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:
Find the cure to save your brother from the Others.
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 9 found this review helpful
Cute Helper of the Day - a Troll!
PostedMarch 29, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I like series where each game is its own story world. This "Bridge to Another World" game is a new world from the first original game and a welcome change.
You and your adopted brother trap beings know as "Others." You are both on the hunt when your brother enters an Other's portal to another world. You follow and the adventure begins.
You may be rescuing, exploring, or saving a life. The mission is not clear from the demo. You will "earn" a troll helper as you explore. He will, thankfully, not be cute.
There are HOPs, mini-games, and etc. just like other games.
I did not find the story compelling nor is game-play attractive or innovative enough to make me need this game.
I'll be sure to check out the SE.
You and your adopted brother trap beings know as "Others." You are both on the hunt when your brother enters an Other's portal to another world. You follow and the adventure begins.
You may be rescuing, exploring, or saving a life. The mission is not clear from the demo. You will "earn" a troll helper as you explore. He will, thankfully, not be cute.
There are HOPs, mini-games, and etc. just like other games.
I did not find the story compelling nor is game-play attractive or innovative enough to make me need this game.
I'll be sure to check out the SE.
The legacy of the witches continues when Lynn and her husband are lured into a trap by a mysterious sorcerer...
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 25 found this review helpful
Feel the Evil!
PostedMarch 27, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
You and Lynn and her husband of almost a year are visiting a fair. They go ahead of you to see a puppet show and, just as you catch up, the evil puppeteer changes her husband, Edward, into a puppet. Lynn is forced to accompany them through a portal or risk loosing her husband forever. You follow after various game play elements are dealt with by your character and your decidedly not-cute helper.
Your helper is the same imp used in the earlier games. I'm not a fan.
There are progressive HOPs, mini-games that are relatively easy in the Demo, good animation, four levels of game-play, and the usual CE bling.
As for the story, I've never been a fan of this series of games. But if I bought any of the series, this would be the one, because I found the villain really evil looking. I want to save everyone from him!
Try the new Witches' Legacy: Slumbering Darkness for yourself!
Your helper is the same imp used in the earlier games. I'm not a fan.
There are progressive HOPs, mini-games that are relatively easy in the Demo, good animation, four levels of game-play, and the usual CE bling.
As for the story, I've never been a fan of this series of games. But if I bought any of the series, this would be the one, because I found the villain really evil looking. I want to save everyone from him!
Try the new Witches' Legacy: Slumbering Darkness for yourself!
A mysterious Owl Man is terrorizing citizens!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 17 found this review helpful
I Have a New Like
PostedMarch 26, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
A new 'Mystery Trackers" is an occasion in my universe. (Don't judge!) I approach each new "Mystery Trackers" as a separate entity as each has special qualities of its own.
You are once again the detective called in to investigate the apparent kidnapping of a young boy from his home. The locals believe the culprit to be a mythical Owl Man, used to scare the children and central to a feud with a neighboring village.
This is a good solid game with several questionable features and a cute helper. First off - our cute helper is Elf, the chihuahua. All business and well behaved, Elf is as much a part of these games as the detective; 'nough said.
The questionable features are both new and "borrowed" from other ERS games. The evidence board is a borrow, but seems to move the story along, rather than impede it. The "Second Sight" is new. It is a clunky element that is mildly amusing at first and pales over time, especially when the game insists you use it, but then you need to find items outside the special screen to finish that screen.
There are four levels of game-play, including custom level. There are collectibles, morphing objects, and the usual CE bling.
The HOPs are varied and often in a monochromatic hue that makes finding items more difficult than it need be. The mini-games were good although at least one of them needed way better instructions.
The VOs did not sound like Louisiana, but they were passable. Animation was very basic. The story was actually better than the reviews suggested. (I do want to know what happens, only I'll wait for a sale.)
All and all, a decent effort from the Devs, who, we hope, are striving to get better next time.
You are once again the detective called in to investigate the apparent kidnapping of a young boy from his home. The locals believe the culprit to be a mythical Owl Man, used to scare the children and central to a feud with a neighboring village.
