1. No category

The latest reviews of software, tech toys, video games & web sites
April 2006
Issue 72
Volume 14, No. 4
thNe
l w
in
PD y F
Fa
nd or m
Pri
nt at
!
on
How to Convert
a V.Smile into
an Art Studio
V.Smile Art Studio, p. 14
Our Testers
Pick the
Best
Yo-Yo
Sites
Nintendo’s new
form of relaxation
Electroplankton, page 8
M
Welcome to our new monthly format!
You’re holding in your hands—or reading on your screen—the first
monthly edition of Children’s Technology Review. After 13 years of publishing
a print-only periodical, we are very excited about the potential of this new
format. Here’s why.
MORE COVERAGE, FASTER DELIVERY. We can bring you more reviews,
on a more timely basis. Because we’re no longer limited by page length, we
can go into more depth on the key products, with rating details and screen
captures.
MORE VERSITILE. This new PDF format can be sent to you by email, or
downloaded when you need it, as long as you have a subscriber password.
Or if you like, you can have the issue mailed to you, on 3-hole drilled
paper. The choice is yours. Every electronic issue is designed for unlimited
printing and searching capability.
MORE CHOICES. We now offer three subscription options to this new
format:
OPTION 1: Online. Subscribers who choose this option will receive the
current issue by email the first of every month as a PDF attachment, plus a
password to the Children’s Software Finder (TM) database, which, as of this
printing, contains over 7,252 reviews dating back to 1985. There are no extra
pay-per-view charges. All current subscriptions will be converted, at no
charge, to this new ($96/year) format unless we hear otherwise.
OPTION 2: Print and Online. For libraries and schools who need a paper
copy, this subscription option includes all the online access in Option 1
(above) plus a printed 3-hole drilled version, mailed every month. The price
($144/year) also includes a printed year-end alphabetical index for easy
archiving. Libraries and schools, please call 908-284-0404 for special site
pricing or send an email [email protected].
OPTION 3: Review Alerts. For parents or grandparents who want news as
it happens (for one particular platform) CTRalerts provide an affordable
option. With six formats (Windows, Macintosh, Schools, Sony, Nintendo and
Toys) subscribers can get the news for just the platforms they own. This
$15/year one platform subscription option does not include access to the
database or past print issues. Please call or visit our visit our online order
form for special pricing on multiple review alerts.
You can continue to count on us to provide unbiased, comprehensive
reviews by professional educators of children’s interactive media. We thank
you for your continued support of our work over the years, and hope you
are as excited about this new format as we are.
Sincerely,
Warren Buckleitner, Ph.D., Editor
This Publication is Your Key to 7251 Online Reviews
Your paid subscription to CTR includes access to the Children’s Software
Finder database— our complete collection of reviews, archived since 1985.
If you’ve lost or forgotten your password, please call 908-284-0404.
The temporary password for the month of April:
toyfair
April, 2006
Issue 72, Volume 14, No. 4
CTR is now published monthly in laser print and
PDF formats.
Issues 70 & 71 (Volume 14, No. 1-3) will be combined into one Spring print issue, the last of the
quarterly format. Print date: Late April 2006
EDITORIAL Warren Buckleitner, Ph.D., Editor
([email protected]); Ann Orr, Ed.D.,
Contributing Editor; Rick Toone, Contributing
Editor
SOFTWARE LIBRARIAN Lisa Della Fave
([email protected])
MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Bobbie Nester
([email protected])
CIRCULATION & CONFERENCES Tracey Lyons
([email protected], 800-993-9499)
SUBSCRIPTIONS $96 for a one-year standard
electronic subscription (12 issues including online
access). Send payment to Children’s Technology
Review, 120 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822 or
call 800-993-9499. Other subscription options are
available, including print and electronic, group,
overseas, and online only that may be priced less.
Visit www.childrenssoftware.com to learn more.
PRODUCT SUBMISSIONS. Send products to
Lisa Della Fave, Software Librarian, 120 Main Street,
Flemington, NJ 08822 (Phone: 908-284-0404)
EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. In order to protect
review integrity, CTR follows a set of editorial
guidelines that governs our relationships with
publishers, found at
(www.childrenssoftware.com/editorialguidelines.ht
ml). Highlights include:
• We don’t sell software or profit from the sales of
products that we review, directly or indirectly.
• We don’t distribute/trade or sell our subscriber
information.
• CTR’s review process is available for public
examination.
We want our readers to know that there are no ulterior motives behind our reviews.
PUBLISHER INFORMATION Children’s Technology
Review™ (ISSN 1555-242X) is published monthly for
$96 per year by Active Learning Associates, Inc.
Periodical-rate postage paid at Flemington, NJ
08822 and at additional mailing offices. USPS 012003. POSTMASTER: Send address changes or new
subscriptions to Children’s Technology Review, 120
Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.
Use of this publication for any commercial
publishing activity without prior written
permission is strictly prohibited. Readers are
subject to the TERMS OF USE found at
www.childrenssoftware.com/disclaim.html
Entire contents © 2006 by Active Learning
Associates, Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 2
Directory
New titles are listed here, grouped by age.
