Features

• Learn the full math curriculum with engaging, interactive lessons
• A comprehensive learning tool--the ultimate skill-building resource
• Perfect for math students grades 7 through college
• Subjects include Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and much more
• Also includes bonus item--Basic Math Review

Reviews (1)

Disapointing, and rather clunky software.
When you buy this software, you expect professional layouts, and a professional feel. Well when you first open the software, you feel like you just opened a cheap website. Once you enter the index, which is clunky in itself, you will have to choose which math topic you wish to study. Once you enter your section, you have to scroll through tons of info just to find what you are looking for, although you can use edit and find to find some text that you are looking for. This information that this software offers is not complete. For example, in the Algebra section, it does not give you all of the instructions on factoring quadratic equations, even though it gives you huge complicated questions that it expects you to know the answer to. I am studying to major in Mathematical Science, and I would not recommend this software if you are trying to learn new topics or get ahead in your classes. This software is basic review, and you had better remember things from your classes in order to understand what they are talking about. Also, if you don't have high computer skills, this software will get very confusing. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Mickey and the gang find themselves stranded in a haunted house inhabited by fun-loving and mischievous ghosts. Children ages 5 to 7 can explore and experiment within their environment, figuring out just how this wacky house works. It's a fun place that features experiential activities supported with curriculum-based lessons. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Fun Game That Helps with the Basics
This is one of the few games we own that challenges my four-year-old without boring him. Some of the other software we've purchased is too complicated for him to navigate on his own or the lessons are too basic. When he gets stuck in this game, a cartoon character pops up and gives a brief lesson. The lessons are short and catchy enough that they are actually interesting. Of course, my son often ignores the directions and moves through the game by trial and error. It helps to have an adult sit with him, so that he gets some educational value out of playing. On the other hand, sometimes we just let him do the trial and error thing, and he still has a great time. I think this is a wonderful game for a four-year-old to grow into. It helps, of course, that my son is a big Mickey Mouse fan.

The software basically allows the child to go to different "rooms" and complete tasks (games) that teach basic skills. In one room, the game is to alphabetize books that are labeled with just one letter of the alphabet. In another game, the child assembles suits of armor. Each piece of the armor is labeled with a number, and the child has to put the numbered armor together in different ways. The games get progressively more difficult as the child masters each step. I'm especially impressed with the fun way this game introduces addition and subtraction.

I'm now looking for a new game, and I'm trying to find one that's a cross between this software and Jumpstart's World Languages (the other game my son always wants to play.)

Great Fun....And Learning, Too!
This is a really great game. In it, Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and Donald have to navigate through a spooky old house while being watched by those "3 spooky ghosts" from one of the old Disney movies. There are five or six areas to navigate, and it also includes a progress chart area like the Jumpstart series. This is a lot more fun, tho. If you have ever been to the Haunted Mansion at DisneyWorld it makes it even better. My daughter who is almost 5 has been doing very well with it and instead of being bored with the "educational" components, she is having fun with it and being excited about learning. Def buy it! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The classic arcade hit has returned. With a galaxy to save, you must attack squadron after squadron of alien forces. There are 13 different enemy species to destroy before they wipe you out. Fight with laser beams and neutron blasts as you hunt for shields, hidden worlds, and even a replica of the original game. Incredible graphics, sound, and special effects keep the adrenaline pumping as you combat the alien invasion. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Space Invaders: The Next Generation
I recently upgraded to Windows XP, and I'm happy to say that "Space Invaders" is still compatible with my computer. Using the keyboard for controls quickly becomes as easy as using a mouse on other computer games. Hitting the passing spaceship above the descending aliens is critical, as that unlocks added features you'll really need, such as a shield and double shot. I also like how each level adds a different alien with more challenging features. Especially tough is the huge super-alien that appears at the end of every level. With state of the art graphics and ease of gameplay, Activision has created a great game that's both fun and addictive. More expensive computer games are gathering dust on the shelf while I continue to zap aliens!

Space Invaders
I really like this game; however, I just ordered it from you about 2 weeks ago and I still never got my game! I was looking foward to playing that game soon! What's going on?

one of my all time favorites
have played space invaders for years (from video machines to the old atari model) and was tickled when I discovered this version for use on my computer. Have made it through all the levels and am now getting my grandson in on the fun. He shoots while I move the tank from side to side and he gets a big kick out of hitting an alien (which is getting to be more often).

A classic redone right.
"Space Invaders" was probably the first seriously quarter-sucking game of my adolescence (with "Defender" probably being the last, less a few later-in-life notable exceptions) and it's nice to see it get the "upgrade" being given to so many other (dare I say "less worthy"?) arcade games.

This is also one of the =best= upgrades of a classic game done to-date. Why? Because they didn't change =too= much. The original was a genre-creating game that was followed by a zillion variations and subtle alterations (like the aliens dropping down a la "Galaxian"/"Galaga" or a 3D perspective like "Zaxxon") and yet this upgrade resists all of that. It doesn't even bother with a story, except for a tiny homage cutscene at the beginning and end of the game.

Your "tank" (is =that= what that thing was supposed to be?) moves horizontally along the bottom of the screen as an alien horde moves closer. The more aliens you shoot, the faster the surviving ones go (which was probably more a reflection on CPU speeds of the day than anything).

What they added were tank powerups and special attacks and alien special attacks. For the most part, the tank's special attacks are useful and must be used differently from one another. The alien's special attacks must be kept in forefront of the player's mind.

The power-ups render the game very easily won, particularly the "double-shot" which allows your tank to have two shots on screen at once, instead of just one. (Without a double-shot, a miss means you must wait for your missile to travel to the very top of the screen before you can fire again. Accuracy counts a =lot= more.) The shield is like having an extra-life, but better because you don't lose any powerups you have if your shield gets hit.

It takes about an hour to play through all ten levels but the implementors generously included save game features. In a way, I liked the ease of the game, because I got my butt kicked back in the '70s. (The arcade "Space Invaders" was meant to drain quarters, of course.) I wasn't disappointed because I bought this (as I do with all arcade rehashes) using my "20-quarters-rule". (As in, "don't spend more than".)

The only down side to this game is the exceedingly lame emulation of the original that winning the game unlocks. You can find far better emulations of the original other places.