This is a good solid game with several questionable features and a cute helper. First off - our cute helper is Elf, the chihuahua. All business and well behaved, Elf is as much a part of these games as the detective; 'nough said.
The questionable features are both new and "borrowed" from other ERS games. The evidence board is a borrow, but seems to move the story along, rather than impede it. The "Second Sight" is new. It is a clunky element that is mildly amusing at first and pales over time, especially when the game insists you use it, but then you need to find items outside the special screen to finish that screen.
There are four levels of game-play, including custom level. There are collectibles, morphing objects, and the usual CE bling.
The HOPs are varied and often in a monochromatic hue that makes finding items more difficult than it need be. The mini-games were good although at least one of them needed way better instructions.
The VOs did not sound like Louisiana, but they were passable. Animation was very basic. The story was actually better than the reviews suggested. (I do want to know what happens, only I'll wait for a sale.)
All and all, a decent effort from the Devs, who, we hope, are striving to get better next time.
I recommend this game!
When Julia reaches an abandoned laboratory to rescue her sister, she discovers there is more to this mystery than a mere abduction.
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 10 found this review helpful
It was OK.
PostedMarch 24, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Sister disappeared years ago. You are having bad dreams involving guys in gas masks and wet suits. You are awakened by a call about a package you got and dumped in a drawer. Quick, go rescue sis!
So you go.
And find average HOPs, mini-games, good artwork, and stilted VOs. There are three levels of play along with emblems and diary pages to collect.
Try the demo before you buy.
So you go.
And find average HOPs, mini-games, good artwork, and stilted VOs. There are three levels of play along with emblems and diary pages to collect.
Try the demo before you buy.
Trapped in the past, Sarah must find a way home.
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 20 found this review helpful
Why is the Order Secret?
PostedMarch 22, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm approaching this from a fresh perspective. I don't remember even playing the demos of the previous three games in this series.
You are Sarah, a member of the Secret Order of the Griffins, who is trapped in the past at the end of your journey to help an ancient kingdom. While trying to get home your time travel ship is highjacked and sent into a distant reality. Now you must try to get back not only to the present, but to your own world. Your journey takes you from ancient Egypt to places beyond imagination.
Three are three levels of game play, Casual, Advanced, and Expert. Along with the usual CE bling and collectibles, there are good mini-games, some very good HOPs, lovely artwork, and a cute helper. (I'm normally not a cute helper fan, but this one seems to really be helpful and talented as he has several "gifts" that you will uncover during the game.)
Overall, I enjoyed the demo and would like to play not only this game, but the previous ones, partly because the main character is intelligent and competent. The storyline is refreshingly different and involving.
It's a quiet weekend. Give the demo a look-see.
You are Sarah, a member of the Secret Order of the Griffins, who is trapped in the past at the end of your journey to help an ancient kingdom. While trying to get home your time travel ship is highjacked and sent into a distant reality. Now you must try to get back not only to the present, but to your own world. Your journey takes you from ancient Egypt to places beyond imagination.
Three are three levels of game play, Casual, Advanced, and Expert. Along with the usual CE bling and collectibles, there are good mini-games, some very good HOPs, lovely artwork, and a cute helper. (I'm normally not a cute helper fan, but this one seems to really be helpful and talented as he has several "gifts" that you will uncover during the game.)
Overall, I enjoyed the demo and would like to play not only this game, but the previous ones, partly because the main character is intelligent and competent. The storyline is refreshingly different and involving.
It's a quiet weekend. Give the demo a look-see.
I recommend this game!
PuppetShow: The Price of Immortality Collector's Edition
Your friend vanishes after investigating the mysterious Theater of Emotions
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 22 found this review helpful
So Long, Puppet Show....
PostedMarch 19, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Maybe we should look upon game series like TV shows - If there is no life left in the series, do a spin-off.
I have the first five games in the Puppet show series. But the last one, "Lightening Strikes" was a disappointment. I can't say as much for this new game.
As a reporter, you ride into Immortale to save your friend Enrique, who was investigating in the town and called you for help. You have no idea what is going on. You rapidly get into as much trouble as Enrique. Lucky you.
