Amazon.com Review

Give your vocabulary, history, and memory skills the most enjoyable workout they will ever have with Girl Talk, a quiz game for girls in the 8- to 12-year age range. This smart and funny program guarantees extensive fun for players, whether they are gaming solo or hosting a chat party of their own.

Though it bills itself as a variation on Truth and Dare, Girl Talk offers far more possibilities. Rather, the bulk of the game resembles a game show. Players choose between quiz topics, including school, pop culture, fashion, sports, history, and boys. Selecting a topic moves you right to an interface where players compete in short games called stunts. One such minigame involves trying to catch objects as they fall from the top of the screen--but only the ones that correctly answer the question. Another gives you 15 seconds to answer a question as a curtain slowly rises on a picture of the correct answer. The questions cover a nice range of difficulty, with some being very easy and others posing a definite challenge. And watch out! Whenever you get a question wrong, you have to go to a special window and watch as a disgusting, animated zit blooms on your face! Fortunately, high scorers get a chance to wipe the blemishes away.

Girl Talk can be played by one to four players, either on a single PC or via the Internet. Its database of questions is very current, covering recent films and even touching on relevant political information--such as the fact, for example, that dating is illegal in certain parts of the world. The individual stunts run smoothly, the graphics are marvelous, and the animated characters in the Girl Talk Club are well designed, cheerful, and always encouraging.

Girl Talk doesn't stop there, though. It has several other activities aside from the main game, such as a journal, dream analysis, and a section for generating top-ten lists. With so many top-notch and entertaining features, the Girl Talk Club may turn out to be one that girls will absolutely clamor to join. --Alyx Dellamonica ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It was the greatest pre- teen girl game ever!!
It had everything a girl would want to play on a software!!

Girl Talk--fun for awhile
Girl talk was a fun game when I was a preteen. It had so many activities that I really didn't get bored with it. Colorful game with captivating games. A perfect game for a preteen girl. Did I mention I'm 15 and still like to turn it on once in a great while?

Girl talk is fun and you learn lots to
My dauter has this game and she had so much fun zou anser trivia and if zou get them wrong you have to pick out a zit and place it on your face on the computer it is a real fun andcool game for all girls

Overall Great Cd Rom
This cd rom is really cool. The only problem is, it's only funif you have other people to play against. And even with the internet,it's impossible to find someone to play against... ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

A decidedly low-tech era in U.S. history goes electronic in OregonTrail 5th Edition, a game for children ages nine and older that pits playersagainst all the hazards a wagon-train voyage can dish out. Following Captain JedFreedman and a trio of young pioneers out West, this program teaches history,map reading, geography, and a variety of other skills. Players must keep theirwits sharp if they want to keep their party healthy and well-fed all the wayacross the country.

Oregon Trail 5th Edition offers a good all-around workout in readingskills and problem solving. Using limited funds, players must equip theirwagons, balancing the need to survive on the trail with the necessity formoving quickly. Shortages will inevitably crop up along the way, and members ofthe wagon train can die of thirst, fever, snakebite, or many other perils... ifyou don't have the right equipment on hand to deal with the emergency. Even awell-equipped party can come to grief, though. Swamped wagons can lose criticalsupplies, and though there are people sprinkled along the trip who might providehelp or trade goods, happening on the right trade is by no means assured.

Except for being a bit slow-paced, Oregon Trail 5th Edition has fewflaws. The people aboard the wagon trains come from a variety of cultures.Though the game glosses over the ugliest aspects of this historical period, itdoes not skirt them entirely. Players who over-hunt the resources of aparticular native tribe are likely to hear about it. The game has a variety offeatures that flesh out the travel experience, like a trip diary and animatedcampfire tales--one of them about the Donner party--that effectively break upthe pace of play.

For children interested in a multifaceted educational challenge, OregonTrail makes a good choice, capturing the difficulties and dangers of thelong voyages that settlers made so long ago. (Ages 9 and older) --AlyxDellamonica ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Not What I expected
I first bought this game because I used to play the first Oregon Trail for the Mac when I was in elementary school back in the late 80s. To be honest, they should have just stuck with the original version (without all the fancy pictures). The graphics did not match when changing from the main map to the cg scenes to the cartoon movies. It was very awkward looking. Often when cutting to a movie, the game will crash (I have Windows 2000, which the game supposedly is compatible with). The game crashes very often.

This game is difficult to use, with confusing and frustrating options (I've found 2 bugs already where you are stuck in an infinite loop). I DO NOT reccommend this game for young kids!! Not only is it awkward to play but it can become extremely tedious as well.

There were a few nice things in this version, you can fish and gather certain types of berries and herbs. However, when it comes to buying supplies, any child will be overwhelmed by its bartering system.

This game hardly has any of the old Oregon Trail charm that it used to.

Good Solid Game
Wow, when the reviews I'd read said it was an update of Oregon Trail 2, they weren't kidding. It is almost exactly the same, with a few great updates (the fishing and gathering options, as well as the story of the Montgomery family). I really enjoy this game, and always have. I think they probably could have done a bit more improving on the old version 2, but I'll still play with great enjoyment very often.

