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:
Explore a cursed forest in search of missing persons! Be wary of the ancient and shadowy presence that has dominion there.
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Archaic Spelling of Demon Shouldn't Turn You Off
PostedFebruary 19, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI had a sharp hand saw, but had to sharpen the dull knife.
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
Boy and his father go missing from a woodsy hotel. Manager writes you for help. Intrigued by details in his letter you come on the run, arriving safely in front of the hotel, now overgrown by some seriously nasty vines. Can you find and save them? Or is it too late? You go right to work.
Good stuff: Some good multi-level HOPs, nice puzzles and mini-games, decent artwork, fair story-line.
Bad stuff: No custom game-play level; a couple of confusing elements as well as frustration at having one inventory tool that could do what you need, only to have the game want you to find a different one; music that had to be silenced.
Is this the game of the year? No!
Is this a reasonably amusing SE, a way to pass the hours? Yes - especially if you have a coupon that will expire soon!
Give the demo a try. You may find a hidden nugget.
Good stuff: Some good multi-level HOPs, nice puzzles and mini-games, decent artwork, fair story-line.
Bad stuff: No custom game-play level; a couple of confusing elements as well as frustration at having one inventory tool that could do what you need, only to have the game want you to find a different one; music that had to be silenced.
Is this the game of the year? No!
Is this a reasonably amusing SE, a way to pass the hours? Yes - especially if you have a coupon that will expire soon!
Give the demo a try. You may find a hidden nugget.
I recommend this game!
Help the Penguin family solve colorful mosaic puzzles and welcome their uncle Aaron!
Overall rating
3
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
Violins Can Not Be Turned OFF
PostedFebruary 17, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromSilence is Golden.
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
1
/
5
Uncle Aaron is coming to visit. Let's decorate.
So much for a story-line, but this series of games never pretended to be World Mosaics, so I did not expect much in that direction.
If you've played Mosaic games before, you know what to expect. You are filling in a grid with a predetermined number of filled squares in each line to make a picture. For this game the puzzles will be in several colors. You fill in one color at a time. You have a limited number of mistakes before the puzzle resets and you start over. You have tools to help - hint and a pick axe.
I would have given it more stars with the tiniest bit of encouragement, but I was totally aggravated by the music.
It is a lovely orchestral violin piece, but it sounded to me as though it were on a permanent loop. Even with the music volume in the game taken all the way down, it was still annoyingly present. I can turn the speakers on my computer off, but then I would not hear the sound of squares filling in.
I abandoned ship when I could no longer stand the violins.
If you are a beginner at these types of games, try the earlier games in this series. They are a much better introduction. If you are an old hand at mosaic puzzles, give this one a try, especially if you are fond of violins.
I'm going to replay the World Mosaic games again for more story + challenge, and less annoyance.
So much for a story-line, but this series of games never pretended to be World Mosaics, so I did not expect much in that direction.
If you've played Mosaic games before, you know what to expect. You are filling in a grid with a predetermined number of filled squares in each line to make a picture. For this game the puzzles will be in several colors. You fill in one color at a time. You have a limited number of mistakes before the puzzle resets and you start over. You have tools to help - hint and a pick axe.
I would have given it more stars with the tiniest bit of encouragement, but I was totally aggravated by the music.
It is a lovely orchestral violin piece, but it sounded to me as though it were on a permanent loop. Even with the music volume in the game taken all the way down, it was still annoyingly present. I can turn the speakers on my computer off, but then I would not hear the sound of squares filling in.
I abandoned ship when I could no longer stand the violins.
If you are a beginner at these types of games, try the earlier games in this series. They are a much better introduction. If you are an old hand at mosaic puzzles, give this one a try, especially if you are fond of violins.
I'm going to replay the World Mosaic games again for more story + challenge, and less annoyance.
Terror strikes deep into the heart of this family's cursed estate!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 27 found this review helpful
Dad, Jesse, and I Are Going Exploring
PostedFebruary 14, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromLost in a maze or a daze or both!
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
We are going to explore a long abandoned mansion in an isolated area. It is said that those who enter never leave. Dad is convinced it is all explainable in scientific terms. Jesse wants to write a book about ghosts. Our heroine just wants to come out alive with both of them at her side.
Everyone is barely in the front door before a female ghost floats passed them headed deeper into the house. As they try to follow her, one after another is separated from the party. Someone seems to be watching and laying traps for this little band of explorers. But is it a person? Or a ghost?
Good stuff: The story seems promising, the puzzles and HOPs are OK, the artwork is excellent, and the VOs are very well done. The CE has the usual bling and collectible hearts in each scene.
Bad stuff: Not all puzzle/mini-game directions are clear and neither is the story and characters. Plus there are already plenty of spooky mansion games where those who enter live to regret that choice.