PRESCHOOL
FLO: Return of the Water Beetles, www.DigitalPraise.com,
page 9
Elmo's Big Discoveries (v.Smile), www.vtechkids.com, page 8
Creatures Village, www.kutoka.com, page 8
EARLY ELEMENTARY
Didi & Diddo 1st Grade: The Wolf King, www.kutoka.com,
page 8
JumpStart Interactive DVDs, www.knowledgeadventure.com,
page 16
Kid's Cards, www.majescoentertainment.com, page 16
Piano Wizard, www.allegrorainbow.com, page 13
Rainbow Fish and the BIG Ocean Party,
www.learnatglobal.com, page 13
SmartGlobe, www.oregonscientific.com, page 13
WordChasers, www.leapfrog.com, page 15
UPPER ELEMENTARY
American Idol Digital Camcorder, www.playdigitalblue.com,
page 16
Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game, www.vivamedia.com, page 7
Dance Praise, www.DigitalPraise.com, page 7
Genui$: The Tech Tycoon Game, www.viva-media.com, page 9
M.A.G. Spider-Man Triple Threat TV Action Game,
www.thinkwaytoys.com, page 10
Math Blaster: Master the Basics,
www.knowledgeadventure.com, page 11
King's Revenge Dark Realm: Education Edition, www.kingsrevenge.com, page 10
Print Shop Pro Publisher Deluxe 21, www.riverdeep.net, page
18
SCHOOLS
2Simple 2Create A Story, www.2simpleusa.com, page 5
Animusic 2, www.animusic.com, page 6
CeledyDraw 2, www.celedy.com, page 16
Destination Reading III and IV, www.riverdeep.net, page 16
Making History: The Calm & the Storm,
www.muzzylane.com, page 17
School Rules! Volume 1 & 2, www.socialskillbuilder.com, page
17
CONSOLES (GameCube, PS2, Xbox)
Care Bears Care Quest, www.gamefactorygames.com, page 6
Chibi-Robo, www.nintendo.com, page 6
Chronicles of Narnia, The: The Lion, The Witch and The
Wardrobe, www.buenavistagames.com, page 6
EyeToy: Operation Spy, www.scea.com, page 9
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (PSP), www.ea.com, page 11
Nicktoons Unite!, www.thq.com, page 12
Stuart Little 3: Big Photo Adventure, www.sega.com, page 15
HANDHELDS (GBA, Nintendo DS, PSP)
Animal Crossing Wild World (DS), www.nintendo.com, page 5
Chronicles of Narnia, The: The Lion, The Witch and The
Wardrobe, www.buenavistagames.com, page 7
Electroplankton, www.nintendo.com, page 8
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, www.ea.com, page 10
Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, www.d3publisher.us, page 16
Nintendo DS Lite, www.nintendo.com, page 17
Spyro: Shadow Legacy, www.vugames.com, page 14
Peter Jackson's King Kong (PSP), www.ubisoft.com, page 12
CTR Editor’s Choice*
Selections for April, 2006
2Simple 2Create A Story, page 5
Animal Crossing Wild World, page 5
Animusic, page 5
Chibi-Robo, page 6
Chronicles of Narnia (Nintendo DS), page 6
Dance Praise, page 7
Didi & Diddo 1st Grade: The Wolf King, page 8
Electroplankton, page 8 and cover
FLO: Return of the Water Beetles, page 9
Genui$: The Tech Tycoon Game, page 10
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, page 10
Stuart Little 3: Big Photo Adventure, page 14
* Formerly called the “All
Star Award,” publishers
may display this mark with
permission at no cost.
Awards or ratings are not
linked to monentary
exchange.
Coming in May 1st Issue
April showers bring plenty of new May releases. In our next issue,
we’ll bring you new releases from two important spring events,
the American International Toy Fair and the Bologna Children’s
Book Fair. The list currently includes the following:
Bratz Rock Angelz
Buzby: Breakin' all the Rules
Creatures Exodus
Curious George
Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix 3
Daxter
Dr. Mario & Puzzle League
Drill Dozer
EyeToy: Kinetic
Franklin the Turtle
ImageBlender 3
Kodak EasyShare C300
Letterpillar
Math Blaster: Master the Basics
Nancy Drew: Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon
Number Raiders
PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient
Ratchet: Deadlocked
Sibelius Student Edition
Sims 2: The (Console Edition)
Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop
Testers
Thanks to the following individuals, including members of the
Mediatech Foundation, who contributed their valuable feedback during the testing process.