This was a rip off.
I've been playing OT since it's first version, back in the 80s. This is a slightly jazzed up COPY of version 2. IMO, version 3 far exceeds anything before or since. Version 2 is pretty good if you want a basic game (start to finish in an hour or so). Version 3 is great, with the addition of fishing, gathering, and player driven trading, along with the much better graphics. Version 4 consistently crashes on an incredibly powerful gaming computer system, which I use to run MMORPGs. There's no reason that such a basic game should be so incredibly unstable. I've never managed to get to Oregon with that game. It always crashes shortly after leaving Kansas. I was so pleased to see Version 5 on the shelf, and so incredibly irritated that I had wasted my money once I had loaded it!! The only difference between 2 and 5 is a different border frame around the picture, and the addition of the "story" of transporting the children to Oregon. Other than that, in all important ways (UI, graphics, trading, hunting, etc.), it is identical to Version 2. Don't waste your money on v5. Hunt down a used copy of v3. It's a much better way to spend your money.

Awesome Game!
The Oregon Trail is no disappointment to people who want a challenging, fun game! The graphics are solid and the begginning is fun, but the middle is the best. If you want to relive the Sims mixed with problem solving geography, and also even history involved, this is the game for you. Highly reccomended!

Compare 1 and 2 to this one
I have Oregon Trail 1, 2, and 5.

Version 1 was wicked boring and you could not treat anyone who got a disease. Plus u never made it to Oregon. It almost crashed my friends computer! (She has Windows 98) Plus the music was just...depressing. I recommend this for someone who ddoesnt mind losing all the time.

Version 2 crashed on my computer(I have Windows ME), and my friends computer. If it ever started, everyone would die like right away. And it played really creepy music when someone died. My sister cried and it gave me the shivers. Of course, you would never make it to Oregon or even Great Salt Lake City before you die or get fired. This one, maybe 14 and up?

Version 5 is the best. It was a lot more stable on both of our computers (mine and my friends) and was really fun. I could make it to Great Salt Lake City and Sacramento but not Oregon. It didn't crash, everyone would just die before you even got to Fort Hall. My younger brother could make it though. Ages 7-107. ... Read more

Features

• Dual CD package includes Atlas of the Solar System and Encyclopedia of Space & Universe
• Fly on virtual 3D tours of the planets and observe the moons of Jupiter close up
• Meet experienced astronauts and rocket scientists; discover if you have what it takes
• Discover how gravity affects planetary & satellite movement and how weightlessness affects humans
• Recreate the night sky for any moment from 3000 BC to 7000 AD

Reviews (1)

Very easy program
This program has a very easy to use interface that anyone can learn. If you need to inventory your card collection this is the program you need. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Snap on your bindings! Nail tricks with incredible real moves. Free-ride through wild snow in multiple events. Rip dangerous, breathtaking slopes without boundaries. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Boarder zone review
This game is one of the great underapreciated games of the past few years. It is not flawless, The Halfpipe is poorly modeled and the limited selection of music gets annoying very very quickly. That being said there are many more redeeming features than condemning ones. The Method of performing tricks is brilliant as well as the physics which are some of the best i have ever seen in any game period. The levels are huge and diverse and each one can be replayed thousands of times and still remain fresh and new. This game is Vvery very good and as it is older it is quite reasonably priced. A must for anyone with even a passing interest in snowboarding.

Boarder zone is IN DA ZONE
Boarder Zone is a very cool game. It is very reallistic, with the levels, animation and boards. There are three types of ways to board: time race, BIG air, and half-pipe. There is also a practice level, which ,I think, is the best one in the game. I didn't give it 5 stars because it can be kind of boring after playing it a while.

Boarder Zone missing some key points
Hi! I just got boarder zone today and it is really fun! But it's missing some key things a snowboarding game should have. For example, most snowboarding games have some kind of half pipe, but this game does not have that. Another thing is that it does not have many optional courses to choose from, and it only has 2 modes, trick attack and racing. My opinion is that you should only get this game if you are a snowboarding game fan. Other wise, you should probaly get a diffrent game because this game will get boring really fast if you aren't a huge fan of snowboarding! But for a game boy game, this game passes out every other snowboarding game on the market!

Fun, yet lack of variety
The graphics in this game are stellar, dude! But that's all that's good in this half-baked game,dude. C dude, cuz when U start the game, U R treated with a TV- style introduction showing people fall in snow that takes about 10 minutes 2 load on a top-of-the-line computer,dude! Then, U R sent 2 the main menu, which consists of a bunch of options, dude! And when U play it, U get a chance 2 snowboard poorly, and it ain't your fault, because the games controls R mind-boggling and confusing,man! The manual does not help at all 2 help U understand this snowy mess off a PC game. So, dude, if your looking 4 a good snowboarding game, go buy a N64 and 1080. That's probably the only good snowboard game out there, man .

Awesome!
The graphics for this game are simply jaw-dropping. Someone said buy X-Games instead but I disagree! The runs are HUGE and very wide open in places, all kinds of shortcuts and whatnot, massive airs, the list goes on and on. If you have the bandwidth to spare I *strongly* suggest you download the demo -- it will speak for itself. Click the link above to see some screenshots too, it really looks that good on a decent machine! Awesome. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Explore a medieval courtyard and castle and earn the skills to create your own. Logic Quest uses a 3-D, first-person perspective to create an educationally rich, engaging, and highly realistic learning adventure.