I did find the game moved along smoothly and at a goodly pace. There are plenty of clues as we progress; we just don't know where they are taking us at the end of the demo.
With the current BOGO sale on, I will splurge on a good, but not great, game this weekend. Happy Presidents' Day!
Everyone is barely in the front door before a female ghost floats passed them headed deeper into the house. As they try to follow her, one after another is separated from the party. Someone seems to be watching and laying traps for this little band of explorers. But is it a person? Or a ghost?
Good stuff: The story seems promising, the puzzles and HOPs are OK, the artwork is excellent, and the VOs are very well done. The CE has the usual bling and collectible hearts in each scene.
Bad stuff: Not all puzzle/mini-game directions are clear and neither is the story and characters. Plus there are already plenty of spooky mansion games where those who enter live to regret that choice.
I did find the game moved along smoothly and at a goodly pace. There are plenty of clues as we progress; we just don't know where they are taking us at the end of the demo.
With the current BOGO sale on, I will splurge on a good, but not great, game this weekend. Happy Presidents' Day!
I recommend this game!
You've been summoned to save the Fantastic Worlds from evil!
Overall rating
3
/
5
15 of 17 found this review helpful
"Run," Said The Guardian
PostedFebruary 13, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromRooting for Grace!
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
Long ago the Guardians and the Architects set the order of the worlds. Queen Clio was been named the Guardian of the Dark Ruby by the Chief Architect. This story starts with her world being destroyed by strange energy creatures. They attack again when she is moved to the Guardians' stronghold for protection.
It is not good to be the queen right now.
You play as Grace, the Guardian chosen to protect the queen. You quickly find that this is a job that is more far reaching than you imagined, especially when the creatures take her from under your very nose.
Save the queen, save the worlds, and restore order.
Good Luck.
Good stuff: A nice variety of HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, lots of puzzles and mini-games, beautiful artwork, a fairly interesting treatment of a time-worn story, and four levels of game play.
Bad stuff: I found the matching games for flowers, runes, etc., done too often. The game-play involves a lot of locations, pieces to collect, characters to keep straight, and, sadly, a diary/notebook that is very minimally helpful. It only shows stills from the story and a couple of the notes. I would have liked more story and character information in it to help the story along - and help me when I need to stop and come back to this lengthy game.
I don't want to discourage you from trying a long and, potentially, interesting game. Give the demo a try and see what you think.
It is not good to be the queen right now.
You play as Grace, the Guardian chosen to protect the queen. You quickly find that this is a job that is more far reaching than you imagined, especially when the creatures take her from under your very nose.
Save the queen, save the worlds, and restore order.
Good Luck.
Good stuff: A nice variety of HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, lots of puzzles and mini-games, beautiful artwork, a fairly interesting treatment of a time-worn story, and four levels of game play.
Bad stuff: I found the matching games for flowers, runes, etc., done too often. The game-play involves a lot of locations, pieces to collect, characters to keep straight, and, sadly, a diary/notebook that is very minimally helpful. It only shows stills from the story and a couple of the notes. I would have liked more story and character information in it to help the story along - and help me when I need to stop and come back to this lengthy game.
I don't want to discourage you from trying a long and, potentially, interesting game. Give the demo a try and see what you think.
I recommend this game!
Your own mind can be your worst enemy.
Overall rating
3
/
5
24 of 34 found this review helpful
Distraught Dancer Has Great Aim!
PostedFebruary 11, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromStill deciding if I want to collect fancy hand bells.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
You are a famous doctor called in to help the fiance of Count Sergey Antonov. Oddly you will be meeting him for the first time at the St. Petersburg theater where his beloved ballerina, Irini, is performing tonight. You arrive, find your seat, Barely talk to him, and suddenly witness the very end of the performance as the slim, delicate dancer appears with her bouquet to take her bows. Only this time she draws a gun from among the flowers and shoots Sergey. The officer who drove you to the theater, Inspector Yuri, secures the front door after making sure the panicked crowd gets out. You are left alone inside to confront Irini, prima ballerina, and now, killer.
Good stuff: All the things you expect are here: four play levels including custom, multi-layered HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, mini-games, a story of mystery and possible intrigue, and the usual CE bling.
Bad stuff: Everything moves along smoothly - It just seems somewhat disconnected. Why do you walk into the end of the performance? Indications were that you should be coming in with the crowd, so perhaps the Devs just cut to the chase and forgot to let us know they wanted to skip to the end of the scene. The demo ends quickly where demos often start - with a car crash. And why does the good inspector leave you alone with the killer and does not even call for backup, not to mention letting his car be sabatoged among other peculiarities.
So I'm left to tell you that if your idea of romance is to have the girl shoot the boy dead, then here's a romance.
If you are looking for a mystery, I guess the mystery here is who "made" her do it.
It will take a detective to unravel where this story will take you.
