Title: Jewels of the Oracle
Overall Rating:
B
Source: Eloi Productions/ Discis Entertainment
Playing Time: varies according to skill
Date: 2/11/99
Cost: $ 24.95 at http://www.netsales.ne
t/pk.wcgi/im2/prod/1085747-1
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: QuickTime
Subject Area: Logic and Reason
Objectives: To exercise skills of reason
Brief Description: Depicted as an exploration
of a mystical cavern, the user is guided by the Oracle, a triangular face
in the top center of the screen to solve the six puzzles of the Poet's
houses, which are found around the central well.
Entry Capabilities Required: formal operations
cognition, strong skills of observation
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5- All of the
puzzles require strong reasoning skills and no hints are provided to allow
cheating.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5- use of logic and reason guide the user through the games, which provide
challenging exercises for these skills.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 3-
The imagery and sounds set the mood well, but the user's interest
will wane with frustration with the puzzles.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 3-
No clear purpose or rules are provided for the games.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
4- If proper visual setting is provided, the graphics are very good, but
if only a low resolution is available, the graphics are fuzzy and unclear.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5- The puzzles
are not competitive, but challenge the user personally.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4- The concept
of Oracles is mythical at best, and so the setting is left mostly for the
user's imagination to adapt to.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
unknown
Clear directions for play: 2- No clear
directions are given, only riddles by the Oracle, which may be sufficient
for advanced players, but will lead to frustration in new players.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
2- Can not be integrated easily to a curriculum, but may provide a fun
outlet for students up to a challenge for their logic.
Strong Points:
The graphics are interesting and appropriate to the game. The oracles voice,
riddles and the background music all add to the mysterious atmosphere of
the game.
Weak Points:
No directions, rules, or guidance are provided to aid the user through
the puzzles.
Reviewer: Jessica Jollie
Position: Student
Date: 2/15/99
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.