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:
Hidden Expedition: The Fountain of Youth Collector's Edition
There’s more to this restoration project than meets the eye.
Overall rating
3
/
5
38 of 54 found this review helpful
Nothing New Here For the New Year
PostedJanuary 8, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromI'll be going back to the Devil's Triangle!
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
I have almost all of the Hidden Expedition Games. I wanted this to be like a couple of the earlier ones with a story I wanted to devour and great game play.
Maybe next time.
You are a H.E.L.P. agent sent to check on three agents who have not been in contact with headquarters. Most of the details are fuzzy at best, but there are bad guys, explosions, and menace in the air.
Good Stuff: Game-play moved along, HOPs were of varied sorts, mini-games were average, a multi-stage puzzled - one of many puzzles - 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 and the usual CE bling to round out the package.
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.
Once again I 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.
I wish I was looking to buy the next great game in the series instead of just the next game.
Please try this one for yourself before you buy, as perhaps I'm jaded after all the recent disappointing series games.
Maybe next time.
You are a H.E.L.P. agent sent to check on three agents who have not been in contact with headquarters. Most of the details are fuzzy at best, but there are bad guys, explosions, and menace in the air.
Good Stuff: Game-play moved along, HOPs were of varied sorts, mini-games were average, a multi-stage puzzled - one of many puzzles - 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 and the usual CE bling to round out the package.
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.
Once again I 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.
I wish I was looking to buy the next great game in the series instead of just the next game.
Please try this one for yourself before you buy, as perhaps I'm jaded after all the recent disappointing series games.
I recommend this game!
Join our penguin on a journey to the parallel universe of mosaic puzzles!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 16 found this review helpful
Another Mosaics Puzzle - No More, No Less
PostedJanuary 7, 2016
Granny_Gruff
fromNo story, Just Logical Game-Play
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
My title says it all, folks.
If you have done this type of puzzle before, you know what you are facing. (Read the other reviews if you are unsure what we are talking about, as I won't rehash the basics here.)
If you haven't tried this puzzle type before, give this game a try and see if you like this sort of challenge. (For a really basic intro, try Fantasy Mosaics 1 or World Mosaics 1.)
These logic puzzles can be a nice break from the HOPs and I usually have one in progress as they are very replayable.
They will not change gaming as you know it, but they will not be other than what they are - a logic driven alternative game.
Try this one for yourself.
If you have done this type of puzzle before, you know what you are facing. (Read the other reviews if you are unsure what we are talking about, as I won't rehash the basics here.)
If you haven't tried this puzzle type before, give this game a try and see if you like this sort of challenge. (For a really basic intro, try Fantasy Mosaics 1 or World Mosaics 1.)
These logic puzzles can be a nice break from the HOPs and I usually have one in progress as they are very replayable.
They will not change gaming as you know it, but they will not be other than what they are - a logic driven alternative game.
Try this one for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Use the power of the magic cards and rebuild the elven island!
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 15 found this review helpful
Elves Need Help - Give Them a Hand - of Cards
PostedDecember 29, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromSigh!
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
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I have previous Far Kingdom series games. They are a mix of different puzzles/game types and easy to go to when I am tired of HOPs and Adventures.
This new entry, Far Kingdoms: Sacred Grove is golf solitaire, lots and lots of golf solitaire. (You eliminated cards from a layout by matching in strings going up and down numerically from a card in the stack - i.e. K, Q, J, 10, 9, 10, J, Q.) There are various layouts, wild cards, and the golf solitaire. You can pick from four types of card faces and three card backs. You are collecting crystals to rebuild the Elves' island after a devastating earthquake. (I averaged 50 crystals per hand and played 15 hands of golf solitaire to repair a single building.) After you repair one building you will play more golf solitaire to find the pieces to something in the building before going on the the next building.
The music is beautifully orchestrated but very loud. I turned it down by 80% so I could think. You read the story and dialogue on screen.
The game is OK, just not as varied as the previous Far Kingdom games. I was hoping for mini-games to vary the cards, but no such luck.
If you are looking to play a lot of golf solitaire, this is your game. I'm passing.