You may enjoy this journey.
I'm still contemplating the possibilities and trying to figure out why the collectibles are fancy bells.
Try the demo and see what you think.
Good stuff: All the things you expect are here: four play levels including custom, multi-layered HOPs with a Match-3 alternative, mini-games, a story of mystery and possible intrigue, and the usual CE bling.
Bad stuff: Everything moves along smoothly - It just seems somewhat disconnected. Why do you walk into the end of the performance? Indications were that you should be coming in with the crowd, so perhaps the Devs just cut to the chase and forgot to let us know they wanted to skip to the end of the scene. The demo ends quickly where demos often start - with a car crash. And why does the good inspector leave you alone with the killer and does not even call for backup, not to mention letting his car be sabatoged among other peculiarities.
So I'm left to tell you that if your idea of romance is to have the girl shoot the boy dead, then here's a romance.
If you are looking for a mystery, I guess the mystery here is who "made" her do it.
It will take a detective to unravel where this story will take you.
You may enjoy this journey.
I'm still contemplating the possibilities and trying to figure out why the collectibles are fancy bells.
Try the demo and see what you think.
The past isn't set in stone. Now's your chance to change it!
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 23 found this review helpful
Peter Has Gone Off the Rails
PostedFebruary 9, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromTrust me. Brush up your Latin before chasing Peter.
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
As the detective, you have been sent by your agency to check on the whereabouts of your colleague, Peter. Arriving at his home, you hear gossip about his new fiance from the maid. Meeting the fiance after Peter rushes passed you through a locked door, does not cheer you up. You are even less happy when the drink she gave you which you pass on to the maid proves to be drugged. Sweet dreams, maid.
Good stuff: HOPs, mini-games, and highly colored artwork are all present, along with music and a story.
Bad stuff: The story is not particularly engaging and the mini-games were weak. Everything else is average.
If you just need a new anything to play today, try this game. If you are waiting for the next great game, keep looking.
I will keep hoping the Labryrinth games will get better.
Good stuff: HOPs, mini-games, and highly colored artwork are all present, along with music and a story.
Bad stuff: The story is not particularly engaging and the mini-games were weak. Everything else is average.
If you just need a new anything to play today, try this game. If you are waiting for the next great game, keep looking.
I will keep hoping the Labryrinth games will get better.
You're a surgeon. You can handle anything, right?
Overall rating
3
/
5
40 of 51 found this review helpful
Lie to Me No More, Eipix!
PostedFebruary 8, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI can't swim in floor length skirts. Can you?
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
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Dear Eipix,
I have a lot of your games in my collection. Many were stellar, some were really good, others average, some just disappointing.
And now we come to the new addition to the Sea of Lies series.
As a lady surgeon, in a time when women were not allowed on ships except as passengers and certainly not trained as any type of doctor, I am the new ship surgeon on the warship assigned to protect a convoy of trade ships.
OK, I'm guessing you assume the majority of your customers want to play in skirts.
As my ship sinks in the opening minuted of the game, I watch a giant squid shadow swim away under the water before I try to reach the surface in my fifteen to twenty yards of water soaked dress and petticoats.
On shore I am met by a local lass who offers no sympathy. As I just waded in as the almost sole survivor, why would I get sympathy?
When I get to the town gates, the guard wants proof I'm not a pirate. Here I get crafty, run back to the wreck, which has drifted to shore with me, and pull out my nice dry medical license!
I stuck it out to the end of the demo.
The artwork is beautiful, your orchestra is wonderful, the HOPs were varied and the story COULD have been good.
But the mini-games had lackluster directions, the story was, in the telling, trite. In short, I want and, frankly, expect more from any game with the Eipix logo on it.
Please try again.
Just remember that I can't recommend a game I won't buy.
Sorry, Eipix.
Granny
I have a lot of your games in my collection. Many were stellar, some were really good, others average, some just disappointing.
And now we come to the new addition to the Sea of Lies series.
As a lady surgeon, in a time when women were not allowed on ships except as passengers and certainly not trained as any type of doctor, I am the new ship surgeon on the warship assigned to protect a convoy of trade ships.
OK, I'm guessing you assume the majority of your customers want to play in skirts.
As my ship sinks in the opening minuted of the game, I watch a giant squid shadow swim away under the water before I try to reach the surface in my fifteen to twenty yards of water soaked dress and petticoats.
On shore I am met by a local lass who offers no sympathy. As I just waded in as the almost sole survivor, why would I get sympathy?
When I get to the town gates, the guard wants proof I'm not a pirate. Here I get crafty, run back to the wreck, which has drifted to shore with me, and pull out my nice dry medical license!
I stuck it out to the end of the demo.
The artwork is beautiful, your orchestra is wonderful, the HOPs were varied and the story COULD have been good.
