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:
When your father is arrested, it's up to you to save him and the city of Prague from sinister forces.
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 30 found this review helpful
Story: Ok. Gameplay: So so. Outcome: Disappointed
PostedMarch 12, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromFound something to give up for Lent!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The flip side of the parent or guardian saving a child is the child saving the parent. In this story, you are Ilona, riding home to Prague to help your father. You are bringing ingredients he needs for his work as an alchemist. You arrive in time to see a large creature wreaking havoc in the town. Finally making your way to your home, you are in time to see Father being taken away by the king's soldiers. You spring into action and we're off.
Good stuff: Music, ambient sounds, artwork, and VO's are excellent. The story seemed interesting enough. There were four levels of gameplay and an assortment of CE bling. You have a set of chalk and dust to use to discover hidden alchemy and magic items and areas.
Bad Stuff: The (by now) typical HOPs have a playing alternative sometimes - as in, it showed up at the first HOP, but when I didn't use it, it disappeared. The puzzles were ok, but some of the instructions left a lot to be desired.
There were the now common problems with logic - a young girl riding alone arrives to see the closed town gate violently damaged by something inside. Naturally she hops off her horse and proceeds to open the gate after commenting on what could have caused the damage. When opened, the gate falls away to expose a metal portico well inside the outer gate, totally intact. She grabs a map she finds, commenting on how useful it will be - a map to her home town. The young woman enters town and sees a creature start a fire. A crowd of citizens watches the building blazing. Only our heroine thinks to put it out - with a single pail of water from the tap she inserts into the top of a convenient sealed barrel of water.
At this point, I was sad for the developers' lack of logic.
Please try the game for yourself. There is nothing new or innovative, but perhaps you will enjoy the game play.
Good stuff: Music, ambient sounds, artwork, and VO's are excellent. The story seemed interesting enough. There were four levels of gameplay and an assortment of CE bling. You have a set of chalk and dust to use to discover hidden alchemy and magic items and areas.
Bad Stuff: The (by now) typical HOPs have a playing alternative sometimes - as in, it showed up at the first HOP, but when I didn't use it, it disappeared. The puzzles were ok, but some of the instructions left a lot to be desired.
There were the now common problems with logic - a young girl riding alone arrives to see the closed town gate violently damaged by something inside. Naturally she hops off her horse and proceeds to open the gate after commenting on what could have caused the damage. When opened, the gate falls away to expose a metal portico well inside the outer gate, totally intact. She grabs a map she finds, commenting on how useful it will be - a map to her home town. The young woman enters town and sees a creature start a fire. A crowd of citizens watches the building blazing. Only our heroine thinks to put it out - with a single pail of water from the tap she inserts into the top of a convenient sealed barrel of water.
At this point, I was sad for the developers' lack of logic.
Please try the game for yourself. There is nothing new or innovative, but perhaps you will enjoy the game play.
I don't recommend this game.
The royal couple's honeymoon turns sour when an evil lord enters the picture, and now it's up to you to rescue them (or laugh trying)!
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 24 found this review helpful
Cute, Very Cute!
PostedMarch 9, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI'm a sucker for charm and cuteness. I want this game, mostly for the kids, but secretly for ME!!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Loreen and Nathaniel are on their honeymoon. They see billboards for an amusement park at a castle and decide to stop there. Trouble starts almost as soon as they enter their room. Nathaniel goes to look out the window and falls through a trapdoor. Loreen, who was in the other room of their suite, finds that she is locked in. Hmmmm. This does not bode well for their stay.
Good stuff: The dialogue is read on screen and comments are supplied by a narrator with a droll sense of humor. The artwork is cartoonish, but well done, with bright vibrant colors.
There are 29 collectible lion heads for Nathaniel's family crest - finally a collectible that's totally logical! There are various puzzles and mini-games to solve, but nothing overly difficult.
Mostly this seems like a fun romp to while away an afternoon, or at least a couple hours of one.
Bad stuff: Well it is rather simplistic and linear, but the amusement factor is high.
Bottom line: I'll enjoy playing this game and then let the grandkids at it - It will give them a giggle!
Good stuff: The dialogue is read on screen and comments are supplied by a narrator with a droll sense of humor. The artwork is cartoonish, but well done, with bright vibrant colors.
There are 29 collectible lion heads for Nathaniel's family crest - finally a collectible that's totally logical! There are various puzzles and mini-games to solve, but nothing overly difficult.
Mostly this seems like a fun romp to while away an afternoon, or at least a couple hours of one.
Bad stuff: Well it is rather simplistic and linear, but the amusement factor is high.