5 stars with a caveat or two
This is a fun and addictive game, with "Addictive" being the key word here. I personally find it a bit challenging. I think there are 12 levels? It took me forever to get to level 2, now the farthest my husband and I have gotten is level 3. I love the graphics, the music?, and the sound effects. Down side might be a little carpel, tunnel syndrom. My 4-year old son loves it. I really have to limit his time to play. It is worse than TV in that respect. His dream is to defeat the crusher and get to level 2. My 8-year old daughter loves it and my husband and I love it. (no age disclosure there, beyond old enough to have kids though) I would say it has brought my husband and I closer together. We put the kids to bed, clean the kitchen, then he looks at me with that sly gleam in his eye and says "ya wanna do it?" I'm easy, I say yes, and we race upstairs to the computer to see how far we can go with Space Invaders this time. After a few rounds we take turns rubbing Ben Gay on our wrists. It is fun!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This deliberately paced program takes place in Charlie Brown's world,where kids dress the same day after day and the only character with attitude isa beagle. Players who persist through this CD-ROM's slow start will be rewardedwith games and scenarios that emulate what it's like to live in the middle of a"Peanuts" cartoon. This is a good thing for kids who like the strip and thehandful of "Peanuts" TV specials in existence. But kids who prefer the morefrenetic pace of modern cartoons might find Where's the Blanket, CharlieBrown? a bit too placid.

The mental workout this program provides is excellent. More than any other gamemanufacturer, Tivola has mastered the art of setting up a problem, then quietlyletting the player figure out how to solve it. Linus's blanket is lost, andplayers can either assume the identity of Charlie Brown or Lucy and find it.Once the problem is presented, players must navigate around Charlie Brown'shouse and use their powers of observation to get the game moving. This segmentcan make players feel like they're trapped in "Peanuts" purgatory, as they arrowCharlie Brown from room to room, desperately searching for a means out of thehouse and into the rest of the game. The on-disc Help file spells out exactlywhere players must look and what they must collect to move on--resist thetemptation to look at the Help file. You will miss the challenge and charm ofthis game if you lose patience and cheat.

As the story line leads from Charlie Brown's house to a library to Schroeder'spiano room to a supermarket with many other stops in between, games areunlocked. The nine games are short, smart endeavors. Some of the standoutsinclude a game in which Schroeder plays a short melody on his piano, and kidsmust click on sequences of actual notes that match the melody. Another greatgame requires kids to put poor, scrambled Peppermint Patty back together aftershe is magically rearranged by the Great Houndini. This descrambling has someadded twists that push it far beyond typical match-the-parts games. Each of thenine games has two levels of difficulty, and once they are unlocked, they can beinstantly accessed for repeat play.

On the way to these games are numerous other minigames, opportunities forproblem solving, and goodies you can feed Snoopy to keep his Snoopy meter onfull. Players can play this game in German as well as English. Where's theBlanket, Charlie Brown? probably won't hold up to a lot of repeat play byolder kids, but the gentle way this program forces players to use their entirebrains to find that darn blanket is remarkable. (Ages 4 to 102 according to themanufacturer; we say 4 to 8, although hard-core "Peanuts" fans of any age willalso enjoy it.) --Anne Erickson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fun and Humor at a Great Price!
I love Peanuts and I just loved this game. The characters were drawn exactly as they are in the comic strips and the game remains true to the Peanuts legacy. I really enjoyed my interactive Peanuts fun - and it's a great price for such a wonderful time!

dialog may not be the greatest for younger children
I purchased this game at Target as a gift for my 5 year old daughter. I noticed that it had won some sort of Parents Choice award and she is a big fan of the Peanuts "specials". The game has a charming detective game at its base which is a bit too difficult for her to figure out. She would be happy to continue trying but I am just going to throw this one in the garbage. My problem with the game is the constant negative talk that Lucy and Charlie Brown spew as they search for the blanket. Lucy is even more bombastic on the software than she is on the specials--constantly calling people stupid and putting them down. Charlie Brown is virtual stream of negative self-talk. I am aware that much of the Peanuts humor relies on negative humor and putdowns but it seems really excessive in this software. Even though I threw the game out and definitely didn't get my moneys worth I gave the it two stars because the basic game seems challenging and fun. Definitely not a good choice if your trying to teach your child to be kind and upbeat. I

HELP!!!
My daughter is trying to beat the game and is stuck at the supermarket level...i can't seem to figure it out either... of course it could be because i'm not that great at video games but if someone could just post a thing on here and let me know how to get past it i would really appreciate it!

Thanks

Great game, and good for German students, too!
Where's the Blanket, Charlie Brown? is a fun game all Peanuts fans will enjoy. The pace might be a little too slow for the younger set expecting constant action, and a four-year-old might get easily frustrated not being able to exit the Brown household, but all-in-all it is an appealing game with lots of nice extra features. The reviewer who mentioned the fuzzy graphics probably installed the game on the Quick Install method - if you use Full Install, the graphics are crisp (although it does take up a bit more disk space)! Finally, the game is also great for German students, such as myself, as it provides more exposure to the language in an entertaining way by playing the game in German.

Mostly fun & addictive game for Peanuts Fans!
This game is fun for Peanuts fans of ANY age to enjoy. Don't be put off by the marketing, which touts this as a game primarily for young children. I am an adult (also a gamer) and I thoroughly enjoyed this game. It's interesting because there are games within the game you unlock. These are not challenging in and of themselves but it's fun to have these pop up randomly. The game is true to the spirit of the Peanuts characters, with Lucy being the fussbudget she is and Charlie Brown being resigned and wishy-washy. Although, it's not a Mensa workout for adults by any means, I think children will find it challenging and engaging and even adults may find themselves stymied by the sheer simplicity of the game, i.e. I sometimes found myself "thinking too hard" and missing obvious solutions because I'm a grown up. The only gripes I have, which is why I didn't give it 5 stars are the graphics and sound. The drawings are a bit ragged around the edges and the sounds don't always match the action (and the words don't always match the mouth movements). Additionally, the sound is set too loud (the lowest setting was still too loud at least on my iMac). Other than the few technical glitches, overall, this game is just as fun as the Sims and it's nice to play a game that doesn't involve violence. Besides, who doesn't love Snoopy and the gang? If you're a parent, this is a good game for kids and if you're a Peanuts fan, you'll love it. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This trailblazing adventure builds real-life skills, such as decision making and problem solving. As the leader of a wagon party, you can choose your team and supplies, read maps, plan your route, and guide your team through the unknown wilderness. Tough choices lie ahead, but with the help of your wagon party and people you meet along the way, you'll conquer this challenging journey and arrive in a new land. You'll need to build a team with the skills you think are important for survival on the rugged trail to Oregon. To find the best route, you'll rely not only on maps and guidebooks but also advice from fellow travelers and your gut instinct. On the trail, you'll face all the trials and tribulations of the first pioneers: raging rivers, buffalo stampedes, sickness, and gunshot wounds. Your adventure comes to life with 3-D travel, 360-degree panoramic views and full-motion video. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Great game... maybe I got lucky?
I remember playing Oregon Trail as a girl in elementary school - recently I saw it here on Amazon.com and decided to get it, even after reading all of the negative customer reviews. Maybe I got lucky or something but there was absolutely nothing wrong with any of the software and everything loaded up and installed great. My computer's pretty new, too... I didn't have to go through the hassle of downgrading anything (I have Quick Time 4.0), like some people had complained about in their comments. I definitely recommend the game - brought back lots of memories, only with better graphics and easier game controls. And you can't beat Amazon's price. Awesome game!!

