way back into town, where you rip the boards off the OUTSIDE of the mill door and break in to confront the Miller. Phillip thought the Miller was responsible for his selective fire - but the Miller would have had to kindle it while imprisoned in the mill.
There's more, but I was very happy when I ran out of Demo. I can't say I hate it; I just want to pretend I've never seen it!
Please try the demo before doing anything rash!
Good stuff: There were HOPS, mini-games, a map, four levels of game play to select from, notes, and a story.
Bad stuff: Pretty much everything on the previous list to some degree! The first few HOPs followed a predictable order in the things you were finding - find stuff to find key to open something to find stuff.
The mini-games were simple and sad. The map, notes, and game levels were minimal - i.e. You are told to read the notes frequently. You open them to see two sentences that are not informative and do not help the story along.
As for that story, it starts with the customary vehicle crash as a tree falls in front of your carriage. You head for the village in the distance but meet a nasty wolf. So the wolf stands and leers at you while you run back and forth acquiring a piece of raw meat, and, oddly, flowers, which, once rubbed on the meat, put the wolf to sleep when he eats the meat.
Once in town you eventually make your way to Phillip's house, which is on fire - but only in selective places. The front door, a portion of floor in front of the fireplace in the front room, and part of the bed are all singed. Luckily you were able to put all three areas out with a single bucket of water. And fortunate Phillip was lying on the floor of an untouched room between the front room and bedroom.
On a suggestion from Phillip, you make your way back into town, where you rip the boards off the OUTSIDE of the mill door and break in to confront the Miller. Phillip thought the Miller was responsible for his selective fire - but the Miller would have had to kindle it while imprisoned in the mill.
There's more, but I was very happy when I ran out of Demo. I can't say I hate it; I just want to pretend I've never seen it!
Please try the demo before doing anything rash!
I don't recommend this game.
What secrets are hiding in the European countryside?
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 34 found this review helpful
Ghost, Spirit, Phantom, or Flesh and Blood?
PostedOctober 2, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromFinally, a series' game that is worthy to join its predeccessors!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Forty years ago, Veronica's brother, Edgar, and his girlfriend, Helen, disappeared after going to visit friend Ben one evening.
The police suggested the couple had run away, but no evidence of their fate had ever been found. Now Veronica has called in your reporter character, Emma, to investigate. Veronica saw Helen's face through the partially boarded window of Helen's old home. No one has lived there since Helen's parents died.
Was it Helen? Veronica took a photo that shows Helen still looking as she did forty years ago.
Time to investigate!
Good stuff: HOPs are varied with a puzzle alternative, mini-games are fairly easy, VO's and characterizations are good, artwork is well done, and the story is engaging. There is an assortment of CE bling and morphing objects along with small groups of other collectibles.
Bad stuff: The mini-games and puzzles were not particularly challenging.
This is the ninth game in the series. I have seven of the earlier games. I will be getting this one to add to my collection.
The series embraces good stories and, while some game mechanics are not stellar, overall the effort is worth four stars and a buy. Even better, this serie's entry is not prey to as much of the egregious lack of logic in so many of the new games.
Try the Demo and see if you agree.
The police suggested the couple had run away, but no evidence of their fate had ever been found. Now Veronica has called in your reporter character, Emma, to investigate. Veronica saw Helen's face through the partially boarded window of Helen's old home. No one has lived there since Helen's parents died.
Was it Helen? Veronica took a photo that shows Helen still looking as she did forty years ago.
Time to investigate!
Good stuff: HOPs are varied with a puzzle alternative, mini-games are fairly easy, VO's and characterizations are good, artwork is well done, and the story is engaging. There is an assortment of CE bling and morphing objects along with small groups of other collectibles.
Bad stuff: The mini-games and puzzles were not particularly challenging.
This is the ninth game in the series. I have seven of the earlier games. I will be getting this one to add to my collection.
The series embraces good stories and, while some game mechanics are not stellar, overall the effort is worth four stars and a buy. Even better, this serie's entry is not prey to as much of the egregious lack of logic in so many of the new games.
Try the Demo and see if you agree.
I recommend this game!