This new entry, Far Kingdoms: Sacred Grove is golf solitaire, lots and lots of golf solitaire. (You eliminated cards from a layout by matching in strings going up and down numerically from a card in the stack - i.e. K, Q, J, 10, 9, 10, J, Q.) There are various layouts, wild cards, and the golf solitaire. You can pick from four types of card faces and three card backs. You are collecting crystals to rebuild the Elves' island after a devastating earthquake. (I averaged 50 crystals per hand and played 15 hands of golf solitaire to repair a single building.) After you repair one building you will play more golf solitaire to find the pieces to something in the building before going on the the next building.
The music is beautifully orchestrated but very loud. I turned it down by 80% so I could think. You read the story and dialogue on screen.
The game is OK, just not as varied as the previous Far Kingdom games. I was hoping for mini-games to vary the cards, but no such luck.
If you are looking to play a lot of golf solitaire, this is your game. I'm passing.
Travel with Ben in his journey through dreams and unravel the mystery of his late wife Elizabeth.
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 14 found this review helpful
This Game Should Come with a Bow, Like the Rest of My Gifts
PostedDecember 26, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromThis dream game is real.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I too expected little from a game that was basically a throw away from BFG, so quiet was it's arrival. Surprise! It is a very nice little game with an intriguing story and some nice collectibles for an SE. There really should have been trumpets and flags so we could more easily discover this gem. I'd have gone for five stars if it had more innovative content.
You are the male protagonist. Your beloved wife died in a car crash and you are lost without her. You have been dreaming of her nightly, but then your dreams change and bleed over into your reality, just small things that lead you to different dreams/localities that the two of you shared. You keep going not knowing where this will lead you.
Good stuff: Good game-play continually moving from one location to the next with collectibles, FRAGs, and mini-games along the way through beautifully drawn scenes with real actors.
Bad Stuff: Nothing new about the mini-games or progress through the game - just a decent story with good support. And there is an animal helper, luckily not overly cloying and cute.
I really liked what I saw and for the extras included in this SE, I'll happily trot out a coupon to use. Please try this one for yourself.
You are the male protagonist. Your beloved wife died in a car crash and you are lost without her. You have been dreaming of her nightly, but then your dreams change and bleed over into your reality, just small things that lead you to different dreams/localities that the two of you shared. You keep going not knowing where this will lead you.
Good stuff: Good game-play continually moving from one location to the next with collectibles, FRAGs, and mini-games along the way through beautifully drawn scenes with real actors.
Bad Stuff: Nothing new about the mini-games or progress through the game - just a decent story with good support. And there is an animal helper, luckily not overly cloying and cute.
I really liked what I saw and for the extras included in this SE, I'll happily trot out a coupon to use. Please try this one for yourself.
I recommend this game!
When an age spell drains your vitality, will you save your family?
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 49 found this review helpful
Growing Old Takes on New Meaning
PostedDecember 25, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromWhich witch is the good witch and which the bad witch?
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
4
/
5
As Jack you arrive home to find things are not good. Sister is gone, taken by an evil witch, while Mother is stuck in a nearby chair, rapidly aging. You set out to rescue your sister and save Mom. Adding to your problems is the fact that you also are aging and may soon be unable to help your family. And then there is the human world to save, if you have time.
Good stuff: Morphing objects, collectibles, varied HOPs with a Matching Game alternative, mini-games, and a convoluted story that you need to follow closely, along with the usual CE bling.
Bad stuff: There was nothing egregiously bad.
I have been picking and choosing my games from the Witches' Legacy Series. I have found only three that I've liked up till now. Fortunately, this new entry in the series offers a better story and game-play.
Give the demo a try and have a good holiday.
Good stuff: Morphing objects, collectibles, varied HOPs with a Matching Game alternative, mini-games, and a convoluted story that you need to follow closely, along with the usual CE bling.
Bad stuff: There was nothing egregiously bad.
I have been picking and choosing my games from the Witches' Legacy Series. I have found only three that I've liked up till now. Fortunately, this new entry in the series offers a better story and game-play.
Give the demo a try and have a good holiday.
I recommend this game!
The mountain town of Glockenverk is in the grip of a dramatic and deadly cold spell. Set out with your trusty feline friend, Mr. Jenkins, to crack the case!