oregon trail
it is a fun game for all ages for people who just want to have fun. it is also a good learning experience for all students learning about the oregon trail. it gives true accounts of how hard a journey the trail was. i give this game five stars.

Not so good.
I got this as a gift, because I loved playing Oregon Trail in grade school. This version, though having much prettier graphics, isn't nearly as fun. Half the fun of playing it was naming all the people after your family, and reading the dirty limericks people wrote on the gravestones. Save your money, don't buy this.

A Classroom Favorite
My third graders study the Oregon Trail every year and enjoy playing this game. It is educational and exciting! Kids take a small party on a covered wagon trip from Independence, Missouri to Oregon. First, they buy everything they need, from oxen to bullets. They must provide their own food along the way (by hunting, trading, or buying at a fort) and are often faced with illness and even death. If someone does die, you can write their tombstone, and maybe see it on your next trip!

This game turns textbook learning into reality. It is hard to make it all the way to Oregon (Hint: it goes faster if you have a lot of oxen). But along the way, you will learn to take care of your party and to appreciate things like good water and good weather. I happily recommend this game to kids age 8-10.

I love this game
I got this game for baby-sitting we loaded it on and the people did not work. We got with the technical support and they told us to got to broderbrund.com they told us how to get the people to work the only thing the didn't tell us was to totally delete the game when you are done with the process. Most people don't like this game true Oregon Trail 2 was the best yet with lots more trails to go on and such. There is some difficulties with this game but all in all it has only exited twice on me. It probably is just the peoples computer. Note the disapering people usally only happen with Windows. I also think that you should read the box that's says 10! and up seven year olds should not play this game enless they know the reason people got those illness's. This game is very educational and great for older kids. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Get ready to travel the world, encounter exotic sights and sounds, meet unusual people--and arrest them! Carmen Sandiego's international crime ring is furiously filching world treasures ordinary thieves wouldn't dare tackle. We're counting on you, Gumshoe. So, when you think you've got the goods on the bad guys, submit your evidence, make the collar, and go to court. But beware! Your evidence must be airtight or your suspect will go free! (Ages 9 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
This is a good game that will teach children about world geography but younger children may get frustrated with this game. It is really geared toward pre-teens and you have to listen closely to the clues in order to determine where is the world is Carmen. This game will work with Windows XP Home Edition but you have to run it in compatibility mode.

Warning: It¿s not an easy game.
This game is a little frustrating for any child who cannot yet associate a continent with the following clues: kroner, Ho Chi Minh trail, outback, Sahara. I had to help out more than either of us would have liked. On the other hand, it's fun, so she is motivated to try. And she is learning a lot!

Carmen has made my child a geography whiz!
I have a 10 year old daughter who I have seen spend, literally, multiple hours on our PC engaged in what I call "virtual globe- trotting" in an effort to find Carmen and her partners in crime.

Players use the Digiketch to piece together a composite image of the suspect as they unlock clues describing his/her appearance.(Once you get a complete image, you can issue an arrest warrant!)

There is a World Wiz Database that helps players learn more about the countries that the suspect may have visited. This game introduces foreign phrases, international travel, and problem solving skills in a way that no other medium could.

I highly recommend this game as a means by which a child's horizons can be greatly broadened.

A first-class program.
I love this game. While chasing Carmen and her gang around the world, you come across funny characters, puzzling clues, interesting locations, and you learn a lot about geography and history at the same time! They did a magnificent job on this game - I wish I could find that missing last disk so I could install it again on my new computer!

Educational And Fun!
This is simply a brilliant,but yet educational,game.It challenges childrens' (& adults') geographical knowledge,while incorporating strategical planning as well. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Approaching the last quarter of the 18th century, a tidal wave of change is poised to engulf the American colonies. Sarah Phillips and James Hiller, two young reporters working for Benjamin Franklin, adventure in search of the ultimate scoop for the front page of the Pennsylvania Gazette. Kids encounter soldiers, spies, Indians, Loyalists, statesmen, and townsfolk in a series of adventures that place them right in the middle of one of the most important eras of America's history, the American Revolution.

The primary goal of Liberty's Kids is to provide kids, ages 7 to 12, with a fresh and exciting experience of the extraordinary period in American history, 1773 to 1789. Kids gain insight into the complex ideas, perspectives, and motivations for the American Revolution. Seven historical events set in colonial America, including the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration of Independence, and the crossing of the Delaware, await kids in this exciting educational software game. Each event is can be replayed from different perspectives. Plus, kids can watch mini-movies from the PBS Kids animated series, explore Ben Franklin's inventions, create and print their own newspaper, meet famous historical figures, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Great program!
This game (should I call it a game?) is fabulous! Based on a great PBS show, it continues to teach about the Revolutionary War. By interviewing key people (like George Washington & Sam Adams) the children can create a newspaper, similar to the tv show. Sarah & James help guide you around the sites of major battles & famous towns. For fun, you often have to find certain items to give to the characters before they will allow you to interview them.

The learning mode is great & took my 9 year old daughter about 10 minutes to figure it out and go to town. She has completed the entire game about 5 times in a month and still has not grown bored - the scenerios change every time you play!

