TeachumWell's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:2,380
- Reviews Submitted:124
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:August 21, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Reveal the secrets of the past, find ancient scrolls, and find out about the prophecy ancestors!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 24 found this review helpful
A Great Game....Almost!
PostedJune 10, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Awakening Kingdoms
(214)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I suppose I expected a lot from this game. Enjoying Awakening Kingdoms and Midnight Castle (among others) I was prepared for challenge and pleasure. Challenge, yes it's there. The story is good, the characters are interesting and a feeling of brooding evil (of course!# is over the kingdom. But, alas, two major problems quickly disenchanted and disappointed me. The major downer is the graphics. The initial HO areas #the cabin and smithy) are done in pseudo realistic monotones. But with that, objects blend into a rather monochrome background, are difficult to recognize from items around them, and can be small. Is that all? Well, no....There's this timer...Not part of the other games in the genre. of you aren't quick enough, the level "fails" and you need to re-do it. Repeating it uses more of your energy which refills slowly. Hints are another problem as you begin with 10 of them but they dwindle and must be refilled. I still had 1 left when I stopped, so I don't know if they need time or if you've got to buy them. But the pressure is on...and I feel it's out of place in this type of game. In short, I'm disappointed and saddened, but this won't work for me. But I recommend a try as you may find it just right. I hope so, as it has many good qualities and the kingdom needs heroes!
I recommend this game!
In a race against time, Emily and company must solve the riddle of the book or Emily will be forever lost within its confines!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Too Fuzzy for Comfort
PostedJune 9, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The plot of the game is very good. A haunted book, trapped souls each needing objects from their lives to free them, time and place travel....All good. So, what's the problem? The graphics seem to be emulating photographs, and blurred ones at that. When you're offered a lantern and a magnifier at the start, be on alert. Obviously you'll really need them! And you do. At least the magnifier at first. Objects are small, often blended into others or the background. Some aren't accurately described (a "bronze horse turns out to be just the horse's head#. But since it's clear #to me) that most of the game will be HO scenes, this isn't a great beginning. Even with adjustments, mouse response is slow and "jerky". You can, however, turn up the ambiance to lighten the scenes, but that's not always very helpful. In short, if you can handle the unclear objects and erratic cursor, the story is worthy and the VO is nicely done. Try it and decide, as always, but beware of eyestrain!
I recommend this game!
A new fantastic Mahjong adventure awaits you in this epic story of the struggle between good and evil!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Good Idea, Poor Reality
PostedJune 2, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A major mahjong fan, I had high hopes for this meld of time mgt. and mahjong. Good idea. I still think it is, but not as it was realized in this game. The story's ok (This isn't an adventure game so I wasn't expecting a novel!# and the cartoonish characters are acceptable. The 3 tile sets are, progressively, difficult, hard and virtually impossible to distinguish for each other when the timer speeds up #by level 3). More and clearer choices would've helped as would a slower increase in time and objective complexity. The free play aspect is ok but with so many better mahjong games out there, it's not worth it unless you play the main game. An untimed option would've helped, also clearer instructions. But if you enjoy fast-paced action and have sharp vision and reflexes this game may be just your thing. I'm not recommending a buy, but I almost always suggest a try.
I don't recommend this game.
Free the frog princes from the clutches of an evil witch! Return them to their princess brides, and find out if the kiss of love can break the witch’s curse!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Hop Into a Waaay-Out Fairy Tale! It's Strictly for Laughs!
PostedMay 7, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A zany retelling of the Frog Prince tale. Y'know, the frog can only be restored to his human form by a Princess' kiss. But wait...What's this? A witch as a Princess? A grouchy frog? Enchantment everywhere but where you need it? Yep! It's a wildly satirical romp through Fairyland with wonderfully Disney-like cartoon graphics, great sound effects and odd yet familiar puzzles along the way. While not my usual type of game, I'm very glad I tried it as I would've missed a fun and challenging experience. You oughta try it as you may end up liking it, too. Just don't expect the usual in story, graphics or puzzles and you'll be set for an amusing, amazing ride.
I recommend this game!
Select the right pieces to complete pictures set in the world of Deponia
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 24 found this review helpful
A Puzzling Puzzler
PostedApril 29, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I love jigsaw puzzles, both on and off-line. They are often a real challenge and leave me with a deep sense of satisfaction when I finish them. So I've played lots of computer puzzle games....lets and lots. But if you're a puzzle novice or just curious about what on-line puzzles are about, than this may be one you should avoid. It's truly challenging! Not only because of the style (blocky pieces with no interlocking edges and varying in size from small to much larger depending on the puzzle# but because the pictures are very, very detailed cartoons with whimsical characters and backgrounds which don't help the solver much at all. The best way I've found to approach them is by visually scanning their edges for similar tiny details which may link them to a neighboring piece. This isn't a downer, but a caution. This game is not for the easily frustrated nor the faint-hearted. The timing is tight, you're penalized for wrong placement #no, you can't put the piece back), and the scoring was, to me, fairly obscure. So, in sum, try this one before you buy and be prepared for a wild burst of delight when you actually get more than 3 of 4 stars even on the first level!
