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:
The shadow of the Jabberwocky, a terrifying fantasy creature glides above Wonderland! Help Alice restore peace and harmony back to the land!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
It's Almost a Wonderful Journey....Almost!
PostedAugust 28, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I was sooo ready to like this game. The graphics looked (and are) bright and cheerful, the story appealed to me as I've been an Alice fan since Disney put voice and cool music into the already fun story. But there are (for me# some real downers that spoiled what could've been a happy experience. The main problem is the size #super tiny# and appearance of the objects in the HO scenes. While a few are larger and clearly defined most are very small and blended into the background nearly completely. In a game with many, many HO scenes, this is very frustrating. The other negative I found was the need to read lots of dialogue which ought to have been spoken. The "magic" of many scenes was marred by the "read, click, read, click" formula needed to know what was happening in the story. The hints renewed fairly quickly but often were quite unhelpful. In all, the game would've been improved by perhaps more editing and some additional graphics work. Beyond that, the story is silly #it IS about Wonderland after all!# and if the foregoing negatives aren't a problem for you the game might just be your "cup of tea". I recommend trying it and deciding.
I recommend this game!
A magic bear summons you to help save the neighboring kingdom of Nypha.
Overall rating
4
/
5
17 of 28 found this review helpful
A Snowy Slide into a Chilling Mystery!
PostedAugust 16, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game has lots going for it. A good, puzzling story, creatively interesting characters, clear and realistically (for a fantasy world) colored graphics and good VO's. So why not 5 stars all the way? Well, 2 annoying events during the demo put a chill on an entertaining game. The first: the ice-over which covers the scene if you don't take immediate action. The "hero" comments that her breathis freezing and you can click away the ice easily, but it seems an unnecessary "reprimand" for taking your time to see what and where to act next. The second downer: the inability #at least I didn't see a "skip" option# to get around the sledding puzzle which not only requires manual dexterity but good vision as well. Some of us may be challenged in one of those areas. I'm halfway through the demo so I'm looking forward to better times as the story moves on. The other puzzles/games are fun and some more simple than others. But in none will you feel you're doing "kid stuff". I suggest giving the game a try and judging how enjoyable it may be for you. I'm gonna stay with the demo and will likely buy as the story has my interest and the fun factor is steadily growing.
I recommend this game!
All Mahjong games are the same? You haven't tried Hotel Mahjong yet! Enjoy 5 different ways to play and never get bored.
Overall rating
3
/
5
42 of 50 found this review helpful
Mahjong in a Hurry!
PostedAugust 11, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm a long-time computer mahjong player and was all set to enjoy a hotel experience with one of my game favorites. The bright cartoonish graphics and clear instructions were a plus for me so I "signed in". There are pluses: good variety of games, good difficulty progression appropriate sounds and music. But there are 2 downers for me one major and the other nearly so. First, there's no "untimed" option I could find and the timer is quite fast even at first level. The other downer is the small numbers on the tiles which make matching hard for non-perfect vision. There seem also to be several tile sets but only 1 #standard# is available in early levels #8 or 9?#. But the game is decent and if the negatives aren't a problem for you your mahjong desires may well be fulfilled by the many, many games herein and the variations. I suggest giving it a try to judge.
I recommend this game!
Story driven rpg-adventure where guns and magic act together! Explore strange worlds, defeat monsters and complete quests.
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 22 found this review helpful
Cross a Crime Plot with a Wizard War and You Get....This?
PostedJuly 27, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
As a fan of m3 battle games I thought this'd be kind fun and it is....sort of. The downer (a fairly large one# is the puzzling instructions. But once you get past the baffling "what to do" and plow ahead #recommended) you'll find a passibly good magic/battle mix with the expected leveling up, armor and spell improvement and mysterious places to explore. Problem is, there could've been a bit more flexibility in customizing the character icon and clarifying in-game tips. The story is a fairly creative twist on the "Where's my sister" plot and the cool thing is that the player is as bewildered and frustrated as the main character! Where did my sister go? Why? What kind of "agent" is she and how do I find her? All will likely be answered by game's end and getting there get more interesting as you go on. Monsters, gold, mysterious caves and dire spells all make for a fun adventure but lots of patience is needed to truly "catch on" to the mechanics and actions required. Try it and see. Just be ready for a true "learning experience" but also lots of fun along the way.
I recommend this game!
Experience far eastern Mahjong fun and help the temple principal's daughter in a colorful adventure to retrieve her runaway rabbit.
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 22 found this review helpful
Not too hot...Not too cold...Just Medimum!
PostedJuly 13, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
If you're a beginner at Mahjong then this may be the game for you. Although the graphics are large and clear and the music is relaxing, the play is straightforward, non-rewarding (no ranks or trophies# and the very minor story seems to have no relation to the game. True, time saved gets you bonus points, but with only one shuffle and no power-ups #at least none in the 40 min. I played) it gets dull and repetitious quickly. It's not a bad game, nor a good one. But if you're starved for mahjong or want to try it for the first time, give this game a go. It just might fill the bill.