I recommend this to anyone who has ever watched the show, but also for a way to teach more about the Revolutionary War. A good reader is needed, and one that can make good judgements to choose which interview comments to publish. This would make a great addition to a classroom library of software!

Definitely a great buy!!!

I loved it!
I watch the show and I loved the CD-Rom! It never gets boring for me, because one time I got the same item for a guy that I got in the last game and he didn't need it, he needed something else! It is also really good because you can get how both British and Patriots felt about what was going on. It was so much fun!

Really cool game!
I never get bored of playing, because it changes every time. I love to hear interesting commentary and arguements between James and Sarah as you journey from scene to scene. It gives a very balanced view of the Revolution, because one's British and the other is American. I've watched the show, and they both have held my interest. It's good for anyone!

Learning and Loving the American Revolution
This game is fabulous! My children love Schoolhouse Rock and this game gave some depth to the songs about the Revolution that they had already learned. We have all played and what's great is that each game and assignment is different. Seeing the Revolution through the eyes of teenage reporters allows my children to appreciate American History without being "taught" or "preached to" by me or by their teachers. They love when I quiz them about the Battle of Saratoga, Valley Forge and Lexington and Concord. Even my 5yr old knows who John Adams is!

Great game for kids!
We bought this game for our kids for the summer, to help keep them busy. My kids LOVE the PBS show and we decided this could be a great way of entertainment and learning. My 10 year old daughter picked up on the game right away and has really enjoyed playing it. My 8 year old son has taken some time to learn the game and enjoys it, but he would like more excitement. I really like that the kids can learn more about the Revolutionary period and be a part of putting it together in a newspaper. If your kids love the show, they will enjoy the game too. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Scooby-Doo Mystery of the Fun Park Phantom is a PC mystery game that combines the exploration of an adventure game with the strategy and endless playability of a traditional board game. The characters come to life in 2 1/2-D, a special rendering that keeps cartoon characters looking true to their 2-D appearance, yet gives them added dimension. Just like the TV show, the game places players in sticky and sometimes humorous situations, where they must solve a mystery and uncover the game's true villain. Hunt for clues, set traps, and munch down on Scooby snacks. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A lot of fun for a "kids game"
I bought this game for my wife as kind of a "gag gift" as she likes Scooby Doo (as do I) but the game is actually fun. You can play up to 4 players (Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy; you can't actually be Scooby but he does help you throughout the game) on 3 differnt difficulty settings to find the Phantom. This is where it may get a little repetitive though. The Phantom is 1 of the 8 other characters in the game. But the variety of traps one can lay for the Phantom actually keep you interested.

The game is more fun if you have some friends to play it with and is even a lot more fun over the internet (if you can find a game though) as you can sabatoge your opponent and not feel to guilty about it:-)

Overall the game is nicely done and is fun for the entire family. The graphics are nice and the sounds and voice overs are above average. Gameplay is fun and exciting and is great for kids as it challenges them to remember where the various clues and trap pieces were throughout the game. The game is a lot of fun and will not disappoint.

Great Game
I bought this game because I love Scooby Doo. I thought the graphics were excellent(though I didn't think the characters looked exactly right), and the game was very captivating. You walk around looking for clues and traps, and when you get the right ones, you set the trap to capture the ghost. I was a little disappointed in that you can't be Scooby, but that wouldn't be really fair then, would it? I just got it and I really love it. The sound effects match up with the character's movements, and the videos are really quite good and fun to watch. The only major complaint I have is how LONG it takes to go through turns, but that really isn't a fixable problem. I really think the program is great!

Back to the Stone Ages
This game was visually nothing. It really is just a tedious click, move a few steps, and click again to move a few more. The view is from overhead. You have to collect the correct combo of 3 pieces and go to the correct location to use them. With 27 possible pieces and 9 locations, it was just a real pain. No visual excitement. It must have been one of the first video games ever written.

Scooby-Doo and friends help a couple in need of help!
If you are wondering why I am giving this 4 stars instead of my normal 5 stars, is because I think the computer players are smart, if you don't want them to be. Scooby-Doo and his pals, Fred, Daphne, Velma & Shaggy run into another mystery when thier mystery machine breaks down in front of the Gobs, a couple that is in trouble because they had to close down the park because the fun park phantom scared away thier guests.

At first, Mr. Gob thinks they are there for the park. So Mr. Gob strikes a deal, with Shaggy, Daphne, Fred & Velma that if they can find out who the phantom is he will fix thier mystery machine. So here is the areas of the park. Fun House, Midway, Log Flume, Ferris Wheel, Bumper Car, Pirate Ship, Roller Coaster, Merry-Go-Round and the Miniature World.

Now when you begin the six suspects are assigned to the areas of the park. And your character(s) are aslo assigned to an area(s) of the park. The suspects are a security guard, a magician, a farmer, a groundskeepr, a clown, and a banker. You'll find that these people all have a reason why they would like to see the park closed. Thier are 9 areas of the park and 6 will have a suspect in them where they are suposed to be for the whole game.

Think before you buy this program
Though this has a similar title to the excellent game Scooby Doo Phantom of the Knight, this program is very different in style. The gang compete against each other to get the phantom (which doesn't make a whole lot of sense when you think about the show), and it gets so tiresome after awhile because it is played almost like a board game. You have to either play with a friend, or against the computer and end up doing a lot of waiting for others to take their turns. Fun for a little bit, but very tedious after awhile. The point is, this program is not terrible, but it is not what you would expect with the Scooby Doo name. It is a competitive game, whereas the Scooby Doo Phantom of the Knight is an adventure with the whole gang working together to solve a mystery together. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Never face another rained-out ball game with this stunning simulator just for kids. Backyard Baseball 2001 lets you manage your own team through sunshine, hail, and hurricane. Whether you want to enjoy a single pickup match or maneuver through an entire season, this game will let you put the players you want on the field of your choice before pitting them against the toughest young players the Major Leagues have to offer.

Play in Backyard Baseball 2001 can be as simple or as difficult as you want it to be. While it is definitely useful to know a few simple statistics about your team members, it is not required. During play, batters may choose between power hits, line drives, bunts, and grounders as they try to hit the fiendishly clever pitches of the opposition. Once a hit is made, players direct runners from base to base. Unlike the earliest baseball simulators, where many decisions were made by the computer, this one puts the user in control of everything, encouraging a good sense of baseball tactics and discouraging rash play. (Stealing bases with a player who is not a good runner, for example, is a quick road to an out!) When pitching, players select from a menu of pitches and then give the pitcher a target within the batter's box for their throw. A hit transfers play to a wider view of the field, so you can direct the ball to whichever base the runner is headed for.