But the mini-games had lackluster directions, the story was, in the telling, trite. In short, I want and, frankly, expect more from any game with the Eipix logo on it.
Please try again.
Just remember that I can't recommend a game I won't buy.
Sorry, Eipix.
Granny
I don't recommend this game.
There’s more to this restoration project than meets the eye.
Overall rating
3
/
5
29 of 36 found this review helpful
A Little Story, An Average Game
PostedFebruary 6, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromStory OK, Expectations Dimmed.
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
2
/
5
You are playing as a H.E.L.P. agent sent to check on three fellow agents who have not reported in to headquarters as expected. You are dropped at their assignment, an archeological site that is supposedly being restored. Your job is to rescue your colleagues, if necessary, and find out what is going on.
Good Stuff: Game-play moved along, HOPs were of varied sorts, mini-games were average, a multi-stage puzzled was as aggravating as I usually find them. Story was minimal, but at least you did not crash to get to the site of the agents disappearance. There are four levels of game-play including custom, fair music, and good artwork.
Bad Stuff: For good or bad, I think we all expect more from these devs, something innovative and different, or, at least, a decent story. It was OK, but not as good as some of the earlier Hidden Expedition games.
Sadly, I again find myself putting a game on my "Buy" list mostly because it is the next in a long series of which I own most of the games. And, eventually, I will get this game, on sale, to add to all the Hidden Expedition games in my collection. But, oh, how I wish it were better!
For now, I strongly urge you to check out the demo.
Good Stuff: Game-play moved along, HOPs were of varied sorts, mini-games were average, a multi-stage puzzled was as aggravating as I usually find them. Story was minimal, but at least you did not crash to get to the site of the agents disappearance. There are four levels of game-play including custom, fair music, and good artwork.
Bad Stuff: For good or bad, I think we all expect more from these devs, something innovative and different, or, at least, a decent story. It was OK, but not as good as some of the earlier Hidden Expedition games.
Sadly, I again find myself putting a game on my "Buy" list mostly because it is the next in a long series of which I own most of the games. And, eventually, I will get this game, on sale, to add to all the Hidden Expedition games in my collection. But, oh, how I wish it were better!
For now, I strongly urge you to check out the demo.
As an agent of the Alliance, you’ve been given a mission to destroy an ancient artifact known as the Spear of Destiny. In the wrong hands, it could help conquer the world.
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 9 found this review helpful
Stop the Villains From Getting the Mythic Weapon and Save the World
PostedFebruary 2, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromStory passing, bling great!
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 story is not new - at least I don't think it will change the outcome of WWII - but it is a different approach. Playing as Agent Walker, you have been sent to recover the pieces of an ancient artifact believed to be able to wield great power. If it falls into the wrong hands, the course of the war could be changed.
Good Stuff: Excellent VOs, beautiful artwork, varied HOPs with a variation Match game alternative, lots of mini-games, puzzles, and characters that move the story forward. Bonus: some CE bling in an SE game, including a variety of collectibles.
Bad Stuff: WWII. That Match game alternative was awful, but most of the rest was fairly good even if some of the mini-game/puzzle directions were lacking.
While I do not like war, I know how this one comes out, so I'm willing to play along, especially with a free game coupon.
Try the demo and enjoy the CE bling.
Good Stuff: Excellent VOs, beautiful artwork, varied HOPs with a variation Match game alternative, lots of mini-games, puzzles, and characters that move the story forward. Bonus: some CE bling in an SE game, including a variety of collectibles.
Bad Stuff: WWII. That Match game alternative was awful, but most of the rest was fairly good even if some of the mini-game/puzzle directions were lacking.
While I do not like war, I know how this one comes out, so I'm willing to play along, especially with a free game coupon.
Try the demo and enjoy the CE bling.
I recommend this game!
The murders are escalating in the city! Follow the clues to crack the cases and arrest the killers!
Overall rating
4
/
5
84 of 91 found this review helpful
Mosaic Type Puzzles With a Mystery
PostedFebruary 2, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromTwo blocks south, eight squares east.
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
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game works like other mosaic type puzzle games. You fill out the grid to make a pattern. As you complete each grid, you get a small clue to the mystery. When a set of puzzles are finished you will know a set of facts.
There are two game levels to choose from, casual and advanced. There are hints available and a limited number of mistakes before you have to restart.
The story is really minimal - the puzzles are more challenging as they get larger.
The bottom line? If you enjoy this type of puzzle game, try this demo. If you want to give this type of puzzle a try, this may be a good place to start. Have Fun!
There are two game levels to choose from, casual and advanced. There are hints available and a limited number of mistakes before you have to restart.
The story is really minimal - the puzzles are more challenging as they get larger.
The bottom line? If you enjoy this type of puzzle game, try this demo. If you want to give this type of puzzle a try, this may be a good place to start. Have Fun!
I recommend this game!