Grimm
- January 6, 2014
- Spicyhorse Games
- 52h median play time
Get on Steam"Grimm" is a single-player Fantasy Action game with a marvelous story and pretty visuals. As Grimm, players transform classic fairy tales into darker versions, providing 30 minutes of gameplay in each of the 23 episodes. With a hilarious tone, players can enjoy each standalone episode in any order, based on popular tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and humorous twist on classic fairy tales, turning them into dark and twisted versions that are both entertaining and engaging.
- The art style is charming and fits the theme well, with a mix of cutesy and grotesque visuals that enhance the overall experience.
- Grimm's voice acting and comedic dialogue add a layer of enjoyment, making the gameplay feel light-hearted despite its dark themes.
- Gameplay can be repetitive and simplistic, often lacking variety and challenge, which may lead to boredom over time.
- There are bugs and glitches that can cause players to get stuck, requiring them to restart chapters, which can be frustrating.
- The episodic format and lack of achievements may deter some players, as it can feel disjointed and limit the sense of progression.
- gameplay111 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "American McGee's Grimm" is characterized as simple and repetitive, primarily involving running around and corrupting fairy tale environments with minimal challenge. While some players find the mechanics satisfying and the dark humor engaging, many criticize the lack of variety and depth, leading to a monotonous experience. Overall, the game appeals more for its storytelling and artistic style than for its gameplay mechanics.
“The gameplay itself is addicting and the stories are well known, not homemade.”
“While the gameplay itself can be described as a bit repetitive, it's actually very relaxing and somewhat satisfying to look as Grimm's aura gradually converts the sugar-coated fairy tale around him into a dark version of itself.”
“Gameplay-wise, the game is a fairly simple platformer but with a special mechanic; in every level Grimm has a circular aura around his person that can instantly change objects from their original sugary cuteness to excessively dark and grotesque.”
“If there's one criticism I have about American McGee's Grimm, it's that the gameplay is unrelentingly repetitive.”
“Granted, the stories are very different and watching Grimm mutilate them beyond all recognition is undeniably engaging, but that in no way negates the fact that there is zero gameplay variation and once you've completed an episode, no incentive whatsoever to replay it.”
“Terrible repetitive gameplay with laughably unreliable controls.”
- story106 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game's story revolves around a cynical dwarf named Grimm, who transforms classic fairy tales from their light-hearted versions into dark, twisted narratives, providing a humorous and grotesque take on familiar tales. Each of the 23 episodes features unique storylines with a light and dark retelling, though the gameplay can become repetitive as players engage in similar missions to progress the story. Despite its simplicity and lack of variety, the engaging storytelling and the novelty of corrupting beloved tales are highlights that resonate with players.
“The storylines, however, are where this game shines.”
“You take a fairytale that might be a bit generic or tasteless for our main character and turn it into a grotesque, over-the-top story that is truly grim.”
“Each episode opens up with a cutscene to showcase the story's light theater with its cute and cuddly characters; after completing each mission of an episode, you'll be able to watch the dark theater mode to see Grimm's version of the tale.”
“There is no overarching narrative; you control Grimm through these stories, all leading up to the final story, Snow White.”
“There's also, unfortunately, an immense lack of variety, so you really have to be okay with doing the same kind of mission over and over again.”
“Contrary to the description, this game is 90% walking around and 10% story.”
- humor96 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a blend of juvenile and dark comedy, often featuring crude jokes, toilet humor, and twisted takes on classic fairy tales. While some players find it hilariously entertaining and appreciate its unique style, others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking cleverness, suggesting it may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it caters to those with a taste for dark, morbid humor, but its juvenile elements may deter some players.
“Overall, I highly recommend the game as something to play to put a smile on your face if you like humor a tad on the dark side and enjoy dark fairy tales... peppered with some immature humor.”
“The game carries its own dark and odd humor, that has more than once gotten a laugh out of me.”
“American McGee's made his mark on the Brothers Grimm just like he did with Alice... only instead of going for the macabre, he went in a slightly 'South Park' style of humor that works perfectly.”
- graphics59 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming, cartoony art style that blends whimsical and grotesque elements, reminiscent of Tim Burton's aesthetic. While some players appreciate the unique visuals and find them fitting for the game's themes, others note that the graphics lack polish and can feel outdated, with repetitive assets and stiff animations. Overall, the art style is seen as a highlight, contributing to the game's quirky and humorous atmosphere, despite its limitations.