Overall rating
2
/
5
17 of 20 found this review helpful
Mr. Jenkins Will Work Only AFTER Being Fed - Smart Kitty!
PostedDecember 22, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromI'm getting Mr. Jenkins a mouse for Christmas!
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
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The town watchmaker, in an effort to bring back his son, has created a mechanism that had a few unexpected side effects - like freezing the town and it's area and sending out tornados that turn local wildlife into prehistoric monsters. The daughter/detective, Leia, from previous Ominous Objects games is again called to duty with her feline companion, Mr. Jenkins. This time Mr. Jenkins will only help after being fed. Ahh, wise Mr Jenkins. I too should have demanded a bribe to play this game!
Good Stuff: Artwork is beautiful and very blue (Hey, it's freezing, folks.) There is music and the some of the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: Mini-games, puzzles, and HOPs (with Match-3 alternative) were beginner level at best. The story bits I mentioned were as much from the synopsis and the reviews as they were from the game, as well as some guessing on my part. In other words, the actual story is mostly MIA.
I wish that they had worked just a bit harder on this game - it had potential, even with the hackneyed story-line.
So Sad.
Good Stuff: Artwork is beautiful and very blue (Hey, it's freezing, folks.) There is music and the some of the usual CE bling.
Bad Stuff: Mini-games, puzzles, and HOPs (with Match-3 alternative) were beginner level at best. The story bits I mentioned were as much from the synopsis and the reviews as they were from the game, as well as some guessing on my part. In other words, the actual story is mostly MIA.
I wish that they had worked just a bit harder on this game - it had potential, even with the hackneyed story-line.
So Sad.
I don't recommend this game.
Your long-lost relatives are excited to welcome you to the family… or are they?
Overall rating
5
/
5
66 of 80 found this review helpful
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid.....
PostedDecember 17, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromHappiness is a Five Star Game for Christmas!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Long lost Cousin Patrick has invited you to the family reunion at the old Ward Estate. You arrive to find he's too busy to let you in himself, but he's left a key at the gate. You make your way into the house and find several relatives have arrived before you. Things will get weird and crazy from here on in. You will discover family secrets that you don't want to know as you solve puzzles and mini-games as well as excellent multi-layered HOPs.
Wonderful VO's introduce you to beautifully drawn family characters. Clues lead you to interesting tidbits of information about those family members - tidbits that are a bit too juicy for comfort, about things it were better you did not know.
This is possibly the best Phantasmat yet, full of all the thrills and chills we came to expect after the first one in the series. Try to remain calm as you enjoy every moment of what looks to be a great game, possibly the best of the year!
(If I review it twice, does that mean I can give it the ten stars it deserves?)
Rejoice!
Wonderful VO's introduce you to beautifully drawn family characters. Clues lead you to interesting tidbits of information about those family members - tidbits that are a bit too juicy for comfort, about things it were better you did not know.
This is possibly the best Phantasmat yet, full of all the thrills and chills we came to expect after the first one in the series. Try to remain calm as you enjoy every moment of what looks to be a great game, possibly the best of the year!
(If I review it twice, does that mean I can give it the ten stars it deserves?)
Rejoice!
I recommend this game!
Join our heroines Lily and Madison as they follow a series of clues about a recent string of chilling murders.
Overall rating
1
/
5
13 of 16 found this review helpful
No Matter What You Think Is Happening - Run Away!
PostedDecember 16, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromStill waiting for the "Skip" button.
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
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Trust me on this, DO NOT buy this game unless you have played the demo.
This is an old style game with a single level of play, clunky game-play, and a glacial pace.
I bailed on a puzzle with NO directions. It should have been fairly straight forward, but the game would not accept my repeated solutions. As the skip bnutton also advances at a glacial speed, it may be years before I see what the problem was with my solution.
In the mean time, be advised that the tutorial can not be skipped, the story is MIA, and if there is a "Continue" or
"Close" button on screen, you must click on it before anything else will advance.
I'm sure someone meant well - at this time of year I tend to be delusional. Just, please, try before you buy!
This is an old style game with a single level of play, clunky game-play, and a glacial pace.