The mastermind Claire and her captivating computer creations have created a fantastic world of mazes, puzzles, and mysteries set inside level after level of Courtyard and Castle challenges. And now Claire is looking for a challenger who can master her ingenious, computer-designed reality. Are you that challenger? Logic Quest develops key thinking skills, including logic, problem solving, strategy, planning, mapping, patterning, spatial awareness, and creativity. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

For the creative mind!
My kids LOVED this software but have out grown it. They loved to figure out the puzzles and enjoyed the challenge the software gave them. It helped them to be creative and think outside the box. They learned to overcome by trying different approaches and LOVED the maps.

Great, except for tech
When I was a kid I had no games except for chop suey, when I got it, there were some tech problems, but my dad was able to run it. There are different modes like the normal where you learn about the pannel rules. My favorite mode is where you get to build your own structure. It crashes sometimes though. Mine is coming and I'll right an updated review.

YOU HAVE TO BE EINSTEIN TO MASTER THIS QUEST
This product is a waste...! My mother bought it for me and I haven't been able to figure it out yet. It's incredibly complicated and most of the files are missing...

Don't buy this product
My mom bought a copy of this game for my nephew's birthday. We have not been able to run it and there are two VERY computer literate people in the family (not that installing software is very difficult these days). When you install it, it says a file is missing. We can't find the file on the disk. We e-mailed the company over a month ago and have not gotten a response. We have tried to call the 800 number many times and there is no answer EVER. Do not buy this product unless you want to spend $34. for nothing. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Build your fluency in French using this feature-rich five-CD collection. Learn to Speak French's 100 lessons and adjustable study plan expand your French vocabulary and perfect your pronunciation. Choose from a variety of instructional features, including cultural video clips and a talking dictionary. Learn to Speak's voice recording, playback tools, and speech recognition technology let you practice your French, develop your ear, and hone your pronunciation. A conversational CD completes the collection, adding a final polish to your newly acquired abilities. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Anglophone in Quebec loves this program
I've lived here over half my life and don't speak french, not because I don't know what to say, but because I've always been afraid that it wouldn't sound right. This program is great for learning the correct pronounciation, and the conversation feature helps with thinking fast. My kids (ages 6 & 8) were not doing so well in french class last year but they've been practicing with this program and gaining confidence. It's a lot of fun to use, especially the speech recognition meter, we take turns and compete to see who can get farther into the green area. Looking forward to having a french conversation with my french husband.

My only problem with this program is that even though it's new, ...the online programs that are supposed to be downloadable to your computer are no longer available. Not saying that the CD's don't have plenty to keep me busy but I feel a little [left out] because they discontinued them so soon.

A Big Waste of Money
This would have been a wonderful product if it could be installed on my computer. I have tried to install it using Windows 2000 and Windows 98. Neither system would accept it. When I called the company, they said that they knew about the problem and were working on it...to check back at their web site periodically for an update. That was over a year ago. There have been no updates and I basically wasted my money.

We'll always have Paris...
First one negative: The Learning Company does have to get better at listing what platforms their software really works on. Version 8 does not run on Windows 2000, Windows 8.1 has problems with XP, but works fine on Windows 2000. If you're planning on buying this software, be careful about which version you buy.

That said, this software is a good learning tool for picking up French. It will not be enough on it's own (what one tool ever is for learning fluency in a language?), but it's an incredible supplement. You see and hear French being spoken in a number of situations and by a number of different people, all with different accents, ages, and occupations. A book will not give you this (though a book will be better for learning the rules of grammar such as verb conjugation). Pronounciation is particularly hard for english speakers learning French (I speak from experience). Having the word spoken repeatedly while printed on the screen is a boon for figuring out how French is supposed to sound (again, a book will not do this as well).

The program relies on rote memorization for success, which is unfortunately one of the menial and grudging realities of learning any language. Each vocabulary word is tied to a picture (e.g., 'ici' has an "X" with an arrow pointing to it), and the drills rely on your ability to interpret these pictures. Most are not difficult at all to figure out, but some can be ambiguous. Each lesson moves from a list of vocabulary words into these drills, and then into a conversation usually between 2-4 French speakers. Once you have these phrases and sentences down, there are more drills. Lastly, each lesson includes games: "Go Fish" (against a strange horse/dog creature with a southern drawl) and a crossword puzzle. You can play the games at any time (though it's harder to know this in version 8.1 than it was in version 8.0). Finally, you have a conversation with a French speaker via your PCs microphone. It's as close as you will get to having a native speaker on hand for practice, though it has the limitations of any computer program (this part of the program has crashed on me, but not frequently enough for me to give up on the software).

Lastly, when you speak into the microphone the computer will judge your progress on a continuum from 'tourist' to 'native'. This is a little tenuous, and I would encourage people to pay more attention to the playback of their voices rather than worry if they're attaining 'native' status (I have also heard that sometimes these programs don't work well with native speakers - a French-Canadian relative of a friend of mine once used this program, and was consistently told he was a 'tourist').

Overall, it's a very good tool to help you along with learning French. It will not learn the language for you, but it will be a valuable help.

Excellent Learning Solution for Everyone
LearnToSpeak 8.0 is the best language learning tool I've used. I've spent hundreds in books, tapes, and audio CDs to no avail. This ridiculously inexpensive software is unmatched in both quality and value. Anyone with a negative review is purely blaming this awesome product for their difficulty learning the language. ... you can't possibly go wrong with it.

My fianceé began a reputable French Course 5 hours a week with French Teachers at the same time I bought the software. I've spent 1 hour a day on it for the past month, and I'm way ahead of her in pronunciantion, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and conversational skills. And she is a Native Spanish/Greek speaker who also masters English. Believe me, she has no learning problems... her course just does not catch up with this software YET. Let me remind you that I have wasted hundreds of dollars on other books, tapes, and CDs without learning how to even greet someone.