Bottom line: I'll enjoy playing this game and then let the grandkids at it - It will give them a giggle!
I recommend this game!
A killer is on the loose in a remote European castle. Track them down before they strike again!
Overall rating
2
/
5
59 of 73 found this review helpful
Confusion Reigns - Pun Intended
PostedMarch 5, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromLost in confusion, drowning in mediocrity, running for the door - if only I could find it!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This game starts with a distance view of the castle where the competition for a famous award is to take place as the press takes pictures and interviews. Along with Professor Hopkins and his wife, you will be meeting Lana, the professor's first wife and another contestant. You play as another aspiring scientist hoping to win the award that your father also won years ago.
Shortly after getting settled in your rooms, the professor's wife calls you for help after he has collapsed. You rush to the rescue after several puzzles and a short video, and collecting a variety of odd things from your room. You also have to stop to unlock your door as someone has locked you in.
Good stuff: The four HOPs in the demo did include one with all morphing objects. There are four levels of game play, 25 invention cards to collect, and an assortment of the usual CE bling.
Bad stuff: The artwork is fuzzy and rather dark. The mini-games are easy - one involves typing a word you can see faintly, already in place. The story seems to be a ripoff of Agatha Christy's "Ten Little Indians" including notes with parodies of the poem about the ten little Indians. This just tries to obscure the fact that there are a lot of odd things going on in the "castle." For instance: That storm that you see knock down power lines and damage the only road to the property has taken out the TV, caused the elevator to stop running and left you bemoaning the fact that you are stranded here. Yet there are lights on in selected places, the elevator recovers and works later, and a friendly ceiling fan removes gas from a room for you. Contrary to any mystery written, you use the cup that contained the professor's poisoned drink to brew tea for the antidote. (I think at that point Agatha Christy rolled over in her grave!)
There's more, but I'll leave you to discover the questionable stuff for yourself.
Be sure to play this demo before you buy.
Shortly after getting settled in your rooms, the professor's wife calls you for help after he has collapsed. You rush to the rescue after several puzzles and a short video, and collecting a variety of odd things from your room. You also have to stop to unlock your door as someone has locked you in.
Good stuff: The four HOPs in the demo did include one with all morphing objects. There are four levels of game play, 25 invention cards to collect, and an assortment of the usual CE bling.
Bad stuff: The artwork is fuzzy and rather dark. The mini-games are easy - one involves typing a word you can see faintly, already in place. The story seems to be a ripoff of Agatha Christy's "Ten Little Indians" including notes with parodies of the poem about the ten little Indians. This just tries to obscure the fact that there are a lot of odd things going on in the "castle." For instance: That storm that you see knock down power lines and damage the only road to the property has taken out the TV, caused the elevator to stop running and left you bemoaning the fact that you are stranded here. Yet there are lights on in selected places, the elevator recovers and works later, and a friendly ceiling fan removes gas from a room for you. Contrary to any mystery written, you use the cup that contained the professor's poisoned drink to brew tea for the antidote. (I think at that point Agatha Christy rolled over in her grave!)
There's more, but I'll leave you to discover the questionable stuff for yourself.
Be sure to play this demo before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Travel around the world and get acquainted with the world's most famous masterpieces. Collect evidence and help police catch a criminal.
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Red Panda Vandalizes Our Hopes
PostedMarch 4, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI'm flying away!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
A vandal is altering famous or semi-famous paintings all over the world. Your job is to restore the paintings and capture him.
Good Stuff: There are pieces of art work to restore. There is a map to show where the next vandalized museum is located.
Bad stuff: The story starts out with cartoon panels you read - and read them quickly because they will change quickly. You have a set of tools and an eye dropper of chemicals to "fix" the art works. After you are show a "clean" copy of the work, the vandalized version comes on screen for you to restore. You use the eye dropper to put the liquid chemicals on each area of damage. Then you pick up what ever tool is vibrating and use it to fix the area, before moving on to the next bit of picture damage. You have a limited time to finish your corrections as there is a time gauge on the left hand side of your screen. Once you finish a picture, it is on to the next one. Every once in while you get some evidence of the thief. After the first few paintings, you also get a fly buzzing across whatever painting you are trying to fix. You are supposed to hit it and squash it into the canvas - I guess they figured since you are restoring the artworks anyway, a little fly guts is no big deal. Be warned that after you kill the first fly, another will show up during restoration and you cannot hit him while you hold tools. And those tools go into your hand automatically once you start, so the second fly will just be annoying.