I bailed on a puzzle with NO directions. It should have been fairly straight forward, but the game would not accept my repeated solutions. As the skip bnutton also advances at a glacial speed, it may be years before I see what the problem was with my solution.
In the mean time, be advised that the tutorial can not be skipped, the story is MIA, and if there is a "Continue" or
"Close" button on screen, you must click on it before anything else will advance.
I'm sure someone meant well - at this time of year I tend to be delusional. Just, please, try before you buy!
I don't recommend this game.
A scream in the night... a brutal crime... a mysterious figure with eyes red as blood. Can you get to the heart of this shocking murder?
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 25 found this review helpful
My Apologies to Poe
PostedDecember 14, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromEdgar, Please forgive us.
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
This is a dreary addition to the Dark Tales series Please bring an umbrella, a towel, and a good book. I'm not sure what has confused me more: the sub-juvenial level of this game or lack of decent directions for mini-games.
There is a murder. The victim was hit in the heart; she was hung up in a tree. We investigate with Dupin once again.
Good stuff: Music was OK and expected game elements were present.
Bad Stuff: HOPs were pedestrian although varied, mini-games and puzzles would have bored the grandkids in their simplicity, and the game-play and story-line are stilted at best.
I am not an Edgar Allen Poe fan so I approached the story-line from a fresh perspective that left me asking, "What story-line?"
We really don't receive much information in the demo except there has been a murder and we are to investigate. And we do - in the most boring, banal, and basic ways possible
My humble apologies to Edgar Allen Poe for what seems a sorry addition to the Dark Tales series.
There is a murder. The victim was hit in the heart; she was hung up in a tree. We investigate with Dupin once again.
Good stuff: Music was OK and expected game elements were present.
Bad Stuff: HOPs were pedestrian although varied, mini-games and puzzles would have bored the grandkids in their simplicity, and the game-play and story-line are stilted at best.
I am not an Edgar Allen Poe fan so I approached the story-line from a fresh perspective that left me asking, "What story-line?"
We really don't receive much information in the demo except there has been a murder and we are to investigate. And we do - in the most boring, banal, and basic ways possible
My humble apologies to Edgar Allen Poe for what seems a sorry addition to the Dark Tales series.
I don't recommend this game.
Someone's out for revenge, and she'll stop at nothing to get it.
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
The Good Out Weighs the Bad
PostedDecember 13, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromFind the Kids Again.
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
Arriving home from a recent investigation you are called by your sister. She had sent your niece, Liza to a summer camp. Liza, along with all the other children, has disappeared from the deserted town where the camp was supposed to be. Your investigation indicates that the town was abandoned years ago after citizens working in the nearby gem mines turned up dead and four of the town's children disappeared with their teacher.
Now someone wants to complete a ritual using your niece and the other recently kidnapped children as well as the ghosts of the missing town children. Can you find out what's going on and stop it in time?
Good Stuff: There are several types of HOPs, some good mini-games, good artwork, and decent music and VOs. There will be morphing objects that get you extra hints as you go along, as well as items that belonged to the kids to collect. Better yet, there seems to be a reasonably logical progression to the game-play, as opposed to the many recent games that had me tearing my hair out in frustration at the lack of cohesion. And the old story has interesting new details
Bad Stuff: The story is about rescuing children - again. Some of the mini-games are just sad.
Bottom line: Better than some of the recent offerings, not as good as others.
I liked it, but urge you to try this demo for yourself before you buy.
Now someone wants to complete a ritual using your niece and the other recently kidnapped children as well as the ghosts of the missing town children. Can you find out what's going on and stop it in time?
Good Stuff: There are several types of HOPs, some good mini-games, good artwork, and decent music and VOs. There will be morphing objects that get you extra hints as you go along, as well as items that belonged to the kids to collect. Better yet, there seems to be a reasonably logical progression to the game-play, as opposed to the many recent games that had me tearing my hair out in frustration at the lack of cohesion. And the old story has interesting new details
Bad Stuff: The story is about rescuing children - again. Some of the mini-games are just sad.
Bottom line: Better than some of the recent offerings, not as good as others.
I liked it, but urge you to try this demo for yourself before you buy.
I recommend this game!