Of course you can't expect to be fluent in a few weeks with a handfull of CDs... I am a native Spanish speaker as well and to learn a language, you need to immerse yourself in it. That includes TV, Radio, Friends, Internet, EVERYTHING. Else, and only if you really work hard, you'll be fluent enough to be able to travel to France and communicate freely with natives as a TOURIST. You will definitely not be able to discuss Medicine or Engineering, but you'll have the skills to communicate effectively as you travel.

This set features real time dialogs WITH video characters, an extensive grammar library, speech recognition, informational videos in French, talking dictionary, and easy to follow lessons categorized by topics... not to mention a very funny and friendly animated cartoon character that teaches you the grammar used on every chapter you finish. And to respond to the review of the 14-year-old, the program DOES include games and it is VERY FUN to learn, but to get to the games, you need to complete the first 5 basic lessons. However, this is a learning tool, not a game...

I recommend everybody to please finish the basic lessons and browse all CDs before wasting your time complaining about this awesome [and inexpensive] learning solution.

DO NOT BUY FOR Windows XP
I bought this product for my Windows XP computer. It doesn't work. Even their own web site says:

Product: Learn to Speak™ French 8.1
Issue: No Valid Data Base, Error Code 58
Description: When attempting to launch Learn to Speak(tm) French 8.1, a message similar to "No valid data base. Error code: 58" appears.

Solution: This is a Private Issue. DO NOT Email. This issue is currently being researched. As of now it seems this is only occurring on Windows(r) XP. Gather system information, the exact error message and any details and forward the information to your supervisor.

[URL]

I don't see why a bug that makes a product useless is a "PRIVATE ISSUE". Especially for a product labelled "Designed for XP" in big letters on the box. I will report back IF this bug is fixed. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This CD-ROM contains everything your kids need to make their own Pokémon projects. The package includes instructions for more than 250 projects. Kids can insert graphics of their favorite Pokémon and even print their projects when they're done. The Blue collection features 81 of the 151 Pokémon; the Red collection features the remaining characters. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

unstable software
I actually have the "red" version of this software (which Amazon does not sell) but assume the basic platform is the same. The software crashed my daughter's machine repeatedly; I had to load it on my own computer for her to finish her project. Even then, it crashed my machine as well, several times, before I finally cut-and-pasted her work into PowerPoint to get it printed. I'm uninstalling both copies - she had some fun with it, but it's not worth the aggravation.

Very good, some flaws in program.
Pokemon Project Studio Blue Version is definitely a good program to use for making a Pokemon project. When I used the program, it was very good, but had one or two flaws. If you install both versions, you can use all of the Pokemon. The only flaw is that when I tried to transfer Pokemon from one version to another, no good. It wouldn't be able to transfer. What that simply means is that you can't use different Pokemon from another version on the other version. That can be a major hassle at times. But otherwise, a very good program to use and the results are excellent. An overall 4 stars.

Good program - no support
Firstly, these programs (Red and Blue)are easy to use, and allow many creative projects as part of the Print Shop family.

However, having bought these last Christmas, I have found that Mattel (owner of The Learning Co.) no longers offers support for these programs.

Additionally, while they advertise that you must get both programs to "get all the pokemon" you can not share the graphics between the programs. This means that you must launch them separately and keep separate projects in order to use all the pokemon -- very unfriendly.

Powerful software, great for kids and others too
Very powerful software. Had all the key Pokemon my son wanted. Very easy to manipulate objects, including sizing and rotation. Easy to create from scratch, modify existing templates, or move motifs from templates to blanks. Can create many lovely items w/o Pokemon if you so wish. Easy, easy, easy to use by kids. I had trouble loading it and received excellent tech support from the publisher! A great experience overall.

Cool!
Wow! Nintendo has done it again! You can make sooo many things with this program! I own both of them, but this one is my fav. This is definately worth your money, and is the perfect gift for any Pokémon fan! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Jennifer Is Missing is an innovative CD-ROM detective gamefeaturing the TKKG gang, but you have to keep your wits about you if you want tosuccessfully solve this case. As the title implies, Jennifer has mysteriouslydisappeared, and you are quickly faced with a number of questions to answer. Whyis Sandra keeping so quiet? What is Peter, the nasty private tutor, up to? Andis Barbara Dupont as dumb as she makes out?

The news of Jennifer's disappearance is broken to her friends (Tiger,Kevin, Katy, and Grunter) while they are lounging around in a café,eating ice cream and talking about their school holidays. They immediately dropeverything and go searching for her--it's your job to help them. Before youset off, you click on one of her friends (your detective partner), who will tellyou about his or her family and interests. Then, by simply clicking on the mapof the city, you can visit different locations and ask witnesses the crucialquestions.

All budding detectives must be prepared for a lengthy assignment and bearin mind that some of Jennifer's friends are better at finding clues thanothers--Grunter likes to eat and talk about chocolate all the time, butKevin is nicknamed the computer brain and is the genius of thebunch. Choose wisely or you may have your work cut out for you.