Mike Ainsle, 13; Lauren Aldrich, 4; Dana Andrews, 10; Jessica
Andrews, 12; Christian Bollin, 10; Jenna Buckleitner, 11; Sarah
Buckleitner, 14; M. Burton, 30; Ian Bydalek, 3; Addie Bydalek, 6;
Jamie Colasurdo, 11; Steven Crew, 6; Danial Della Fave, 6; Nick
Della Fave, 10; Nicholas Demers, 6; Justin Dempsey, age 10; Cassidy
Durkee, 3; Scott Evans, 11; Mohamed Farid, 12; Lauren Fiorilla, 11; Michael Francavilla, 9;
Nicole Francavilla, 7; Jordan Fusco, 7; Morgan Fusco, 5; Jon Gick, 18; Nicholas Gerhartz, 5;
Aaron Gervasio, 2; Laura Henry, 12; Ellie Hilgen, 4; Erin Hilgen, 11; Curtis Hill, 5; Jarrett
Hill 10; Jon Hubert, 22; Rahul Kishore, 13; Jimmy Klein (8); Tess Lindsey, 5; Austin Lyons,
12; Connor Lyons, 10; Owen Lyons, 6; David Marks, 8; Taylor Meacham, age 9; Sonya
Newman, 5; Vera Newman, 3; Billy O’Neil 14; Tyler Parker, 10; Tori Pinello, 8; Diana Pinello,
5; Lauren Ross, 12; A.J. Ross, 10; Mehyar Sadri, 13; Alex Schlicklin, 14; Taylor Schlicklin, 9;
Andy Semanchik, 15; Kasey Semanchik, 13; Kristen Semanchik, 10; Mike Semanchik, 7; David
Sheneman, 12; Matthew Sheneman, 10; Sarah Sokoloski, 5; Zak Sokoloski, 9; Andrew
Sheneman, 10; Kira Sirois, 9; Greg Stambach, 9; Lauren Stover, 7; Trudy Suleiman, 39,
Andrea Stess, 10; David Stess, 14; Daniel Swartz, 11; Miles Ward, 5; Tim Wolock, 14.
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 3
Yo-Yo like Mo
Would you like to learn how to yoyo? Mediatech’s resident yo-yo expert,
Mohamed Farid, age 12 (we call him
Mo) owns 10 yo-yos and knows some
amazing tricks. How did he get so
good? Practice. Mo also uses the
Internet to learn new tricks, watch
expert videos or (his favorite) shop for
new yo-yos. Here are some of Mo’s
favorite sites.
Some of these sites require a current
browser with shockwave.
Begin2Spin http://www.begin2spin.com/
What's the difference between a Gravity Pull
and a Flying Saucer? These basic yo-yo tricks
are illustrated with simple drawings, and
videos, and they are not very hard to learn.
Each video shows the trick in both fast and
slow motion. Contains ads and some dated
links.
Looking for great yo-yo
videos? Here’s what Mo
does. Go to Google Images
(http://video.google.com)
and type “yoyo contest”
(without the dash) and you
can watch some of the best
yoyoers in the entire world.
The YoYo Guy http://yoyoguy.com/info/yoyo/
This is an online store (with plenty of ads), but it contains a nice collection of simple tricks. If you’re new to yoyoing, have a look.
Yomega. com http://www.yomega.com/tricks/index.htm
A brand of Yo-yo, Yomega.com also has a collection of videos that with experts demonstrating tricks. Watch the video a few times then you give it a shot!
Build your own Yo-Yo
http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projects/yoyo/yoyo.htm?page=1
Yo-yo’s don’t cost much money-- you can get a good one for just $10. Still, there is a
cheaper way— make one yourself! This site provides tells you how to make a wooden
yo-yo. Note that you’ll need to use power tools, which will require parental supervision.
Yo-yo Crazy http://www.yoyocrazy.com
This is one of Mo’s favorite yo-yo stores. Why? It carries all the leading brands, described with pictures.
Duncan Yo-yo’s Home Page http://www.yo-yo.com
The oldest yo-yo company’s web site has links to different contests, along with lesson plans for teachers. For
example, did you know you can use a yo-yo to help you understand that you are spinning around on the Earth at
over 600 miles per hour? In fact, everything in the Solar System is spinning. Perhaps that’s why we find yo-yos so
fascinating.
In choosing the links on this page, we first considered ease of use, and then looked at accuracy, relevance and developmental
appropriateness. Children’s Technology Review has no business connection with these links. This page is designed for
parents and children to do together. To report a bad link, please email [email protected]. You’ll find access to past
columns at www.littleclickers.com
PERMISSION TO PHOTOCOPY THIS PAGE FOR NON-PROFIT USE IS GRANTED.
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 4
Feature Reviews
APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
2Simple 2Create A Story
Designed to survive in early childhood settings, this creativity program makes it
easy for a child to scribble with a set of virtual crayons. We like how the crayons are
displayed so that a child can easily use them. A text window on the screen bottom is
available for adding a child's language to the picture—a child could type or dictate to an
adult. Other icons let a child save work, print, or add transitions between each slide.
Work can be converted to Flash based slide shows, for sharing online. It is also possible
to add sound effects to each picture. Teachers, take note of this program as a quality
computer creativity experience.