After several pictures, I realized that even my smallest grandchild would already have baled on this game, so I did too!
Please play this hand-holder before you buy.
Good Stuff: There are pieces of art work to restore. There is a map to show where the next vandalized museum is located.
Bad stuff: The story starts out with cartoon panels you read - and read them quickly because they will change quickly. You have a set of tools and an eye dropper of chemicals to "fix" the art works. After you are show a "clean" copy of the work, the vandalized version comes on screen for you to restore. You use the eye dropper to put the liquid chemicals on each area of damage. Then you pick up what ever tool is vibrating and use it to fix the area, before moving on to the next bit of picture damage. You have a limited time to finish your corrections as there is a time gauge on the left hand side of your screen. Once you finish a picture, it is on to the next one. Every once in while you get some evidence of the thief. After the first few paintings, you also get a fly buzzing across whatever painting you are trying to fix. You are supposed to hit it and squash it into the canvas - I guess they figured since you are restoring the artworks anyway, a little fly guts is no big deal. Be warned that after you kill the first fly, another will show up during restoration and you cannot hit him while you hold tools. And those tools go into your hand automatically once you start, so the second fly will just be annoying.
After several pictures, I realized that even my smallest grandchild would already have baled on this game, so I did too!
Please play this hand-holder before you buy.
I don't recommend this game.
In Wishville, all dreams come true, for a price.
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 22 found this review helpful
Get Back Jack and Survive Wishville - If You Can!
PostedMarch 4, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromDon't sign anything till you read the fine print!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Your beloved husband, Jack, leaves on business for Wishville. When he doesn't return you follow him to the town to see what has happened. Arriving at Wishville, you soon witness the fantastically growing roses kill the local miller who was going to escort you into town. When you do enter town, you are rudely put off by the mayor and are too late to do more than see your beloved swallowed up by a rockfall and the local fauna turned monster at the scene. You've already learned that people who come to Wishville are there to fulfill contracts with the mayor - contracts that are binding even after death. What will it take to save Jack and get you both safely away?
Good stuff: Standard types of HOPs, mixed bag of mini-games, good artwork, and an interesting and involving story line. Most of the characters are well drawn, although the mayor is more cartoonish than most. You are equipped with a strange ornate box that you have to feed drops of blood in order for it to give you story and character information. (A bit creepy IMHO - surely they could have come up with another cue for the box.) There are collectible roses as well as 25 morphing objects to find along with an assortment of the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: Other than the blood thirsty box, most of the game was interesting and reminded me of the Redemption Cemetery series, in that you are dealing with saving souls along the way and learning their stories. This gave me an occasional touch of deja vu. But, as I really like that series, it isn't a deal breaker.
I thought the game-play was better thought out than some of the games I've been seeing. I appreciated the frequent doses of story line that came my way. It unfolded well and drew the player in.
Give this game a try.
Good stuff: Standard types of HOPs, mixed bag of mini-games, good artwork, and an interesting and involving story line. Most of the characters are well drawn, although the mayor is more cartoonish than most. You are equipped with a strange ornate box that you have to feed drops of blood in order for it to give you story and character information. (A bit creepy IMHO - surely they could have come up with another cue for the box.) There are collectible roses as well as 25 morphing objects to find along with an assortment of the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: Other than the blood thirsty box, most of the game was interesting and reminded me of the Redemption Cemetery series, in that you are dealing with saving souls along the way and learning their stories. This gave me an occasional touch of deja vu. But, as I really like that series, it isn't a deal breaker.
I thought the game-play was better thought out than some of the games I've been seeing. I appreciated the frequent doses of story line that came my way. It unfolded well and drew the player in.
Give this game a try.
I recommend this game!
Will your curse save or destroy you?
Overall rating
3
/
5
90 of 111 found this review helpful
Winner of Best Improved Series Game Today!
PostedFebruary 28, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromA Better new entry in this series.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Your father escaped with you to save your life when you were a baby. The Druid had taken your mother's life. You were next.
You are affected by the family curse of becoming a werewolf but have a measure of control over the change due to Dad's training as you grew up.
But your cousin, Neil, stayed in the old family dwelling, married, and has a new baby. He has sent the family symbol to your father because now he feels threatened. You and Dad return to help as best you can.
Good stuff: Artwork that's occasionally dark, good characterizations, HOPs, mini-games, decent story, and some of the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: There is nothing stellar here, but also nothing as weak as the last game in this series.
You just need to try the demo for yourself. I'm going to hold out for the SE, but you may not want to wait. Have fun.
You are affected by the family curse of becoming a werewolf but have a measure of control over the change due to Dad's training as you grew up.