The only downside to this game is that you really do have to work hard tofollow the leads and crack the secret code. But Tivola, the publisher,generously provides plenty of help for any young detectives who get stuck.--Justin Hunt ... Read more

Features

• Fun learning tool prepares kids for college entrance exams
• Covers everything from math to reading to analogies
• CD-ROM software that's both helpful and economical
• Designed especially for ages 14 to 18

Reviews (7)

Slingo Favorite
I love this game. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as the on line version but I do. I have had this game for awhile and it has not lost it playablity. If anyone has the handheld version of slingo and is interested in selling it let me know - chris99x @ netzero.net.

No Slingo fan/addict should be without this software!
I have the handheld version of the game but still longed for the online experience. Now with this software it's all changed. I prefer the software version more than online. If you can get past the fact that you won't have your 9 "slingo buddies" playing with you then you'll probably agree although the CD-ROM does have an internet multi player option. The graphics are so much nicer than the online version and I love the variety in the games. If you want a real challenge than try your hand at "Mixed Matrix Slingo" where the spin numbers can be anywhere on the board. You really can't beat it for the price. I highly recommend it.

Very Fun and Enjoyable
This game is fun. You can play different styles of the "addicting combination of bingo and slots." Definitely worth buying!

Better than most software games I have played!
If you like Bingo and Slots, then this is the game for you! There are 4 different ways to play Slingo besides the classic or original version; Duel Slingo (you can play against a friend, taking turns spinning), Giant Slingo (if a Giant appears he pounds on the board and gives you an additional spin for that turn), Mixed Matrix (the numbers are all over the board.. this one takes skill!) , Super Squares (randomly placed "super squares" and Super Jokers make scoring even higher) and Multi-player (up to 4 persons can play on one computer or connected by modem to more than one computer). This is a great deal for a low price. I highly reccommend it!

Good, clean, ADDICTIVE fun!
Who would have thought such a simple idea could be such an entertaining game? Combining slots and bingo was a really good idea, and it WORKED. Slingo pumps out entertainment day after day. When you have some spare time and nothing to do, pop in slingo and be entertained! Plus, this CD is expanded from AOL's softwhere. You get many different types of slingo, increasing your fun. Great replay value and very addictive. It is extreamly difficult to get bored of playing this game. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Jennifer Is Missing is an innovative CD-ROM detective gamefeaturing the TKKG gang, but you have to keep your wits about you if you want tosuccessfully solve this case. As the title implies, Jennifer has mysteriouslydisappeared, and you are quickly faced with a number of questions to answer. Whyis Sandra keeping so quiet? What is Peter, the nasty private tutor, up to? Andis Barbara Dupont as dumb as she makes out?

The news of Jennifer's disappearance is broken to her friends (Tiger,Kevin, Katy, and Grunter) while they are lounging around in a café,eating ice cream and talking about their school holidays. They immediately dropeverything and go searching for her--it's your job to help them. Before youset off, you click on one of her friends (your detective partner), who will tellyou about his or her family and interests. Then, by simply clicking on the mapof the city, you can visit different locations and ask witnesses the crucialquestions.

All budding detectives must be prepared for a lengthy assignment and bearin mind that some of Jennifer's friends are better at finding clues thanothers--Grunter likes to eat and talk about chocolate all the time, butKevin is nicknamed the computer brain and is the genius of thebunch. Choose wisely or you may have your work cut out for you.

The only downside to this game is that you really do have to work hard tofollow the leads and crack the secret code. But Tivola, the publisher,generously provides plenty of help for any young detectives who get stuck.--Justin Hunt ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If you have a hard time thinking of an encyclopedia as radically cool, you haven't spent time with Encarta yet. Yes, there are things to nitpick, but the package overall, with its spectacular images and information, defines the genre.

The 2000 edition boasts thousands of new articles, sidebars, photos, illustrations, and animations. The robust search engine is made even more useful by its ability to process the kind of queries normal people (as opposed to trained librarians) are likely to enter. On the vast majority of occasions, we received interesting and legitimate results to our freeform queries.

There's a reason why Encarta is the bestseller that it is, and those that try it come away enriched by its knowledge base. The texts are strong and clear, and the advantages of digital organization and multimedia help make it an authoritative journey into cultures, histories, and natural worlds. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Wow!A stunning reference work
I didn't expect this program to be as entertaining as it is!I thought Iwas purchasing a simple reference work, but I've spent literally hundredsof hours in front of my computer reading about new things, and justskipping from topic to topic as something interesting catches my eye. ('course I used to to this with the paper-based encyclopedias as well, butthis involves much less page flipping!)I'm particularly impressed withthe virtual 360 degree tours.I visited Rome in October 1999, and thevirtual tour of the Roman forum included on the CD is a really neatexperience.(Not quite the same as being there, but the CD costs a lotless than my trip!)One of the features that absorbs a lot of my time isthe monthly update.New articles are downloaded as a package every monthvia the internet.I found the material to be extremely current andinteresting.It's like having someone preparing new fascinatinginformation for you on a monthly basis.I'd recommend this CD for familieswith kids of all ages, and any curious people who like answers to thequestions that occur to them from time to time.Also, be sure to note thatthe 2001 version of the encyclopedia ships on Aug. 18, 2000.You mightwant to hold off your purchase until then.

I made a mistake
Hello,Please take out my review. I was wrong. Galapagos Islands info is great, I just looked for it not carefully enough.

My apologies.

Dissapointed
I tried to find an article on Galapagos Islands, it showed a poor quality picture and one paragraph of text. In order to expand the picture I had to switch CDROMs. I could not find any history of the islands, climate andanimals. It's not what you expect from Encyclopedia. Finally I went to aweb site britannica.com and got more than enough on the subject, muchfaster and for free.