The artwork is beautiful, the game elements are what you would expect in a CE, the bling is also here, and then there is the storyline.
There was no portion of the idea of a town where strangers are publicly executed in a theater by an audience member picked by lottery that appealed to me. I can play a lot of good games that have a more attractive storyline, one that interests me. This isn't the one I will choose today.
Play the demo and decide for yourself.
I have the first five games in the Puppet show series. But the last one, "Lightening Strikes" was a disappointment. I can't say as much for this new game.
As a reporter, you ride into Immortale to save your friend Enrique, who was investigating in the town and called you for help. You have no idea what is going on. You rapidly get into as much trouble as Enrique. Lucky you.
The artwork is beautiful, the game elements are what you would expect in a CE, the bling is also here, and then there is the storyline.
There was no portion of the idea of a town where strangers are publicly executed in a theater by an audience member picked by lottery that appealed to me. I can play a lot of good games that have a more attractive storyline, one that interests me. This isn't the one I will choose today.
Play the demo and decide for yourself.
Experience the Travels of Marco Polo - a historical Point & click Adventure for the whole family!
Overall rating
1
/
5
10 of 15 found this review helpful
Ouch!
PostedMarch 18, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
You are a teenaged Marco Polo. Father has locked you in your room as he does not want you to accompany him on his latest voyage. He leaves at dawn and you intend to join him regardless of his wishes.
The artwork is the almost realistic type that leaves me in awe of the artist. Everything else is just painful. I slogged my way through a couple of mini-games and managed to get the gondola repaired, without the help of good instructions or a hint button. However you had to bail out the gondola with a tiny scoop-type bailer. Each time you picked it up, a tiny bit of water would leave, only to return while you went back to the inventory to get the bailer again. After spending way too much time on that task, I too gave up on this game as so many gamers have before me.
The mini-game instructions are nonexistent, every task is made incredibly difficult - i.e. I have to pick up and use the screw driver on each individual screw. Almost every object I needed to pick up for inventory, on my giant monitor, was microscopic.
I wish the game had run smoothly, with a hint button, and clear mini-game instructions, as I love historical fiction.
Pass.
The artwork is the almost realistic type that leaves me in awe of the artist. Everything else is just painful. I slogged my way through a couple of mini-games and managed to get the gondola repaired, without the help of good instructions or a hint button. However you had to bail out the gondola with a tiny scoop-type bailer. Each time you picked it up, a tiny bit of water would leave, only to return while you went back to the inventory to get the bailer again. After spending way too much time on that task, I too gave up on this game as so many gamers have before me.
The mini-game instructions are nonexistent, every task is made incredibly difficult - i.e. I have to pick up and use the screw driver on each individual screw. Almost every object I needed to pick up for inventory, on my giant monitor, was microscopic.
I wish the game had run smoothly, with a hint button, and clear mini-game instructions, as I love historical fiction.
Pass.
I don't recommend this game.
A meteorite devastates a town, yanking Emily from her normal life.
Overall rating
2
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
Who has done this to my favorite game series?
PostedMarch 15, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I wanted to like this game SO much. I love the House of a Thousand Doors series so much. They are part of only a handful of games I enjoy playing over and over.
This game is indescribably disappointing. The story has Emily, a new character, introduced and left to wallow through the game alone within a few minutes of the start of the demo.
The storyline has been covered by others, as have the elements of the game. Just know that you really need to play the demo before you buy this game. It is not the stellar member of this series that we should have gotten.
This game is indescribably disappointing. The story has Emily, a new character, introduced and left to wallow through the game alone within a few minutes of the start of the demo.
The storyline has been covered by others, as have the elements of the game. Just know that you really need to play the demo before you buy this game. It is not the stellar member of this series that we should have gotten.
I don't recommend this game.
A murder mystery party turns deadly in real life!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
I Reckon We Found Us A Good One!
PostedMarch 13, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm on the fence as to whether thiis is a four or five star game, so we'll cut to the chase - Four game play levels, including custom, multilevel HOPs with morphing objects in them and a marble popper alternative, a couple of collectibles, reasonably good mini-games, appropriate music, great art deco visuals and excellent VOs along with a good mystery and an elaborate assortment of CE bling.