Backyard Baseball 2001 is an upgrade of an earlier game, and players familiar with the original Backyard Baseball will find that it is very similar in design and structure. Your favorite players (and their color commentators) have been carried over wholesale from the first game, complete with the same signature animations as they come up to bat. At first glance, in fact, the program may seem like it hasn't been spruced up much at all. However, the newer game allows players to join Major League ball teams, such as the Toronto Blue Jays, or to create their own team names and uniforms. Players may recruit or play against youthful versions of current sports superstars, such as Mark McGwire and Tony Gwynn. They can even create customized team members to shore up weaknesses in their outfield or custom-tweak an even deadlier pitcher. Another very welcome upgrade is Internet play, which takes the players on the virtual road, pitting them against teams managed by other players online.

The game design in Backyard Baseball 2001 is absolutely stellar. The interface is easy to use and entertaining. The eight ball fields each come with advantages and disadvantages to be puzzled out and exploited. Players themselves come from a pleasingly multicultural palette with a good age, gender, and ability mix. This game also carries over and expands on the original Backyard Baseball's zany sense of humor: a drinking-box gauge shows how much "juice" the pitcher still has, the patter of the commentators is pleasing and surprisingly nonrepetitive, and successful play is rewarded with power-ups for both pitcher and batter. These power-ups are hilarious--a hot pitcher can throw Fireballs, for example, which literally burn as they zoom past the luckless batter. Batters who do manage to hit these special pitches earn the right to try Crazy Bunts, which carom randomly around the field, or the (literally) Screaming Line Drives.

Young baseball enthusiasts will love this program, which combines entertainment and sports education in seamless combination. So put your team together, suit up, and play ball! --Alyx Dellamonica ... Read more

Reviews (54)

THE BEST BASEBALL GAME OUT THERE, EVEN FOR GROWN-UPS!
If you want baseball on the computer, get this game. Backyard Baseball 2001 has 31 Major League stars as kids (2 from the Reds, 1 from each other team) and 30 other players that you can pick for your team. You can play as any MLB team or pick from a list of custom names. You can even create your own player! But the most surprising part of all is that on Backyard Baseball 2001, Frank Thomas is an amazing pitcher (even better than Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling). In fact, he is so amazing, I pitched a perfect game with him once! The only downsides of this game is that you can only pick 9 players for your team (no subs) and that there are some players that you can't pick for your team that other teams can pick. This game is so good, maybe I'm even gonna start a BYB2K1 webpage! Get this game. It's worth the price.

This game is a must
Backyard baseball teams up with Major League Baseball and The Major League Baseball Players Association to bring real-life baseball pros to the neighborhood baseball diamond...as kids! They have players from Mark McGwire to A-Rod,Ivan Rodriguez,Randy Johnson,Larry Walker,Chipper Jones,Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa,Ken Griffey Jr.,and much,much more! As well as all major league teams. And you can play people on the internet. Theres game modes like season,single game,and batting practice. Plus you not only get the game but you get baseball cards with the game and its a whole lot of fun for anyone.Enjoy!

They Should Make More Games Like This!
I've had this game for a long time now, and I've played it more than any other game I own and it's my all-time favorite game. It has tremendous replay value because of its wide selection of modes like single game, season, internet play, practice, and T-Ball mode. I especially like internet mode because it allows you to play with other kids on the net. Parents, don't worry! The internet mode is safe and secured and monitored by the company themselves! I say it is a great game because you can choose from 30 Backyard Baseball player kids and 31 MLB players as kids! That's 61 kids in all to choose for your team! Awesome! But that's not including the custom characters you can make! The controls are EASY! I never experienced anything that was so easy! Just point and click! There are many special pitches and batting types in the game, from spitballs to fireballs and from crazy bunts to aluminum power bats! The special pitches: spitball, fireball, corkscrew, big freeze, zig-zag, slo-mo, and elevator. The special batting types: crazy bunt, aluminum power, under-grounder, and screaming linedrive. Bottom Line: Get this game! It's GREAT! Tip: If you have the game, here's how you can play as Mr. Clanky, the untiring robot with sizzling pitches! Just point your mouse or controller on the robot at the main menu and click on him while holding the shift key!

Great game... for the younger kids
this is a very fun game. Great graphics, smooth gameplay, and, as i said, lots of fun! you can choose from a bunch of pros, such as arod, nomar, bonds, giambi, beltran, and sosa. and the backyard kids, like pablo sanchez, dante robinson, jocinda smith, etc.

but, as my title says, it's made for the younger kind. The game gets really easy really fast, and on the hard mode with errors off, i beat the other team 44-1.

I would borrow it from a friend, see how you like it, and go from there, but don't buy it right away.

"You'rrrrre Out!"
This game consists of picking players for your team by learning a bit about each player, what they are good at or not good at in baseball. Then you can choose your team's name, colors, and whether to play one game or a season. You tell your pitcher what pitch to throw & where to throw it - or, if you are up to bat, you tell your player when to swing.
It is a fun game, however I strongly recommend it for ages 7 and up. There is some reading necessary - and you must be able to comprehend what defines a "good" baseball player. For the older child - it can be hours of entertainment - and satisfying when you pick a winning team! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

For those of us who remember playing Jeopardy with the metal clickers in the family room, this software makes that board game seem as ancient as a horse and buggy. Alex Trebek is now in full-color, 3-D motion, swooping down on the screen to tell you if you've answered correctly. (And, to be sure, he's come up with every English-language variation on "yes", "no," and "correct.") The board of dollar-amount choices jumps out at you--indeed, the graphics and game design itself--making this game engaging, challenging, and terrific.

There is a caveat to this software, though: players need to have a good sound system, since the answers that the other computer-sponsored players provide is only by voice, not in text. If you're taking this game on an airplane, for example, make sure your headset can support the volume you need, or you're likely to wind up frustrated, wondering who was the third emperor of Japan?

Unlike a game such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Jeopardy plays it straight. So upstanding, in fact, that the other contestants have voices like the kind you hear making announcements at the airport or while you're waiting on hold on the phone. The overall tone matches that of the television show, since the contest questions are of a highly challenging caliber and Trebek is known for his straight-laced, college-professor delivery. The software seems to acquiesce just a tiny bit to the present day, providing questions on recent rock lyrics, for example.