“Graphically, the game employs an aesthetic most reminiscent of Tim Burton, with an eerie blend of the grotesque and whimsical.”
“The art style fits the theme of the game, with really childish creatures that turn into ugly monstrosities.”
“The best part about the graphics is how they change from 'cutesy' to 'grim'.”
“The graphics would have been embarrassingly bad 20 years ago.”
“The graphics are not spectacular, and the gameplay is not demanding.”
“The game was made quickly and on a budget, and it shows - the animation is often quite stiff and there's a certain lack of polish.”
- music28 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as fitting the whimsical and dark themes, with catchy tunes that enhance the experience, particularly the memorable song sung by Grimm at the start of each episode. While some find the music simple and repetitive, it is noted that each episode features a different soundtrack, which helps maintain interest. Overall, the sound effects are well-received, and the music, though not groundbreaking, adds to the game's charm.
“The song Grimm sings at the beginning of each episode is a high point and never fails to make me smile.”
“The music does fit the setting, both when in the light version and dark version.”
“The grimm-ified singing skull does have an earworm-worthy song in my mind, though.”
“I'll admit, the music is simple, short and repeats, but it's not going to ruin anything.”
“The music isn't anything to write home about.”
“While the voice acting is good, it can get rather repetitive at times, as can the music, although each episode has a different soundtrack which prevents you from getting too sick of it.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game offers decent replayability through various power-ups, hidden coins, and time challenges, encouraging players to revisit levels for higher scores and faster completion times. While there are secrets to discover and gold stars to earn, the overall replay value may diminish after completing each episode unless players are motivated to achieve all possible accolades. At its current price, many reviewers consider it a worthwhile purchase for those who enjoy casual gaming with a mix of humor and atmosphere.
“The power-ups, hidden coins, and time challenges also add some replay value, and it can be enjoyable to do one run to get the highest meter possible, while doing another of the same place for the fastest time.”
“There are lots of secrets (coins) which can be found in each episode, as well as the potential to earn gold stars for turning everything in each scene dark. There is a bit of replayability in this game if you don't manage to do everything the first time through.”
“At the price it is now, it's a great buy with lots of replay value as well.”
“Finally, there may not be a massive amount of replayability once you've been through each episode, unless you wish to get the timed medals and/or find every secret.”
“There are lots of 'secrets' (coins) which can be found in each episode as well as the potential to earn gold stars for turning everything in each scene dark, so there is a bit of replayability in this game if you don't manage to do everything the first time through.”
“There are lots of 'secrets' (coins) which can be found in each episode as well as the potential to earn gold stars for turning everything in each scene dark, so there is a bit of replayability in this game if you don't manage to do everything the first time through.”
- stability10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is marked by a mix of minor bugs and glitches, including occasional freezing and movement issues, such as getting stuck on objects or encountering invisible walls. While some players find these issues detract from the experience, they generally agree that they do not significantly hinder overall enjoyment. The repetitive voice lines and juvenile humor also contribute to a perception of sloppiness in gameplay.
“The gameplay is a bit sloppy and buggy.”
“Game freezes after a time.”
“It does have some movement flaws and glitches where I found myself stuck on a tree and unable to jump or running into an invisible wall after doing a butt stomp.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its rich historical and artistic elements, making it particularly appealing to fans of these themes. Reviewers note that it combines engaging visuals with humor and replay value, reminiscent of titles like "Alice: Madness Returns," creating an enjoyable and immersive experience.
“I strongly recommend this game to anyone who has an interest in history and art, as it has a truly atmospheric experience!”
“If you enjoy McGee's take on things such as 'Alice: Madness Returns' and fun, casual yet enjoyable games with enough replay value, atmosphere, and humor to keep you occupied, I think you'd enjoy this game and I suggest you pick it up.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a dark and unsettling tone, where themes of corruption and terror are prevalent, particularly in the portrayal of the protagonist's actions against innocent characters. This creates a stark contrast to traditional notions of heroism, evoking feelings of discomfort and moral ambiguity.
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game potentially tedious, as the primary mechanic involves transforming the environment into a dark version of itself without engaging in combat. The lack of significant threats, aside from environmental hazards and minor annoyances from cleaners, contributes to a sense of monotony in the gameplay loop.
“The game mechanic of going around and turning everything into a dark version of itself can and probably will get tedious to some. There are no enemies to fight and very little threat to Grimm besides water/lava and the cleaners that come around to clean up your darkness, which aren't so much a threat as they are an annoyance, but you can stun them for a couple of seconds.”