Details: 2Simple USA Inc., www.2simpleusa.com, 989-835-3526, $49.99, for ages 4up. Runs on Win 98, Win XP. Teaches: creativity, drawing, art. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.4
stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Animal Crossing Wild World (DS)
Like the GameCube version of Animal Crossing, the DS edition starts in a peaceful
animated community. Your objective is to move around, earning money (or "bells") by
fishing, digging for treasure, planting gardens, and trading things with other players.
The game is designed for 1-4 players, with Wireless DS multi-card play. That
means that to play with others, they also must own a copy of the game, and have it
running. This DS version is much like the Game Cube version, with many of the same
characters (like K.K. Slider, Tom Nook, Blathers and Mr. Resetti). There are also a
number of new characters and themes, with the benefit of integrated multiplayer
features, (up to four), and pen-based navigation. The social aspect is an important part of
this game. You interact in real time, by way of text messages or onscreen avatars, so your
friend might appear, in real time, in your screen. Players can be in the same room, or in
the next state, depending on which Wi-FI setting you are using. Testers especially liked
this real multiplayer aspect. They also liked that it is easier to "type" by tapping letters on
a keyboard, and move around, by "dragging" characters or items on a map. Other points
to note: the game is time sensitive, with day/night and seasonal settings, and there is no
worrisome content.
This experience presents many informal learning opportunities, including reading
practice, managing a small economy, and trading with others to achieve a goal. All in all,
this is an outstanding software activity, providing a rich social context to explore
informal learning opportunities.
Details: Nintendo of America, www.nintendo.com, 800-255-3700, $34.99, for ages 6up. Runs on Nintendo DS. Teaches: Economics, balancing a budget, managing resources,
maps, interpersonal problem solving, sharing resources, working cooperatively, reading,
following directions, deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, problem solving. Rating (1
to 5 stars) = 4.8 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Animusic 2
This non-interactive DVD lets children visualize musical relationships by way of
eight animated compositions full of fictional robots, moving drum sets and massive pipe
organs. This is the second Animusic title, and, for the first time, the robots move around
their exotic environments. The instruments are responsive to the sounds, making it seem
like they are actually real. The effect is mesmerizing, to adults and children alike.
Veteran Animusic fans will notice some familiar themes, such as Pipe Dream 2, where
ball bearings are used to play chimes, strings and drum sets.
Cathedral Pictures is based on Pictures at an Exhibition, which is certainly the most
dramatic work on the disk. Our favorites include Resonant Chamber, with a giant, crablike wooden guitar, and Pogo Sticks, with a gang of one-stringed instruments that move
through a freeway-like environment. Animusic is great for introducing some
fundamental musical concepts, such as pitch, rhythm and general music appreciation.
Details: Animusic, www.animusic.com, 805-402-8219, $20, for ages 5-up. Runs on
DVD. Teaches: Music, rhythm, pitch. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.6 stars. Review date:
3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Childproof
Design Features
Good Value
10
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
9
88%
9
9
8
8
96%
9
10
10
10
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Longevity
Good Value
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
N
93%
10
10
7
10
Page 5
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Care Bears Care Quest
Turn your Game Boy Advance into a preschool activity center with this collection
of 12 fast-paced sorting, matching and logic games. There's a simple game of
concentration where children match toys, and an obstacle course game where children
steer a bear in order to pickup up as many stars as possible, while avoiding raindrops.
As children play, the challenge increases, and it is always easy to jump to a new game if
things get to easy. The game can be set for French or English. The one downside-- the
menu requires reading.
Details: The American Game Factory, Inc., www.gamefactorygames.com, 310-393
-7931, $29.99, for ages 3-up. Runs on Game Boy Advance. Teaches: memory & recall
skills. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Chibi-Robo
Best for older children, this clever life simulation lets you control a small, mousesized robot, as he travels back in time, meets aliens and blasts robotic spiders; all in an
effort to bring happiness to a Japanese family. You help them improve life, by tiding up
the house, finding things like loose change, and make life better for the family.
The theme is unique. It is a very clever creature, who runs around and tries to plug
itself into every outlet. The only problem -- there is a lot of reading which cannot be sped
up; nor is there any narration. We did notice some gender stereotyping in the text (i.e.:
"girls and their diaries... this can take a while").
This is a complex activity -- and can take a while to play. Make sure you have a
memory cartridge. Visit www.chibi-robo.com. The offbeat story line will appeal more to
older children, and there's no shortage of reading. There's a lot of depth to this game,
and the format is addicting.
Details: Nintendo of America, www.nintendo.com, 800-255-3700, $49.99, for ages
10-up. Runs on GameCube. Teaches: responsiblity, decision making. Rating (1 to 5 stars)
= 4.6 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Chronicles of Narnia, The: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Nintendo DS version of Narnia is significantly different than the Console or PC
versions. Dialog is presented in blocks of text, so a good deal of reading is required
between the action/exploration scenes. The game play is very much like dozens of other
games -- chose a character and explore a level, moving around to collect food, water and
powers that can be used to defeat bad guys. As children explore, a health meter tells
them how they are doing. If you die, you return to the start of the level. The progress
screen is cryptic and the overall operation of the game takes some learning. One unique
aspect -- the game rewards you for doing good things (called virtue points) along with
simply winning fights with enemies.