I recommend this game!
Guide Alice through lavish backgrounds, charming characters, and exciting twists and turns on an old gaming favorite!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
This Wonderland Game May Leave You Wondering!
PostedJuly 10, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
At the outset, let me say it was a delight to find a card game not based on "Golf" or one of it's imitators. Thus I was ready to like the game even before starting the demo. The story was almost true to Louis Carroll's story but there the delight ended. The gameplay is very controlled, and while the instructions are detailed, they still left me puzzled as to how to maneuver and succeed in the levels. The deck, while good to look at artistically is difficult to read #for us older folks, anyway# when the cards are stacked in long columns. While I did manage to move up several levels in the demo I'm still not quite sure how I did it. There are several good game concepts here, but the devs tried to combine too many award and purchase factors/items to allow the game to flow smoothly. So, sadly, not a buy for me, but if you #like me# are a solitaire fan, give this a try as you just might find it your cup of tea.
I recommend this game!
Minion's Inn: Jewel of the Crown
Match tokens and build the highest Inn for your minions in this amazing match-3 game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 7 found this review helpful
An Almost Great Game....Almost
PostedJune 25, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I really wanted to like this game. It had match-3, building and customizing with spells and awards. What could be bad? Welllll....The graphics were dull, flat and looked dated, like something from yesterday's poorer "shareware". #Anybody remember shareware?#I could've overlooked the oddly bobber-like big headed characters if the rest of the graphics had been better but they only intensified the overall poor quality. Story? Well, the "tutorial" which vanished and couldn't be referred to later, said you owned a hotel for minions and were supposed to keep it clean and your guests looking sharp #customization# and feeling happy. But without speech or any interaction with the minions #at least during the demo# the goals sorta fell flat. The match 3 portion was good, not outstanding due again to the lackluster graphics and effects. It was also often hard to tell one type of power-up from another 'til too late. All of these factors turned what could've been a fun experience into a slow, nearly pointless trip down the poorer side of video game memory lane. But I suggest you try it. Tastes differ I know, and this may just be the game you've been wanting. As for me....I'll be looking for another video hotel.
I don't recommend this game.
Venture through more than fifty different meadows and defeat the enemy! Can you lead the army of mushrooms to victory?
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
March of the Mushrooms?
PostedJune 16, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
At first this poorly (to say the least) documented game seems very pointless and even frustrating. But persist and you may find it to be a challenging and very doable maze-type puzzler. The tutorial is nearly useless as much is left to player trial-and-error, but once you've figured out the rules of the mazes and that the first several levels have only bubbles, stars and stones and no other obstacles, the fun can begin. I'm still working on what the enemies do, but I've found you need to gather single and double (a few on each level# bubbles for "troops", and stars #optional) for points and level keys. A "random level" main menu option enables you to see if your guesses about play rules work. "Easy" isn't in this puzzler but fun and challenge are. If mazes are your thing and you can overcome the poor tutorial frustration, this game may be for you. Give it a try.
I recommend this game!
An ancient Nordic adventure awaits! Help Elof lead his people to a land promised by the God Feyr!
Overall rating
3
/
5
38 of 43 found this review helpful
The Game That's Almost Great...
PostedJune 9, 2015
TeachumWell
fromSouth FL USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
As a solitaire fan and liking games with story lines, I was prepared to enjoy this one. Solitaire, Vikings, adventure-a great mix, right? Well.....If better done it could've been great but missed the mark in several places. The cards are well drawn but on the small side (tough for those with less than excellent sight# and the odd "rune" shapes for numbers slow down play a bit. But not perhaps a major issue. The cartoon type graphics are unlovely and the characters are far from heroic looking. They look more like the cast of a slapstick comedy #not a flattering comparison). The music is ok but boring after awhile so I muted it. Sound effects are scarce but acceptable. I played through 30 min. of the demo and realized this game just didn't hold up against others in the solitaire genre. But, as always, I advise giving it a try. However, also try some of the many better made offerings from BF and see what suits you. On a trial basis, I recommend it if only for comparison with other similar games.
I recommend this game!
Shadows-kidnappers have arrived! Unravel the mystery of the Shadows and free the town from their dreadful fears!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 21 found this review helpful
A New Twist to Memory Lane
PostedMarch 10, 2015
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
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a game which has some vey creepy, suspenful moments. The drab, "worn-out look of the town and the characters as well helps with the feeling of fear and sadness which have enveloped the small community. The hints are very clear, recharge quickly and the map is actually helpful. But, sadly, reading the dialogue and tutorial and other information is vey frustrating. Like far too many devs, these folks appear to lack a good translator and many of their sentences initially make no sense and have to be puzzled out. This distracts from the immersion this weird story deserves. The characters are drawn, well, creepy! The little girl reminds me of a character on the long-gone Addams Family series. Odd, too, that the Mayor(?) appears to be wearing a nun's habit of times past. That only adds to the weirdness, but one wonders....Anyway, give the game a try and see if it appeals to you. I'm still not sure but may buy it to see just how the story evolves and what happens next!
I recommend this game!