To that end, we did wonder why there were so many questions concerning celebrities. In a matter of only a couple of rounds, we had three answers whose questions were: "Who is Madonna?" It seems a subtle way of making new players feel better about their intellectual muscle, since, let's face it, we missed the question on Genghis Khan.

Educational and of a high caliber, Jeopardy deserves a spot on the shelf of every game show enthusiast and show fan. Parents and kids can spend time together, all the while learning about the myriad subjects this show has covered since its inception in 1964. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The same Jeopardy you've seen on TV, except for a few flaws
All in all, a fun game set up just about exactly as the tv show goes. But I ran into a couple of problems. As a previous reviewer mentioned, the "alt" key is considerably slower than the space bar when ringing in and playing against an opponent. This gives an obvious disadvantage to the player stuck with that control. Another is in the variety of questions. For some reason, I know many more answers when I watch the show on tv, versus playing the cd rom (which could be my fault, I'll admit!)but I believe that the questions here are more difficult. Also, I have had "repeat" questions come up from previous games, though I've probably played the game no more than a dozen times.

Just like TV
TV game shows always translate well to the PC and this one is no exception. I owned many a dos Jeopardy game, and the CD rom is most reallistic.

Unlike being on TV, I can usually be the all-time champ at this one.

PERFECT GAME
AS MUCH AS I'VE PLAYED THIS,IT NEVER REPEATS QUESTIONS,AUCTUALLY READS THE QUESTIONS,NICE SMOOTH GRPAHICS AND SOUND,CAN ADD 2 COMPUTER PLAYERS FOR COMPETITION,I DON'T THINK THINK THEY CAN IMPROVE THIS GAME! A++

Jeopardy Patch for Windows ME
Actually, there is a patch for this game online that supposedly fixes the Jeopardy game for use with Windows ME. Unfortunately, I can't get the patch to work, and the game still locks up at a certain point before game play begins. The patch can be found by going to www.hasbrointeractive.com and following the links to product support.

Don't buy this if you have Windows Me.
If you have Windows Me, THIS WILL NOT WORK ON YOUR COMPUTER!!! While other game programs, such as Chessmaster 2000, Tachyon: The Fringe, and B17 Bomber WILL work with the Windows Me OS, this will be a waste of your money if you are using this OS. I can't comment on the game play, since I was unable to get that far after trying several things. So do yourself a favour and save your money. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Achieve! Math & Science brings four award-winning educational titles in one to your child's desktop. Designed for young learners, a series of challenging puzzles, brain-boosting problems, and irresistible games cover essential math and science skills. Sharpen math skills, explore geometry, learn about electricity, experiment with gravity, and more. Featured titles include: Mighty Math: Calculating Crew, MindTwister Math, Space Academy GX-1, and Thinkin' Science: Zap!. When math and science are made this much fun, young learners achieve at learning. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Wonderful resource for the serious homeschooler!!
We have been proud owners of this package for two years and have used it diligently to supplement skills and concepts introduced throughout the year for first and second grade. It has been a WONDERFUL supplemental resource. Unlike a lot other educational software packages that claim to cover a wide range of ages, this one means it when they say "First through Third grade". It is simple to use: After a concept (example: 2 digit addition) has been introduced to the student, you specifically set up games to reinforce those particular skills. After those skills have been mastered you then go back in (with a simple click of the mouse and check-mark skills you want to reinforce from a large pre-set list) It is honestly very simple to do. Explaining the process actually takes far more time that it does to actually do it. Although the games are very "friendly", with engaging characters and settings, the software is not meant to "entertain" as much as it is to teach. I would not at all be surprised to find this package in a lot of school computer rooms for kids to reinforce their skills on. If you are looking for a true educational software package that would be appropriate for (no younger than)first through third grade, this would be perfect for you and your child.

I would give it ZERO stars if I could!
I completely agree with what everyone else has said. This was a total waste of money. The other reviewer was right when he said the extra software included (for us it was Star Flyers) was the ONLY good thing!

How can they market programs that were designed for 3-5 year olds for Grades 1-3? Its ludicrous!

DO NOT waste your money! The whole thing is unprofessional. There are no guides and even the paper inside the CD looks like it was BADLY photocopied.

Again, if I could give it ZERO stars I would!

This is going back
I was looking for some software to help my fourth grader with math facts, computations, etc. (He's an Everyday Math victim.) The activites, even at the most advanced level, are much too easy for him. Pointing and clicking at different piles of cookies is not division. This is a complete waste.

This is being returned to The Learning Company
I just purchased this today, and it is extremely disappointing. I was looking for a software package that would help my 2nd grader learn his math facts, and this certainly isn't it, as far as I can tell. There is zero documentation included, so there is no way to steer your child towards games that would help his or her weak areas. I couldn't find a game that drilled them on anything, just a lot of pointless point and click activities.

Product is not very good
I got this product for my 5 year old, and it is about right,
any 3-6th grade would not like it at all. The best thing in the game is the free cluefinders monkey adventure in my costco box.
Most of the games look like they were designed for windows 95.

I liked the clips from grammar rock, I remember these as a kid, but you could by the DVD of Schoolhouse rock and get better versions of those. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great for all ages
This game is great for everyone. The kids that I watched over the summer had a blast finding ways to create different creatures and loved printing them out for later. The adults all loved trying to outdo each other by making stranger and stranger monsters. I highly recommend this game for anybody with an active imagination and a love for graphics and interactive games. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Barbie helps you design thousands of different outfits on the computer. Special printer-compatible fabric goes through your laser or ink-jet printer so you can make clothes for Barbie. Design party dresses, career outfits, wedding gowns, and even something special for a romantic date with Ken. It's up to your imagination.

The software package includes lots of art supplies so you can decorate your new outfits. No sewing is required--just cut out the pattern, then use adhesive seam stickers and hook-and-loop tape to put it together.