We'd like to see more games with this ability. We did not play entirely through the
game, however, one tester played for over three hours without growing tired of the
challenge. Options include four levels of play with five language settings (French, Italian,
Spanish, Netherlands and English)
Progress for two players can be stored on the game card, and a two-player WiFi
mode permits simultaneous play, with both players on the screen, together. Created by
Amaze for Disney.
Details: Buena Vista Games, www.buenavistagames.com, 818-553-5151, $35, for
ages 10-up. Runs on Nintendo DS. Teaches: logic, strategy. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.4
stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Chronicles of Narnia, The: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Game Boy Advance version of Narnia is significantly different than the
Console or DS versions. While the same chapter by chapter story line is followed, the
dialog is presented in lines of text. So a good deal of reading is required. Your goal is to
explore, as one of the Narnia characters, using your set of abilities. While it is easy to
navigate, some tasks, like dragging giant stones, is very clunky.
In order to win, you must complete the level before freezing or being killed by
arrows. You can kill the bad warriors by throwing snow balls using kicks or punches.
There is no blood or gore. Features include five language settings, four challenge levels
and a two-player mode, if both players have the game and a GBA Link Cable is
available.
While there's not much unique about this game, it is a fun depiction of the Narnia
story for the GBA platform. Created by Amaze for Disney/Buena Vista Games.
Details: Buena Vista Games, www.buenavistagames.com, 818-553-5151, $30, for
ages 10-up. Runs on Game Boy Advance. Teaches: logic, strategy. Rating (1 to 5 stars) =
4.3 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
10
82%
9
8
7
7
ESRB Rating: Early Childhood
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
8
92%
9
10
10
9
9
88%
N
9
8
9
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+, Fantasy Violence
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
8
85%
N
9
9
8
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+, Fantasy Violence
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 6
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game
Nearly identical to The Incredible Machine (1995, Sierra Online), this is a virtual
invention lab with 120 puzzle challenges. Each puzzle starts with a challenge, such as to
get a ball into a basket by dragging and dropping ramps in place. Harder challenges
include ramps, magnets, and falling boxes. There are 70 parts, which can be freely
dragged and dropped on the screen.
Ratings were lowered by a poorly designed "HELP" system and confusing
interface. For example, it is hard to move quickly between puzzles, and the switch for
starting each puzzle is not well marked. Still, the puzzles are a good exercise in problem
solving.
This game looks very similar to The Incredible Machine, right down to the flying
blimp on the main menu. The music and narration style is also similar. We would have
liked to see an acknowledgment of the original creator (Jeff Tunnel and Sierra Online).
Designed for Viva Media by Fakt-software and Pepper Games.
Details: Viva Media, www.viva-media.com, 877-848-6520, $19.99, for ages 8-up.
Runs on Win 98, Win XP, Mac OSX. Teaches: science, inventing, creative/logical
thinking, problem solving, physics. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4 stars. Review date:
3/31/2006.
Creatures Village
First released in Europe in 1998 and re-released in 2005 by Kutoka, this is an easy to
use, open-ended life simulation where you hatch and raise Norns. Of all the life sims,
like Petz or Nintendogs, this is one of the easiest to use and is a good choice for younger
children. The downside of this ease of use, however, is that control and realism is taken
away from the child.
To get started, you drop a large egg in a baby bed and it hatches. A name is
automatically assigned (no reading or typing is required), and you and your critter can
rather haphazardly explore 15 side-scrolling play screens. After a while, another egg
appears--until up to four Norns are living in the same village. Changing views is easy;
just click on an egg icon at the top of the screen. If children take good care of their Norn,
they will see them grow and fall in love.
Each screen is full of interactive surprises like balloons to inflate, or living trees that
drop flowers. A few of the themes seem a little spooky, such as one of the dark cave
screems. If you're looking for a fun, playful, open-ended simulation for younger
children, this is a good option. The game installs completely to your hard drive (no CD is
required). Kutoka has also released Creatures Exodus with more advanced features.
Details: Kutoka Interactive, www.kutoka.com, 877-858-8652, $19.99, for ages 5-up.
Runs on Windows XP, Mac OSX. Teaches: no formal learning; imagination,
responsibility, creativity. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.4 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Dance Praise
This dancing kit for computers (the only we know of for the Mac) includes a
standard quality vinyl dance pad that plugs into your PC by way of a USB cable. It is
designed to offer a Christian alternative to mainstream dancing programs, like Konami's
Dance Dance Revolution (or DDR) which comes with TEEN rated lyrics.
After the software is installed and the pad is plugged in and recognized by your
computer, the music starts. These consist of 50 hard-driving rock tunes with lyrics that
show up on the screen as you dance. Each tune has three dance challenges. It helps that
the pad layout is exactly the same as the DDR PlayStation pad, so things are familiar. A
two-player mode is available, although just one dance pad is included.