But your cousin, Neil, stayed in the old family dwelling, married, and has a new baby. He has sent the family symbol to your father because now he feels threatened. You and Dad return to help as best you can.
Good stuff: Artwork that's occasionally dark, good characterizations, HOPs, mini-games, decent story, and some of the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: There is nothing stellar here, but also nothing as weak as the last game in this series.
You just need to try the demo for yourself. I'm going to hold out for the SE, but you may not want to wait. Have fun.
Some family heirlooms are more trouble than they're worth...
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 38 found this review helpful
Good, Better, Best; Never Let It Rest
PostedFebruary 25, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromYes, unequivically, undeniably, reservedly, Yes.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Aunt Anna Grey has been called by her relatives once again to save the family or members thereof. This time it is her nephew Brandon, who, despite his apparently horrible memories of growing up in the Grey Family Castle, decides to move his wife and child into it. Believe it or not, the expected happens in the way of scary happenings.
(Seriously, if you have enough money to live in a haunted castle where you had terrible memories, just buy a nice normal house somewhere and live happily ever after.)
OK, so we wouldn't have a story if Brandon wasn't in the ancestral home with his wife and small son. And wife is in a possible coma and their son is missing and Brandon is looking for him. Aunt Grey will be using her special power to traverse time backwards and forwards. Good luck, Auntie; you'll need it.
Good stuff: Innovative and varied HOPs, good mini-games, a convoluted story that promises chills and twists, excellent characterizations and VOs, good artwork, collectibles, well hidden morphing objects and all the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: I'm trying not to dwell on the fact that Brandon moved his family into a place that left him emotionally scarred and didn't get out of the castle as soon as bad things started happening.
Since the mystery is well done and there is a lot of story in the demo, I'm going to run with the good stuff. And there is SO much good stuff.
Try the Demo and see if you think the Devs have made a start on bringing this series back into prominence once more. I think they have!
(Seriously, if you have enough money to live in a haunted castle where you had terrible memories, just buy a nice normal house somewhere and live happily ever after.)
OK, so we wouldn't have a story if Brandon wasn't in the ancestral home with his wife and small son. And wife is in a possible coma and their son is missing and Brandon is looking for him. Aunt Grey will be using her special power to traverse time backwards and forwards. Good luck, Auntie; you'll need it.
Good stuff: Innovative and varied HOPs, good mini-games, a convoluted story that promises chills and twists, excellent characterizations and VOs, good artwork, collectibles, well hidden morphing objects and all the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: I'm trying not to dwell on the fact that Brandon moved his family into a place that left him emotionally scarred and didn't get out of the castle as soon as bad things started happening.
Since the mystery is well done and there is a lot of story in the demo, I'm going to run with the good stuff. And there is SO much good stuff.
Try the Demo and see if you think the Devs have made a start on bringing this series back into prominence once more. I think they have!
I recommend this game!
You receive a distress signal from a scientist who went missing a thousand years ago. Is this someone's joke or does he really need your help?
Overall rating
1
/
5
64 of 88 found this review helpful
Say What?
PostedFebruary 23, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromNo, unequivically, undeniably, unreservedly, NO.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I knew I was in trouble when the directions for the first mini-game told me to find the "right regularity." I finished it in record time. However, I had NO idea what I did, what part of the results were the "correct" answer, or why it was the answer - until the game explained what part of the results it was looking for.
You start out being introduced to your PDA, which serves as journal, map, and general informant. There is also a sort of compass in the lower right corner that will help you navigate.
Either my compass was defective or movement is hit or miss. For whatever reason I was quickly frustrated by that "feature" of the game also.
Any idea of the "story-line" that I had came from the game page on BFG. As I have no idea of it from personal knowledge, I'll leave you to read it over yourself.
Dialogue is read on screen, which I usually don't mind, but a conversation with your neighbor in which you choose your answers came down to: You must use each answer and the game does not care which you choose as it will stay with the exchange till you've clicked on all of them once.
Choice is an illusion.
Please, please, try the demo before you consider purchasing this game. Assume nothing from the stellar reviews. What they saw may not be what you want in a game.
You start out being introduced to your PDA, which serves as journal, map, and general informant. There is also a sort of compass in the lower right corner that will help you navigate.
Either my compass was defective or movement is hit or miss. For whatever reason I was quickly frustrated by that "feature" of the game also.
Any idea of the "story-line" that I had came from the game page on BFG. As I have no idea of it from personal knowledge, I'll leave you to read it over yourself.