You are the detective called in to investigate the death of the owner of the estate. You arrive to look at the corpse and decide if it was murder. You will question all the suspects and gather evidence. You have an investigator's kit to help you check out the corpse. Everyone and everything seems just a tad "off" as you go about collecting pictures and evidence to put the story together. There is more than enough suspicion and incriminating evidence to go around.
As in the previous Dead Reckoning Game, its all about the story. If you are hooked and need to find out the who, what, when, and where, then you will love this game. Don't care? Then it is just another pretty game.
I intend to get to the bottom of this mystery. You should check it out, too.
You are the detective called in to investigate the death of the owner of the estate. You arrive to look at the corpse and decide if it was murder. You will question all the suspects and gather evidence. You have an investigator's kit to help you check out the corpse. Everyone and everything seems just a tad "off" as you go about collecting pictures and evidence to put the story together. There is more than enough suspicion and incriminating evidence to go around.
As in the previous Dead Reckoning Game, its all about the story. If you are hooked and need to find out the who, what, when, and where, then you will love this game. Don't care? Then it is just another pretty game.
I intend to get to the bottom of this mystery. You should check it out, too.
I recommend this game!
Shadows-kidnappers have arrived! Unravel the mystery of the Shadows and free the town from their dreadful fears!
Overall rating
2
/
5
28 of 40 found this review helpful
I'll be "Trolling" for Another Game
PostedMarch 10, 2015
Granny_Gruff
fromLouisville, KY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
OK, I couldn't resist the Troll comment - it's a reference to the little helper in the game.
There is a town in the midst of a great forest where all of the residents are paralyzed with fear of the Shadows that attack anyone outside after dark. Many people have disappeared. Organized rescue parties have never returned. You play as a small orphaned boy. You are thrown into a workhouse by the town elder, disturbingly drawn as a nun. Any orphan caught on the streets is sent to the workhouse, where they are basically put in a cell to sit and rot. You need to escape and as you try to do so, you try to help another orphan to escape with you.
Game-play is slow, and, sometimes, painfully slow. HOPs have a couple of interactive items included in the list of things to find. Mini-games are not challenging. Artwork is stylized and depressing. You read dialogue. Characters consist of the other orphan, the nun-like Elder, and the troll-like helper along with the Shadows, dark floating clouds with burning eyes.
During the Demo, you see lots of locations, all equally dark and depressing.
Every other action defies logic - You shoot a bucket down from over your head where it is out of reach, but you fill the street lamp across the street with fuel and light it, all apparently by levitation. You have to find a pitchfork to get hay off a raft, but then you can carry it off without the pitchfork.
Then there's our cute/ugly troll helper. He'll help if you recharge his magic - enough said.
Please try this before buying. It may be something you will like - but I doubt it.
There is a town in the midst of a great forest where all of the residents are paralyzed with fear of the Shadows that attack anyone outside after dark. Many people have disappeared. Organized rescue parties have never returned. You play as a small orphaned boy. You are thrown into a workhouse by the town elder, disturbingly drawn as a nun. Any orphan caught on the streets is sent to the workhouse, where they are basically put in a cell to sit and rot. You need to escape and as you try to do so, you try to help another orphan to escape with you.
Game-play is slow, and, sometimes, painfully slow. HOPs have a couple of interactive items included in the list of things to find. Mini-games are not challenging. Artwork is stylized and depressing. You read dialogue. Characters consist of the other orphan, the nun-like Elder, and the troll-like helper along with the Shadows, dark floating clouds with burning eyes.
During the Demo, you see lots of locations, all equally dark and depressing.
Every other action defies logic - You shoot a bucket down from over your head where it is out of reach, but you fill the street lamp across the street with fuel and light it, all apparently by levitation. You have to find a pitchfork to get hay off a raft, but then you can carry it off without the pitchfork.
Then there's our cute/ugly troll helper. He'll help if you recharge his magic - enough said.
Please try this before buying. It may be something you will like - but I doubt it.
I don't recommend this game.