Elementary children will have no problem using the easy level. Installation was
glitch-free-- we just plugged the mat into our Windows XP computer (we didn't try the
Mac) and it worked the first time. The religion part is delivered by way of the music
from artists that include ZOEgirl and Bleach. As the music plays, the lyrics are displayed
on the screen to reinforce Christian messages, along with visual dance steps, which rain
down the screen. There are four play modes -- Dance Mode, a basic game that scores the
dancer's performance; Arcade Mode, with scoring and games; Exercise Mode, to
provide a workout for either kids or adults; and ShadowDance Mode, where a dancer
can choreograph steps in real time. It would work great on a big screen projector with a
good sound system. High scores are saved.
Details: Digital Praise, Inc., www.DigitalPraise.com, 510-770-0244, $49.95, for ages
6-up. Runs on Windows 98, Windows XP, Mac OSX. Teaches: dancing, strategy, physical
fitness. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.7 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
7
80%
9
8
8
8
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
9
88%
7
10
9
9
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
8
94%
10
10
9
10
ESRB Rating: Everyone
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 7
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Didi & Diddo 1st Grade: The Wolf King
Beautiful illustrations and an in-depth story combine with a rich story line and
clunky interactivity, to create a playful, chatty collection of games that range from
keyboarding to repeating a tune on a piano keyboard, to typing simple words. The
content ranges from very easy to really hard, and children will need help figuring out
what to do. In addition, some of the games are bogged down by long introductions, and
the beautiful graphics can be choppy on some Windows computers (we did not test the
Mac version). Still, testers were able to enjoy the game once they got past the rough
spots.
Features include record keeping, the ability to get in or out of an activity at any
time, and a nice selection of content. Up to six different games can be bookmarked under
different names, making this a viable classroom activity. One of the nicest features is that
children can choose as either a male of female lead character. Activities cover a wide
range of content, from typing words on the keyboard to building tangram puzzles. All in
all, the strengths outweigh the weakness.
Details: Kutoka Interactive, www.kutoka.com, 877-858-8652, $19.99, for ages 5-6.
Runs on Windows XP, Mac OSX. Teaches: reading, math, social studies, music and logic,
art, music, notation, language typing, reading, phonetic analysis, holding attributes in
mind, spatial reasoning, basic math facts, rhythm, auditory discrimination. Rating (1 to 5
stars) = 4.8 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Electroplankton
Better described as musical scribbling than a game, Electroplankton is a completely
different kind of musical "sandbox" for the Nintendo DS. This is actually the second title
by Toshio Iwia, Electronplankton's author. The first, SimTunes (Maxis, 1996), ran on
Windows, and let you program tiny moving bugs; each with a musical attribute, on a
football-field like grid. At the time, the program was recognized in the new media
community as completely different, but it didn’t sell. Now, a decade later, Iwai has
returned with ten times more content, running on the Nintendo DS, a platform that
seems made for this type of activity, especially when you plug it into your surround
sound stereo system. If you're looking for a game, you may be left wondering "what's
the point?"
The point is that you can create visual and musical effects; and the process can be
fun and relaxing. It's like stepping inside a painting, with sounds and dynamic art. Some
of the activities sample your voice, and incorporate it into a rap-like song. Tiny critters
sing, expand, mimic your speech, or explode into colors. You can start plates spinning,
and as they spin, the create rings of color. The quality of the sounds and graphics are
great; but it helps to plug your DS into an external speaker system. Our preschool-age
testers delighted in hearing their own voices; a great informal early language activity.
Our testers ages and opinions ranged considerably. Jon (18 years), said,
"Electroplankton is a work of art that should be recognized by anyone who likes to create
music. The sounds you hear in this game are like nothing you've ever heard in a video
game. It is easy to get addicted to this game. The game is simple and can be played by
any one who can poke little things with a stick."
Drawbacks are few; it would be nice to be able to save works of art on the cartridge,
which is not possible. Hats off to Iwia and Nintendo for having the courage to publish
something completely different.
Details: Nintendo of America, www.nintendo.com, 800-255-3700, $35, for ages 3-up.
Runs on Nintendo DS. Teaches: music, creating melodies, art, creativity, drawing,
publishing, listening to one's own language, making recordings. Rating (1 to 5 stars) =
4.8 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Elmo's Big Discoveries (v.Smile)
One of the most noisy, hard-to-control cartridges you can get for the V.Smile
platform, this is a collection of eight structured counting and matching games. Children
are asked to press a colored button to match a picture with a sound. Elmo walks too slow
and talks too much, repeating the instructions with each problem, slowing down the
problem-solving opportunities. There are better titles for V.Smile.
Details: VTech Electronics North America, www.vtechkids.com, 800-521-2010,
$19.99, for ages 3-5. Runs on V.Smile. Teaches: letters, numbers, counting, colors,
similarities and differences, classifying, noticing patterns, LOGIC. Rating (1 to 5 stars) =
3.2 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
9
92%
10
9
8
10
10
96%
9
10
9
10
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
6
44%
7
5
4
0
Page 8
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
EyeToy: Operation Spy
Best described as a utility for an EyeToy (not included) equipped PlayStation 2, this
program contains a spying program that discreetly records any motion in the room.