Dialogue is read on screen, which I usually don't mind, but a conversation with your neighbor in which you choose your answers came down to: You must use each answer and the game does not care which you choose as it will stay with the exchange till you've clicked on all of them once.
Choice is an illusion.
Please, please, try the demo before you consider purchasing this game. Assume nothing from the stellar reviews. What they saw may not be what you want in a game.
I don't recommend this game.
The famous Johnny Abilli has been murdered at the Broadbeach Resort. You've been called in to crack the case.
Overall rating
2
/
5
22 of 37 found this review helpful
Read All The Reviews
PostedFebruary 22, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromThe Intro shows Johnny not caring what happens - I'm with him.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
One more murder mystery for the Dead Reckoning series. This time a TV star has been murdered on his yacht at a popular resort. Was it the dear wife looking for a divorce? The presumed mistress wanting more? The resort owner seeking an investor for expansion? Will more suspects pop up?
This is the fourth game in the Dead Reckoning series. Two of the previous entries were really good. One not so much. The score stands 2 to 2 with this one counted in.
I had to read the reviews to find out there were supposed to be morphing objects but a reviewer said they were MIA - a relief to my wearied eyes.
I also could not ID the collectibles on my giant monitor - they looked like cans of deodorant with a wire coat hanger bent around it. Apparently they are supposed to be microphones.
Huh!
The HOPs were alternately inane and frustrating, all are piles of excessive junk. The marble popper alternative to the HOPs was as bad as the last time the Devs stuck one in their game, with the ammo changing colors arbitrarily after firing.
The mini-games had instructions that bordered on gibberish for several of them.
The artwork was not up to any standard, although the VOs and animation were well done.
The crime scene exploration was aggravating in its incomprehension and questioning suspects was a real time waster.
The story may develop into something later, but I needed more now to make me pay for a CE.
There was the usual assortment of CE bling.
You really need to check out the Demo before purchasing this game.
I pass.
This is the fourth game in the Dead Reckoning series. Two of the previous entries were really good. One not so much. The score stands 2 to 2 with this one counted in.
I had to read the reviews to find out there were supposed to be morphing objects but a reviewer said they were MIA - a relief to my wearied eyes.
I also could not ID the collectibles on my giant monitor - they looked like cans of deodorant with a wire coat hanger bent around it. Apparently they are supposed to be microphones.
Huh!
The HOPs were alternately inane and frustrating, all are piles of excessive junk. The marble popper alternative to the HOPs was as bad as the last time the Devs stuck one in their game, with the ammo changing colors arbitrarily after firing.
The mini-games had instructions that bordered on gibberish for several of them.
The artwork was not up to any standard, although the VOs and animation were well done.
The crime scene exploration was aggravating in its incomprehension and questioning suspects was a real time waster.
The story may develop into something later, but I needed more now to make me pay for a CE.
There was the usual assortment of CE bling.
You really need to check out the Demo before purchasing this game.
I pass.
I don't recommend this game.
There’s a thin line between the living and the dead.
Overall rating
2
/
5
25 of 33 found this review helpful
The Gift of Sight is Not All Its Cracked Up to Be!
PostedFebruary 19, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI had a pocket knife and a lighter; I needed more tools and a lamp.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
After an operation, I can now see through the newly transplanted lenses of a murdered young woman. Despite all the protocols to the contrary, I am soon in possession of an envelope of her possessions and interviewing her mother in her home. I will need to find her killer to bring her spirit peace.
Good stuff: All the usual game elements are here. The HOPs are OK, the minigames and puzzles are familiar. There is a pair of glasses belonging to the murder victim that let you see the past and add to your knowledge of the story.
Bad stuff: The identity of the killer is planted in your face soon after entering Freda's home town. I could live with that, but all the other anomalies are distracting. It is not just the misplaced accents; it is the odd game play - like the beaver to "cut up" a couple of good size branches/small trees in a yard.
I can't stress enough your need to try this Demo before buying. If you like the game, you will be on your way. If not, you've only lost a little time.
Good stuff: All the usual game elements are here. The HOPs are OK, the minigames and puzzles are familiar. There is a pair of glasses belonging to the murder victim that let you see the past and add to your knowledge of the story.
Bad stuff: The identity of the killer is planted in your face soon after entering Freda's home town. I could live with that, but all the other anomalies are distracting. It is not just the misplaced accents; it is the odd game play - like the beaver to "cut up" a couple of good size branches/small trees in a yard.
I can't stress enough your need to try this Demo before buying. If you like the game, you will be on your way. If not, you've only lost a little time.
I don't recommend this game.