Not an encyclopedia!
If you want to have an Encyclopedia, DO NOT buy this. My daughter and I just tried to find 'dragon fly'. There is no dragon fly at all. We tried to look for 'lady bug'. No lady bug! Instead, there is 'ladybird beetle'. Isthis word more general than lady bug? I completely do not understand whythis software is being sold as an encyclopedia.

A very well done reference.
It seems like Microsoft has spent a lot of time on this software, and it has paid off. It has all of the regular annual features returning (like articles, videos, audio, virtual tours), but also has many new features,such as the monthly yearbook and web link indexes, a homework help center,thousands of pieces of new content, more sidebars, cross references to theWeb in articles, and even a special section on millennium and thecelebration of time to commemorate the year 2000. This was a very helpfulreference and I would recommend it to anybody who may refer to one (whichis just about anybody...) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

My New Favorite
Once I started playing, I couldn't stop. I was hooked from the flying cows to the mechanical dinos. The graphics are superb, the characters memorable, and the plot well-delivered. I can't say that I've played a better game than The Day The World Broke. Definitely a thinking-person's game. I'll be looking for the sequel!

Compelling storytelling
The Day the World Broke offers a rarity in this field-engaging and compelling storytelling. Puzzles,mazes, and violence are not the point here. A grand fantasy story with wonderful characters and a rich backstory , it is an exciting and involving tale about the coexistance of nature and technology. And there are very funny part machine-part animal creatures who live in the center of the earth and find that they inadvertantly hold the entire planet hostage. Great visuals, too.

Incredibly fun and addictive
what a great game! I played it start to finish with my 6 and 9 year old and we're ready to to it again. the graphics are beautiful, the characters and dialogue are really funny and engaging and imaginitive. what a great antidote to the mindless shoot em up clones.

The Day The World Broke.

This First Class Wonderful Game Is Well Worth Buying ForWindows 95/98 Users. Its A Addictive Game Except It Doesnt Have SoGood Graphics. Its More Of A 2D Educational Game That Teachers Should Buy To Give To Thier Students In School To Play. It Helps Them Learn Numbers Reading Skills And Much Much More. Its All Worth It If You Have Kids Under The Age Of 12. I Would Reccomend It To Any GrandMother, GrandFather, Relative, Or Just Friend Of Any Child Under 12 As A Present.

Good News: Educational And Fun.

Bad News: Doesnt Always Run Well.

... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

High School Advantage 2002 offers students ages 14 and older challenging yet entertaining activities to promote mastery of biology, chemistry, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, U.S. history, world history, geography, writing, andSpanish. The program aims to build critical problem-solving skills in thesecore subjects with in-depth, multimedia tutorials. The Office 2000 ComputerCoach, included with the software, will help students explore and masterExcel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access.

Customizable features include user-controlled navigation and self-pacedstudy, progressive levels of complexity, and progress reports. There arereference materials, including notes, libraries, and glossaries, as well asmultimedia features such as audio, video, photos, 3-D-renderedimages, and animation. The instructional puzzles and games come withadjustable skill levels to reinforce academic content. The program ishassle-free with easy installation and use, simple, streamlinednavigation, and it allows you to track each user's scores and progress. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

HS Advantage 2002 lacks cohesive planning
The individual products are generally good and learner friendly. However, each title appears to be programmed by a different "team" who thought their computer settings should be yours as well. This means: I had to change screen color characteristics (16 colors, 256 colors, etc.) using Win 98SE and even load an alternate driver for the video card before one program would run.

This was an incredible hassle to set up before it could be used and then reset to do anything else or run another title from the same publisher. It would be nice if those who bundle this software actually sat down with an entire set of disks and tried to use each one--it could lead to consistency of performance. Imagine that!

If you don't mind "adjusting" your computer, these programs are generally well thought out and progress the student appropriately. Myself, I'll look for a more considerate package that allows kids to pop a disk in and learn.

AVOID THIS PRODUCT!
We bought the 2001 version. It fails to load or run on two separate Win98SE systems. Encyclopedia Of Science *hangs* one system requiring a push-button reboot, and complains of "insufficient memory or disk space" (I have 256 MB/40GB respectively) on the other.

DiabloII (Classic & LOD) and MechWarrior II, IV, and Black Knight both run on both machines, so do IE6, Reader Rabbit, Knowledge Adventure, Print Master, Forte Agent, and many others.

Editorial reviews put this as better than the 2002 version. Unbelievable.

High School advantage- disappointing
We homeschool our children and have enjoyed past 'Advantage' titles, and so were disappointed with this one. The three math programs; Algerbra, Geometry and Trigonometry were good, but duplicated "Math Advantage". The others were old, poor, and dry as dust.

Watch Out!
Watch Out! Amazon says that this is for Macintosh... Well it isn't!! Only for Windows 95 and up.

One of the Best Educational Software made for HS!!!!!
Wow, after using the Math CD's including in this product, I enjoy using it so much. I like the interactive math lectures and quizzes. They also have online links. I found so much useful information that will help me with my High School work. I totally recommend this product to all students and teachers. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If you can't find anyone to play with you because you're just too good--or you just don't like cleaning up little wooden tiles--the Scrabble CD-ROM is for you. Up to four players (human or computer) can play on a variety of boards and backgrounds (try chrome in the desert for that Road Warrior look). You can choose your computer opponent from five levels of difficulty, from Novice to Champion, or you can create your own custom opponent, based on a chesslike rating.