After you go through the rather complex setup process of deciding which zones in the
room to watch, the TV screen turns black and the camera starts recording any motion as
either pictures or short video clips.
While hardly a serious crime prevention tool, a diligent child could use this to
capture a snooping brother or sister! The disk also contains an spying game mode,
where players attempt to break codes by rotating a large cube on the screen using hand
motions or direct the motions of a sky diver, again with body motions.
Although it seems like a cool idea, our testers were not sold -- the game is not all
that fun, and there are better EyeToy activities. Even though the surveillance mode is
also interesting, we were not impressed.
Note: the game will only work with an 8 MB memory card with the product code
SCPH-10029-E. Memory cards with the code SCPH-1020-E will not work. Yikes! Also,
this game requires Dualshock 2 Analog Controllers.
Details: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., www.scea.com, 800-222-7669,
$29.99, for ages 8-up. Runs on PlayStation 2. Teaches: strategy. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 1.9
stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
FLO: Return of the Water Beetles
Five engaging sorting and pattern activities are mixed with a values education
theme, in this well-designed title for younger children. Like Buzby: Breakin' all the Rules
(the sister title to this one) the activities are embedded in a story where the main
characters encounter situations where they must think about their values. For example,
when one of the characters in the story thinks another is lying, he looks up to the sky,
says a prayer, and gets a reply with suggestions for the situation. The five activities,
which have no direct religious agenda, fit nicely into the storyline, which tells the story
of a girl's frantic attempt to get the garden ready for the invasion of a hot British Rock
band... the Water Beetles.
There are other fun puns in the game, including a fast-paced Tetris-like pea sorting
game, where the reward is a bowl full of "world peas." You can also create a pie by
following the step by step directions of "Sarah Leech."
The insect theme comes from the Hermie & Friends video series. Children are
rewarded with seeds, which can be planted in a garden to grow musical instruments; a
clever way to tie the entire game together. A sign-in screen is used to remember progress
from play to play.
Weaknesses are few; but include a lack of a hint system. At one point we were
stuck making a cookie, and had no option other than to exit the activity. This is a minor
problem, however, because children are always free jump to another activity. As
children play, the progress gets harder, which keeps things interesting. All in all, this is
an excellent merging of quality, developmentally appropriate games with a playful
theme.
Details: Digital Praise, Inc., www.DigitalPraise.com, 510-770-0244, $29.95, for ages 3
-6. Runs on Windows XP, Windows 98, Mac OSX. Teaches: truthfulness, forgiveness,
critical thinking, memory, spatial reasoning, problem solving, classifying, patterns,
creating music, rhythm, religion. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.5 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Genui$: The Tech Tycoon Game
A cross between Oregon Trail and SimCity, this historical simulation combines
science and real events from history to create an engaging science and economics
experience for older children. Players might start in a small bicycle shop, where they try
out ideas to create inventions. An experiment mode lets them solve puzzles, that require
applying principles of optics, thermodynamics, electricity (circuits), gears and motion
and astronomy. Success earns new inventions, which are sold. The money can then be
used to hire more workers, build factories, and expand into new markets.
Content includes five locations (Detroit, Pittsburgh, London, Berlin and Melbourne)
and 100 puzzles covering engineering, thermodynamics, optics, electricity and
astronomy. This is one of the best science programs for 2005. Developed in Germany by
Radon Labs and Cornelson, for Viva Media.
Details: Viva Media, www.viva-media.com, 877-848-6520, $29.99, for ages 8-up.
Runs on Windows 98, Windows XP. Teaches: physics, science history (especially 1850s
on), creativity, problem solving, observing, scientific vocabulary, making a hypothesis,
using science tools, reading. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.6 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
3
38%
2
5
4
5
ESRB Rating: Everyone, mild violence
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
9
90%
10
9
9
8
9
92%
10
9
9
9
ESRB Rating: Everyone
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 9
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The PSP version of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is nearly identical to the
Console version with the same sequence of events and challenges. In many ways, it
seems as if they simply ported the code from the console to the PSP. We did notice that
some of the graphics seemed dark, making the details are harder to discern, but this is
not a major problem.
You can play with up to 3 other players using wireless connectivity features built
into the PSP. This is done in "Ad Hoc" mode, which requires that the other player have a
full copy of the game loaded and running on their PSP. If your friend has a PSP but
doesn't have the game, it is still possible to play in a limited way, using a Game Sharing
mode. This copies parts of mini games over to the other PSP.
Other versions of Goblet of Fire run on the PS2, Xbox, GameCube, Nintendo DS,
GBA and Windows. All in all, this is a fun exploration game with some nice cooperative
play opportunities, no worrisome content, and no formal learning opportunities.
Details: Electronic Arts, Inc., www.ea.com, 800-245-4525, $40, for ages 7-up. Runs
on Windows XP, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Nintendo DS, PSP, Game Boy
Advance. Teaches: logical thinking, reading. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.4 stars. Review date:
3/31/2006.