The package includes the CD-ROM software, eight sheets of printer-compatible fabric, tulle (fabric for veils, tutus, and other items), 4 color markers, sequins, ribbons, rosettes, glitter fabric paint, seam stickers, hook-and-loop tape, five pairs of Barbie shoes, and a user guide. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

really weinerdog-rific
I've had this game for about 7 years and i used to play with it ALL THE TIME. It's great designing the clothes, but barbie likes to boss you around on what things you can put together, like you can't wear a scarf& wedding dress, and the clothes have gone out of style. You were only allowed to use a few colors at a time. But making the tabloid cover is really fun and i used to make them for EVERYONE. the 3d is really cheezy, and the fashion show thakes FOREVER to load(but the countdown with shoes is really cute).I think i once saw a newer version somewhere, but it might have been another barbie game. weinerdogs rule!

It's Fun!
I think it's fun because you can make magazine covers and pages for a little magazine for your friends. You can design clothes for your Barbie, you get to color them, and put them together. It's fun because you can put shoes on it.

DO NOT BUY THIS GAME ***
This is such a boring game ! It doesn't have too many clothes to choose from and not too many colors and designs ! If you want to buy a Barbie CD-ROM , buy Barbie Pet Rescue !

Barbie's fun, but this game could be better
I got this game about 4 years ago, when I had one of the world's slowest computers. It worked just fine, but the fashion show took forever to load, so I never got to see that. Anyway, it was a lot of fun designing outfits for Barbie; the problem was, you were really limited. Like, you couldn't have a Barbie wear certain shirts (like bikini tops) and certain pants at the same time. Or you if you had a certain scarf, it would limit the other accessories you could have. But that was easy to overlook. My other complaints were that the patterns were kind of silly looking (flowers were okay, bows and hearts were kind of weird), and you didn't get very many colors to work with. Also, the only Barbie available was a blond. But I really enjoyed playing it and printing out magazine covers, until one fateful day when the CD malfunctioned and hasn't worked since (and I even have a brand new computer, so ... oh well. Rest in peace.) Oh yes, and you can print the outfits on special paper and make actual clothes for your Barbie. But they look really unrealistic. It would be like a real person dressing in a gunny sack and calling it fashionable. But hey -- if you have a Barbie fanatic in your life, consider this CD-rom for hours of fashion fun. :)

Sorta Cool...
This is great when you first get it! Design a variety of barbie outfits for any occasion and watch her model it. Then print out a magazine cover or the outfit for you to make. Sounds cool right? But there are some hidden downsides...Number one, the outfits don't stay together too well! Number two, the outfits get repetitive and boring and there aren't enough pattern or color choices. Also, some new barbies would be nice! I'd try Cool Looks before this one! Oh yeah and for some reason there is a saving problem when you save your designs...Still if you wanna try a new angle on Barbie games try this one or Cool Looks to create cool Barbie clothes, until you get sick of the game! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must for your kids
My kids love this game and fight over the computer to play it.Nor do they know how much they are geting from the game. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Stack your tiles and change words for really big scores in this electronic version of the classic game. When "shark" becomes "share" and "lion" becomes "lair," you know you're playing Upwords. Score big when you build words up as well as across and down. Compete against family and friends at home or around the country with local network or Internet play. You have no one to play with? Then play against a computer opponent. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Will this work with windows XP?
Love the game and want to buy it but I'm not sure if it's compatible with the system I am running. It says 95/98; but I have xp? So can any one tell me if this will work? wtesla3@aol.com

Great & Addictive Word Game
Originally released by Milton Bradley as a new type of board game in the mid-1980's, "Upwords" is an interesting word game much in the same tradition as Scrabble. The only thing different is that the player is able to stack tiles on top of other tiles to create words. Hence, that is where the game gets its' title.

I recently purchased this game to see how it differs from the original board version, and it is pretty much the same in game play, with the exception of the tiles and board itself. If you're an individual who loves addictive word games such as Scrabble or crossword puzzles, than "Upwords" should be added to your software library. It is great, addictive, and entertaining and I can guarantee that you'll enjoy playing against others (or the computer itself). Hasbro Interactive has produced yet another winner in their popular board games-turned-computer games (e.g. "Life"; "Jeopardy"; "Candy Land"; etc..)series!

Overall Great Game
This is a great game. The thing I like about it is that you can play with people over the internet so if you don't have anyone to play with you can play with someone over the internet. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Enter the world of Jo Hammet, a 5th-grade gumshoe who's hot on a case. While visiting the museum on a field trip, she uncovers a sinister plot to destroy all of the city's factories! Her mission is to find clues leading to the capture of the mad genius, Dr. X. Armed with her wits and her skateboard, Jo plays curriculum-building games while dodging Dr. X's goons and searching for clues to unravel the mystery. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Forget-About-It
We have several JumpStart levels, and so I thought 5th grade would be okay, but I was wrong! It starts out with a looong cartoon intro. Then you are forced to go through a politically correct interview of a "rat" before you can start with a crossword puzzle that stopped us cold.

One of the questions it asked in level one (the easiest) is who is (1548) the Venitian artist of the same town? So, we had to go through the "museum" of baroque art, look at every picture, read every description, and still didn't fine the answer!

I took art history in college, not in the 5th grade! Now I can't even return the ...junk!

Poorly designed, way too frustrating
Despite good reviews for other JumpStart programs, the 5th grade one is very frustrating. The opening scene gives no guidance for what the child is supposed to do and the dialog between the two characters is way over their heads. My daughter was totally frustrated and lost all enthusiasm for trying this program.

Be a detective
Join Jo Hammet, kid detective as she captures Dr x. before Hooverville is destroyed. Put on your thinking, playing and excitement caps! You will play a crossword (Geography and arts) at Hooverville Museum then you will proceed to the station to pick a math lock (Math) and get in , to eavesdrop on a fill-in-the-blanks speech by henchmen of Dr. x! Skate over (you will control Jo's skateboard and run away from the henchmen, if you get caught by them, you will go to jail. You will sequence the boxes with the biggest under and escape from the window! It's math skills you require here.) to Bertie's Juice bar to work on fractions and prepare sodas to get stuff from Bertie. Go over to Jimmy's Junkyard and arrange the tangram like the picture above and get something you need to disarm the bomb Dr x is preparing. Then it's over to Maggie Mead's underground artifact place! Be careful of the rolling stones. You have got to buy this CD! It's educational too! I have it, IT'S COOL...

Dry and Difficult
Not enough action, to much research. To heavy in art history and not enough material a child can expect to find in a 5th grade classroom. Our son gets too bored because the navigation is to difficult.

Step Down for Jump Start Series
After loving Jump Start 3rd and 4th Grades, I was very disappointed in Jump Start 5th Grade. It is difficult to navigate and some of the material is far beyond the knowledge of any 5th grader I know.