Play is speedy and satisfying; the sounds of the tiles clicking on the board are alarmingly realistic. You can challenge words, be challenged yourself, or find definitions of words you don't know in the online Official Scrabble Dictionary. (You can even receive hints and suggestions from the "Maven.")

Online multiplayer is in full force, too. Play with bored students in Oxford using the network features; though this slows the game down depending on your Internet connection rate, you'll find you need more time to crush your human challengers anyway. Sharpen your skills with the minigames: find two- or three-letter words, do anagrams, or find the best play with a given setup. Even if you're a regular Scrabble player, you should find yourself returning to your computer time and again, either to brush up or to try again against the champion. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Scrabble is now Exciting?
Scrabble 2 makes the first version look prehistoric in comparison. The new version has sound effects, selection of jazz tunes, animated Maven (computer opponent and Judge), optional board styles, a dictionary and suggestion lists. I never wanted to play the original board game but now I do and its a lot of fun. Great game for kids and adults. You will definitely learn some new words. Scrabble is finally fun! Definitely get this one, dont make the mistake of buying the first version, unless you still have Windows 95. It is slow and you must change color displays if you have 98. If your into word games, you must own this!

Fun, but know what you want!
I love scrabble and this is a great way to play alone or against the computer. There's a wide range of skill levels for Maven (the computer). The mini "games" are really just ways to practice and polish your skills. They don't take as long and it's a nice change of pace. I was disappointed to find out that this game can't be played through E-mail, which is what I wanted. Only after I opened it, I found out that there's an E-mail Scrabble.

Great classic game
Scrabble CD-rom is the game that we all grew up with but updated so that you can play on your computer. There are 6 different skill levels and you can play many different type games including classic scrabble against the computer, other players (up to 4), tournaments, online and special new mini games.

The best way is to challenge "maven" the computer opponent. You can chose his skill level and increase it as you progress. The game also contains a dictionary so there is no arguing over which words are real.

To help you, there is a cheat/hint code in the game that you can take advantage of when you are stuck.

I have a Sony Vaio computer running windows XP and i had no trouble installing and playing this game. Scrabble CD rom is the classic game but made modern and more fun.

cool
This by far the best board-turned computer game on the market
The sound effects, graphics, backrounds, music, dictionary-
ALL PERFECT!
Except for one thing:

While in game play there is a menu, select the guides icon will
show the highest possible word currently available for use, you will find if use this even once you will be unable to stop, and the game will have the value of horse poop. The good thing is that this is not an option in tournement mode.
Hasbro has done it again, but please in future itterations, remove the frick'in cheat.

The More Complete Version
Excellent version. Great graphics and animations. A feature I truly enjoy is being able to place "Maven" on the screen. Although, the animated "Maven" may be a bit repetitive, the "artificial intelligence" allows for hours of good game fun and company. I had not played Scrabble in years. When I borrowed this version from my sister, I became addicted all over again. When the time came for me to purchase my own, I opted for the newest version "Scrabble Complete." It was a mistake, in my opinion, this is the more complete version for hours of crossword fun. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Choose your favorite from more than 50 detailed vehicles and race to become champion in each of five events. Experience the thrill of breakneck speed as you race against the competition in your powerful, souped-up VW. Defy the laws of gravity by activating your nitro-boosters for a spectacular, high-flying jump. Drive enormous wheels and massive engines on a course littered with cars for your monster vehicle to smash, bash, and crash. You can almost taste the dirt in your mouth as you skid around the stock car cross challenge. Enjoy the sun and sand while racing your buggy on the beach, but watch out for that surf and don't get burned! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

This Game Is Cool!
I bought this game for a fairly low price and I found that this game is a lot of fun. The Graphics are excellent and the music sounds like it could have been performed by a 60s rock band. The Cars are cool too. The Beetle Challange is the most difficult mode of the game, but it is also the most fun. My Only criticism is that when you crash ,you don't suffer damage. This could be good or bad, whichever way you look at it. I highly Reccomend this game for everyone who loves to play racing games.

Awesome graphics!
This is fun racer, plain and simple. The 3D graphics are very impressive! Very smooth and lush backgrounds. There are lots of options and races to keep it interesting. My only complaint is the steering is a little sensitive, oversteer and you will slide all over the place. Overall, this is great, mindless fun for kids and adult kids.

Good game for a youngster.
Although the suggested age for this game is 6, my three year old could play it just fine. Yes, it is cartoony and no it is not realistic and it is simplistic. Perfect for a youngster with a low threshold for frustration. The songs are catchy like a bad beach boys song. My son plays this game every once is a while. He loves to drive the car off the beach into the water where he can scuba drive. Very cool! The price is good, the kids I have seen play it enjoy it, so what else do you want...? For those real gamers out there who like realistic games, stay away from this one. For parents with youngsters, this is a very safe, non-violent entertaining piece of software. Highly recommended!

Beetle Buggin
Beetle Buggin is a really fun game, because you get to do five different events. Quick Race mode is fun at first, but it gets old after a while. Beetle Challenge is the most difficult, and yet the most fun. Buggy and Speed are my two favorite events, because you get to race people. Monster and Jump are the hardest because you have to race against the clock in Monster and in Jump you have to get a certain distance. this is a good game with very good graphics and fun gameplay an music.

