If you went to school in the 1980's and 1990's chances are you probably have heard of the Learning Company. The Learning Company made educational computer games up until its demise in the year 2000. The more popular games from the Learning Company where the Reader Rabbit series, Treasure also known as Super Seeker series, and problem solver series. Treasure Math Storm was part of the Treasure Seeker Series. I will be reviewing Treasure Math Storm.

Plot- 8

The master of mischief later named Monty Maxwell has invented a winter/snow machine. He activates his machine and turns treasure mountain into a winter wonderland by creating a blizzard. The winter storm caused the clocks to go crazy, the scales went haywire, and the crystals scattered. Maxwell's antics froze the crown.

However, you as the super seeker (also known as treasure seeker in some versions) can undo the master of mischief antics. If you solve the math problems and collect the treasure you will earn bigger treasure. Once the mountains treasures have been found the crown will start to melt. Once the crown melts it will return treasure mountain back to normal. Will you be able to solve all the math problems, find all the treasure, or will Treasure Mountain be stuck in a blizzard.

When I first played this game in 1992/1993 I thought the story was nicely done. Once again Monty Maxwell is at it again causing mischief. I have always been into weather so having the mountain turn into a winter wonderland with a blizzard was a nice touch. I thought the plot was very good back then, so I will give it a solid 8 out of 10.

Graphics-9

In 1993 the graphics in this game where mostly amazing. The snow actually looks like snow, The characters sprites are nicely done. For the most part the color is nicely done except for one small flaw, which I will explain later. The Super Seeker's outfit is also nicely done. Considering how some computer games even in 1993 had fuzzy graphics, this game's graphics were very good. The characters are not fuzzy at all. There is also no lag in this game either.

The controls are nicely done. You can use the arrow keys on your PC or use a mouse. No matter if you use the keyboard or a mouse the controls are still the same. In fact, the controls are nicely done. I did not feel like I was fighting the controls at all. I would describe them as being smooth.

However, there is one minor flaw in the graphics that keeps me from giving them a 10 out of 10. Sometimes it seems like the background is competing with itself this is mostly seen in the Crystal Cave. The background of the crystal cave is dark blue. If you get blue or purple crystals they can be hard to see. Thus, it can be easy to miss a crystal when the blue and purple is against the blue background. That is really the only flaw concerning the graphics so I give it a 9 out of 10.

Sound-10

When I first played this game I thought the soundtrack was rather catchy. The second and third level of the mountain is really catchy. The Super Seeker's Net makes a swoosh sound when you capture an Elf which is a nice touch. When you collect all the items needed to move up the mountain you get a bell sound letting you know you have completed. If you get the math problems right you will hear a catchy tune. One of the funniest sounds is when the Super Seeker gets hit with floating snow ball. They will say arrggh after getting hit. When I first played this game I thought that was hilarious I had to pause the game due to laughing.

Overall, this game has a nice soundtrack, and the games other sounds are very good. I even liked how the Learning Company put in funny sounds as well. Therefore, I give the sound a 10 out of 10.

Replay Value-9

I must admit of the Learning Company's games this one is my favorite. I played this one the most. The main reason is because I like numbers and I was good at this game. However, for those that are not good at math this game is still fun. Every time you play it there is something different. The treasures you earn are random and are not in the same order when you start a game. The game makes you want to replay it to see how far you can go. Thus, I give it a 9 out of 10.

Depth-10

The game really shines in its depth. I have wondered how many students played this game got to the very top of the mountain and though they had won. Only to start back at the bottom of the mountain again. Indeed, you will climb the mountain several times to get all the treasure. There is a lot of treasure to collect too. Also this game requires time as it takes time to solve the problems even if you are good at math. That is because each problem solving station you have to earn 4 parts to climb up the mountain.

Basically, this is a game that will take a while to master. There are items to collect to advance, mini treasures to find, and of course the mountains big treasure. For a computer game this game has lots of depth. In away it kind of reminds me of a Mario or Mega Man game. Those gaming franchises are infamous for their amount of depth. Thus, I give the game's depth a solid 10 out of 10.

Difficulty- 4

I had a hard time rating this game's difficulty for a few reasons. First, if you are very good with Math this game is a breeze. The only tricky parts or watching out for the floating snow balls later named snow bullies or the graphic reason.

If you are not good at math this game might be difficult. However, the game goes out of its way to help you. The game starts off with Chirp the snow bird he will provide you hints. Plus if you mess up in the 3 problem solving areas they will show you how to count and give you hints. If you run out of nets you can buy them at the store or go back to the problem solving areas to earn cash. The game goes out of its way to help you out.

Now even if you are good at math. The snow bullies can be tricky to dodge. You have to swing your net just right to capture them. If you miss you will get hit but at least you get to here the Super Seeker go arrgh. Remember me talking about the graphics in the crystal counting room. Like I stated the background in the crystal counting room is a dark blue. If you have a blue or purple crystal against that it is so easy to miss. This can cause you to count the crystals wrong by the blue/purple crystals blending well into the background.

In my opinion, this game really suffers in its difficulty. While it can be difficult if you are not good at math, the snow bullies can be a problem, and the color problem I mentioned above. The game goes out of its way to help you out. You can buy nets, solve problems to get cash, and chirp the snow bird will give you hints if you get in a jam. Therefore, I give the game a 4 out of 10 in terms of difficulty. It is only slightly difficult. The reason I had a hard time rating the difficulty is because I tried to be considerate to those who may not be good at math. The game just has so many ways to help you out so 4 out of 10 is what I came up with.

Overall 9.2

I got to play this game a lot when I was in school. The school I attended at that time was also the same school my mother worked at. A lot of times she would have to stay after school some. This allowed me to play some of these games until she came and got me. This is one that I played the most.

From what I remember this game came out in 1992/1993 originally it was only for Apple computers which my school at that time had. I want to think in 1995 the Learning Company made a windows version of this game.

This game has a lot of good things going for it. The story is solid for an educational game. The graphics and controls are mostly good except for one minor flaw. The sound is amazing. The depth and replay are very good and will have you coming back for more.

The game's flaws are minor. The difficulty is not very difficult at all even if you are not good at math. But it should be important to know the game was made for ages 7-14. I understand why they did not want to make this game too difficulty. Probably the bigger flaw is the crystals blending in too well with the background. In future versions of this game they fixed this. Maybe the Learning Company due to limitations of colors in 1993, could not fix it. On the other hand, things where very good in 1993 so part of me thinks they where not aware of that problem. Still these flaws are minor.

Overall I give the game a very solid 9.2 rating. The learning company was purchased by Mattel in 1999 and in 2000 the Learning Company was no more. However, this game can still be downloaded and it has aged very well.

This is a game that is fun to play even if you are older. I can see it being used for older people to help keep their mind sharp. It is also a great game to introduce your child to math. They will learn math but they will have fun doing it. In fact, I have some friends who are home schooling their children that have used this game for math lessons.

I had found memories playing this game as I played it a lot back in the day. As far as recommending this game. Yes I highly recommend this game it is fun for all ages. If you have a child who is in elementary school this would be a great game. If you just want to keep your mind sharp this is also a game for you. You will have fun while playing this game and you will not be disappointed. This concludes my Treasure Mathstorm Review.