To solve the Art History crossword puzzle you are supposed to go to the gallery and do research. But the gallery is so hard to use that my family usually resorts to randomly guessing letters in the puzzle rather than try it. As an educated adult, I don't even know more than one of four clues in the puzzles without research or guessing.

If the other subjects were as unreasonable as Art History, I would have given an even lower rating. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Looney Tunes Photofun
This software is so much fun--my granddaughter and I spend hours making pictures of her with the characters. The software is amazingly as easy to use as many other photo software products I have bought. The music is fun, a flying 2" bug interacts with the person logged in--says the name and gives help when needed. This is such a clever photo software--entertaining and produces great pictures and projects. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Are you looking for a way to supplement your child's algebra skills without boring him or her to tears? The text-prep experts at Princeton Review have devised Algebra Edge, an easily loaded two-disc package that teaches and tests all the topics covered in first-year algebra.

The two-disc format neatly divides Algebra Edge into two distinct parts: Algebra Smart (Disc No. 1), and Grade Builder (Disc No. 2). Algebra Smart, the more substantial of the two, consists of lessons, rapid-fire quizzes, and a record-keeping function. The cartoon graphics and wacky voices are designed for kids, and an Olympic theme runs throughout--the quizzes are called the Algebra Games, and the lessons are taught at the Algebra Training Building. The quizzes are very fast-paced, and thus are not recommended until a student has achieved mastery of a topic. One especially helpful feature is the Info Center, the record-keeping function, which allows you to look up any current algebra textbook and review the material that was taught at school the same day.

The Grade Builder CD-ROM consists of review lessons and two games: Death By Algebra and Soak Your Sibling. The graphics for the lessons are set against a very dark background, which some users may find disconcerting. The lessons themselves have more talking and less chalkboard work than those in Algebra Smart. Death By Algebra has an ironic tone that is suitable for most postmodern kids, but it may bother religious conservatives or others who object to jokes such as "Welcome to the game show where, just like in life, you earn points and collect prizes until you die." Soak Your Sibling was nearly incomprehensible on the first try, and kids will find the characters either hilarious or annoying.

Algebra Edge comes with a guarantee that is characteristic of the Princeton Review: if a student finishes the program and doesn't raise his or her grade, Princeton Review will refund the price of the software. To get a refund, the student must return the CD-ROMs (which have an automatic record-keeping function showing which lessons and tests have been taken) along with copies of report cards. A student must use the program within two grading periods to qualify for a refund. --Matt Kohut ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I have learned something...
I have learned to check the SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS very carefully when purchasing any software at all!! This software is for Windows 95/98 and evidently is so old that The Princeton Review website no longer exists. Broderbund Co. (The Learning Company) provides very limited support for this product. The phone numbers for both technical and customer support were no good. I was finally able to get the one CD - Grade Builder - to load and run (Windows XP) and my daughter did stay on and play the games. Yes, her text book is listed - just not the same year publication! It is incomplete. Since that is how I sold her on the CD's (it matches up with your textbook) I was foiled from the start!

Great supplement for "home schooling"/tutoring in Algebra
My 8th grader is learning Algebra at home rather than in the traditional class. She had been resisting doing the book lessons, but this software makes more sense to her and is much more interesting. The games are fun and challenging. The fact that it follows the textbook exactly really helps too. We've used it to learn new material and as a fast & fun review of earlier material.

Sorry Folks but this didn't work for me!
This program was not all it was hyped up to be. The lessons were too complicated. If I knew what they expected me to know I would not have purchased the software. The animated characters were very racial. In the classroom setting the "dumb" kid was always black. Thats pretty bad. The white kids were always portrayed as smarter and wealthier. Black kids were portrayed as dumb and poor. Dont buy this software if you don't condone racism!

Algebra + Fun
This is the only Algebra I program my kids loved! They BEGGED to let them play. Any other program will just explain you something and then give you a quiz, but this one lets you spend some time playing. The games are fun, and "Soak Your Sibling" is the best way to get inside the coordinate plane. If your kid has a little bit of patience, he will understand everything about this linear functions very soon. I wish they would invent similar games for every topic.

This is the best Algebra I program I have seen!
This program is the best it shows you how to effectivly master any type of algebra I. Algebra I is the bases of all other math so if you use this program you have a chance to learn and master the skill, quick and easy. It can go along with almost any algebra I book out! This one's the best. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Design and build thousands of 3-D castles. More than 60 of the 3-D castle pieces were inspired by Middle Ages castle architecture. Prebuilt and half-built castles are provided to get you started. View and print your castles in different perspectives as you build. Color with 24 Crayola colors and apply 24 realistic and wacky patterns. You can even choose different backgrounds, including sunset, daybreak, clouds, and more.Explore the 3-D castles inside and out. Cool real-time 3-D technology lets you fly through and around your castles. Meet authentic animated characters, such as the King, Queen, Page, Minstrel, Knight, and more. See authentic furniture, artwork, tapestries, torches, thrones, and more.The software includes dozens of print activities. Print out 3-D castle pieces, inside and out, to play with, display, and share. Construct 3-D castles offscreen--castle-building instructions are provided. Even print out castle-theme stationery. (Ages 6-12) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very fun and flexible
This was a blast for my 6 year-old niece. She was able to start using the basic functions right away, building castles with no help from us. With a tiny bit of help she learned how to move things around and color the castles. It really held her attention and she wanted to play with it again the next day. I like the fact that she can really grow with it, as she learns to use the 3-D aspects and move around the areas and explore the castles and use some of the learning functions. I was impressed with the amount of detail and accuracy in the castle pieces and variety of options involved. The program can be as simple or as complicated as the child wishes. Overall,we were both very pleased with the purchase.

My kids loved this!
Believe it or not this program had sat in my collection for several months before we installed it! The kids have been fighting over the computer ever since. You can 'virtually' put together castles and you can then walk through both the inside and the outside. You can ALSO print out these castles and make them again out of paper. My children are 7, 8, and 10 and all of them have loved this program. On the computing side of things, the kids can easily wander the program on their own, it is very friendly. The reason for the four stars is that the instructions for the paper-version castles really need adult guidance. BUT, it turned out to be rewarding, quality time. Make the castles, get a green poster board as a piece of land and VOILA! your kids will have an awesome time. ... Read more