Why would you even go to this page?
decent graphics...ok game i played the demo about 4 or 5 times....would only pay about 19 bucks for the full version....

gamplay is well..... ok...but sheesh it slides a little to much..no real control of the vehicles..good amount of variety..monster truck...jumps...bla bla...but never really gives you the feeling of racing...or for that matter driving a bug...i know it may not claim to be a sim..but hey..nowdays simulation is best...if i want cars that are defying gravity and when on mud it feels lick the slickest ice..i would buy a dang console ...i have a computer....

graphics are ok..still feels cartoony like most all other games...we are along way from photo realizm....

sound..well its ok..nothing spectacular.... ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Centipede, the arcade game of the '80s, has been brought full speed into the '90s. You play Wally, an ordinary person who must defend his village against the onslaught of centipedes as well spiders, army ants, fleas, and scorpions. Command a custom-built centipede-fighting vehicle called a shooter. Battle across many different areas to the centipede temple, saving captured and stranded people along the way. Finally, meet up with the mother of all bad creatures--the queen centipede. See if you can put an end to this. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Ok game
This game was kind of boring. And they expect you to beat this boring game? it got like 8 worlds w/ 100's of levels each on them. I would advise you to not waste your monet on this!

A completely new 3-d game or your favorite old classic!
The new version of Centipede is great! You can play the old Atari 8 bit version, but if you get board you can play the full rendered 3d game! Don't expect this too be a cheap cliche rip-off of your favotite arcade game, the new version is GREAT and only based upon the Atari version. But you shouldn't buy this ONLY for the Atari because if that's all you want you can download a demo version at a website like download.com but if you love the old one and you think you MUST see this new one, buy it!... WARNING: Surgeon General Warning. Very Addictive!:) ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sail off with the Zoombinis on an epic adventure of math and logic, now with a scientific twist. The dastardly Bloats have evacuated Zoombini Isle. Join a determined band of Zoombinis as they bravely return to their ravaged homeland and save the wild Zerbles by restoring their once-fertile habitat. Build logic and science thinking skills while discovering concepts in astronomy, mechanics, cryptography, and life sciences--including the food chain, ecology, and genetics. Sail through seven intriguing, interactive logic puzzles with three skill levels. ... Read more

Reviews (65)

Love, love, love this game...
I was introduced to this game while helping out in an elementary school computer class (yeah, I'm technically a grown-up). It's an engaging way to teach logic skills, and the puzzles are a lot of fun. I agree that there are a LOT of Zoombinis to save (the purpose of the game)and that once you've mastered the higher levels it's a bit tedious to keep playing the harder versions of the puzzles, especially if there are any you don't like to begin with.

On the other hand, this game is wonderful for a variety of age groups (some of the younger kids may need some help figuring out the logic behind the puzzles), for different ethnicities (the Zoombinis are blue), and genders (most of the characters are somewhat ambiguous on gender, and the Zoombinis are all equal). I've seen it played solo, and in groups, with equally enjoyable results. And there are a number of resources available for educators, parents, etc. to help your kids make meaning from the games they are playing.

All in all, this is a must for any elementary/middle school computer educator, and a highly recommended for parents who want their kids to use computers as a tool as well as a toy.

One of the best logic games, all in a fun package
I'm a 13-year-old boy, I loved Zoombinis ever since it came out about 7 years ago, and I still love it now. Zoombinis is a great education game, it teaches logic and mathematical skills essential to learn, and also lets children (and adults) have fun while doing it.

Zoombinis is set apart from so many other logic games by adding characters that are enjoyable and funny to a 2nd grader, while not being so annoying or childish that a 7th grader cannot enjoy or laugh at them as well.

Another way Zoombinis excels is in the way it adjusts to the user's ability. The game will start out easy and teach more simplistic concepts, and after the user is comfortable with that, it will move on to more complex problems.

A nice thing about this game is that it will encourage someone to learn and keep going. It can all happen because the game is both educational and fun, and the child will get a sort of self-satisfaction when they accomplish something. Whenever a puzzle is completed, the user gets a little bit closer to the goal of saving all the Zoombinis, and this gives them something to work for.

Zoombinis consists of 12 different puzzles for the user to go thru, and one of the factors that have made it so successful is how it makes the user actually think. Instead of letting you just guess the answers, Zoombinis has you think about why a certain answer does or doesn't work, then lets you come up with some sort of practical method to solve such problems, which can later be applied to more advanced levels of education (I am currently taking geometry, and I still use many of the methods I learned here to help me solve problems).

In all, Zoombinis is one of the most valuable and fun game (educational or not) that I have ever used. It is a great product, and I would certainly recommend it.

Nice Game, but just a little hard
I got this game with a multipack and it rocks!!! But just kind of a little hard but I like it.

My kids loved it!
Not only fun but a great logic builder! The best peice of software I've bought for my kids!

What a great surprise!
We love this game! When I was searching for new games for my girls, 8 & 11, I came across this game, but made the mistake of not ordering it. One day, my daughter came home from her computer class and raved about this game - I ordered the Logical Journey and Mountain Rescue...I am so glad that I did. My 8 year old and I enjoy playing Logical Journey together - its a little more basic and easier for her to understand. My older daughter prefers the Mountain Rescue - the graphics are a little more advanced and she enjoys the games more. I would recommend these games to anyone looking for fun, safe, and mentally challenging entertainment! ... Read more