I recommend this game!
Take an unforgettable trip into a forgotten time and explore the mythical and gorgeous land of Aquitania.
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
A Fast Paced Match 3!
PostedApril 5, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm a big fan of m3's so looked forward to another take on an excellent genre. And it could've been excellent but....the pace is close to frantic! You are challenged to remove blue boxes, chains and other no-so-unusual items from the grid but that's just for starters! A row of birds sits atop the grid and they will die if a piece from below reaches the top row. The color is bright and shapes are easily seen. But they fall very quickly and will reach the top before you can clear the blue squares or keep them from touching the birds. If your fingers are nimble and you like a stiff challenge this may be the game for you. (There's no option for an untimed mode.) But be warned, you're not gonna relax with this one!
I recommend this game!
Midnight Castle is yours - but it holds so many secrets and such mysterious inhabitants! Uncover them all in Midnight Castle!
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 47 found this review helpful
An Excellent Addiction!
PostedMarch 11, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The game may feel slightly puzzling at the start, but hang in there fishies 'cause the best is yet to come! Graphics are lush, sound is well done and appropriate, and the story, while slow moving (necessary in games like this I guess# once you talk to the first few characters, you're hooked! Make no plans for the next few months 'cause you'll be immersed in finding multiple objects to satisfy the demanding cast of #sometimes# creepy characters. The "reset" pause in each scene is no problem as you can search another area and what you find you'll use at some point. No wasted junk to walk around with. As for buying stuff, I've yet to spend real cash #of which I have precious little# and the game works fine. Gems collect slowly, true, but they aren't vital to advancement and enjoyment. So try it and decide for yourself and don't be turned away by the negative attitudes of some reviewers. Come to the castle and you just might stay for a loooong time!
I recommend this game!
His mother escaped her murdering husband just before he was born. Now the son of Bluebeard must break his father's curse.
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 21 found this review helpful
A Creepy Castle Worth a Closer Look
PostedFebruary 12, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
When I saw the dark, eerie but cartoon-like graphics I nearly deleted it right then. The weird, distorted figures and scenery faintly reminded me of "The Old Mill" sequence in Disney's Phantasia. But I decided to stick with it a bit and I'm glad because there are some very good things about this odd "good vs. evil" romp. The game is more adventure than HO although the HO scenes are plentiful. You've got lots of small well hidden objects to find and use outside those scenes and a slooooly recharging hint button which when usable, is actually very helpful. Hints are images of a location with the objective circled and all you need do is go there and try to relate what you saw to the actual scene. The shadowy inventory is lockable and the objects within it are labeled so can easily be found. HO's are mildly interactive with hints as to what to do to find 2 or 3 step items. Puzzles have many missing parts you've gotta find to solve them. Skipping is an option on the "easy" level, with no penalty for misclicks in HO's. All this assembly slows the story but makes for suspense and a desire to find out what the heck's gonna happen next. So my advice is to give it a fair trial and not be "put off" by graphics or darkness #It's a cursed castle after all!# and you may find it a creepy pleasure.
I recommend this game!
Your daughter Cathie has been kidnapped by an evil creature! Solve the mystery of the elephant and bring Cathie home!
Overall rating
3
/
5
56 of 59 found this review helpful
It's Almost a Great Game, But....
PostedJanuary 14, 2014
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
With an interesting storyline, I figured this game for a winner. Not quite. The graphics remind me of water color paintings (rather blurry ones) and the misnamed objects (a light bulb is not a "lamp" in my vocabulary# didn't help my enjoyment. Hidden objects aren't so much invisible as blurred into the background, but that wouldn't matter if they were correctly named. There are some interactive objects but the only way to know which they may be is the small hand that replaces the cursor when you move over one. The voice-overs are good if a bit overdone. That wouldn't be a downer for me, but as the story unfolds, I found it just didn't hold up in terms of logic. No, I don't expect logic in a supernatural tale, but the sequence and cause/effect items leave me puzzled more than intended by the writers. The hints recharge quickly #easy level played# but don't always help much. You really should try this one before buying as you may find it more appealing than I did. But with no achievements or collectables #at least not in the 35 min. I played# it just doesn't measure up for me. But as I said, try it first and you may feel otherwise.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Ashley Ford find her father and solve the mystery of the Three Oak Mansion.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
So Close, but a Near Miss
PostedDecember 3, 2013
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
There are things to like in this game. The graphics are sharp, clear and colorful,even in the "dark" areas. The brief bios of the main characters are interesting but you'll probably need to go through them twice to read all the details. Not a problem. The hints are helpful and fill fairly quickly. So why low ratings? For starters, the very poor translation of whatever the original language is. Not just spelling errors, but word usage and context problems are distracting and annoying. Also, the movement arrows work only in a narrow span so finding an exit can be frustrating and areas don't always connect logically. But what kept me playing for the whole demo was the fun and unique time traveling. I hope there's more of it in the rest of the game but sadly, I won't be there to know. The flaws outnumber the pluses for me so, sadly, it's a no-go. But I recommend giving it a try and see if you can ignore or overcome the downers. There may be a good adventure hidden here.
I recommend this game!