King's Revenge Dark Realm: Education Edition
Designed for school settings, this clunky one-player chess tutorial and logic game
lets you move king chess piece around a chess-board-like maze, capturing pieces while
collecting coins, weapons, and a key to the next level. To win at this game, you need to
figure out the fundamental moves of each chess piece, making this game of potential use
to chess clubs.
The game is not friendly to beginners. In fact, it would help if there was a tutorial
for the tutorial. In the early level, where you battle a set of pawns, it is possible to run
into bottlenecks where your player (the king) keeps getting killed, but you don't know
why. The only way out is to restart the game. There are 18 levels, although access to the
upper levels of the game requires registration of the game. You can download a free
demo from www.kingsrevenge.com.
Details: Idea Labs Inc., www.kingsrevenge.com, 603-827-2900, $19.95, for ages 10up. Runs on Win 98, Win XP. Teaches: Chess, logic, deductive reasoning, memory,
spatial reasoning, problem solving. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 2.1 stars. Review date:
3/31/2006.
M.A.G. Spider-Man Triple Threat TV Action Game
An amazing meld of Chinese plastic, infrared controllers, Velcro and electronics,
this single-player TV game uses a total of nine batteries (4 AAAs and 5 AAs), that must
be installed into four different devices (two gloves, a vibrating chest plate and a receiver
that plugs into your TV). As you can imagine, unpacking all the parts and putting things
together is a trick. We timed this process-- 39 minutes of hard work to gather the parts
and get the batteries screwed into place.
The "M.A.G" (Motion Activated Game") acronym in the title is misleading--this
game is not any more motion-activated than a typical game. Here's how it works. Each
glove has two switches that fire silk, punch or dodge, depending which of the four
activities the game is in. As you climb the building, you press the palm switch to jump
to another building to avoid a falling fireball. Each unit does have an IR connection
(that's the "wireless" part).
If there was an ESRB rating, it would easily be Teen, with some rather intense
violence, including blood (the screen turns red when you are punched). In fact, 3/4ths of
the content is pure fighting, against Green Goblin, Rhino and Venom.
The graphics are yesterday's arcade best, with 256 colors, 64 MB of memory, and 16
bit graphics, with a look similar to N64. There is no learning value to this game other
than a bit of practice with timing. All progress is lost if the main unit is shut off. All in
all, this is a fun thrill, with an addicting fighting game that will last for a while, but won't
hold kids once they master the games. Also consider that with a price tag of $45, there
are many other better-designed games to choose from.
Details: Thinkway Toys, Inc., www.thinkwaytoys.com, 800.535.5754, $45, for ages
8-up. Runs on TV based Game. Teaches: fighting, timing, strategy. Rating (1 to 5 stars) =
3.6 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
9
88%
7
10
9
9
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+, Fantasy Violence
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
3
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
1
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
42%
7
5
2
4
87%
7
10
10
4
Page 10
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Math Blaster: Master the Basics
Math facts drill meets video game in this frenetic 3D cartoon adventure, in which
you steer a young male teen Blasternaut through a maze of moving platforms or though
an obstacle course while being chased by lobster-like robots. The game succeeds in
putting some "thrill in the drill," by presenting a compelling 3D adventure.
After signing in, a student is presented with a menu with eight sets of math
problems, presenting simple addition and subtraction to three-digit multiplication and
division. It is possible to zoom in on one set of math facts, if needed. Progress is
automatically saved. As children play, the challenge increases. Each game starts with an
introduction describing your mission to save the world from math-hating robots.
In order to get through a level, you have to make quick choices, using the space bar
to blast down walls of ice and the arrow keys to jump to the platform holding the correct
answer. The best part of the game is the fast-paced action. The worst part is the clumsy
controls, (compared to typical video game standards, at least), and the lack in choices
over things like the gender of the lead character or the background music. It is hard to
change levels, and when you select the exit icon, you are kicked out of the game without
any indication that your progress has been saved.
Math Blaster has certainly come a long way since we first reviewed it back in 1984
on an Apple II. While it could be improved, this latest edition continues the tradition of
fast-paced math drill, set in an adventure setting.
Details: Knowledge Adventure, Inc., www.knowledgeadventure.com, 310-533
-3400, $29.99, for ages 6-12. Runs on Windows 2000/XP. Teaches: math: addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.3 stars. Review date:
3/31/2006.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (PSP)
Noisy, fast and headache-inducing to any nearby adult, the handheld version of
Need for Speed looks great, but the cars can be hard to steer. Like the console version,
the game combines illegal street racing themes with a variety of realistic cars and streets.
The theme of this game is ghetto, and the idea of out-racing police on street races will
probably be objected to by most adults, so be warned.
Once you learn the game it is fun, and the two-player wi-fi ad hoc mode is a bonus
(you can race against as many as four others). A fun extra feature is EA Pocket Trax,
which turns your PSP into a juke box, and the screen into a screen saver.
There are 27 noisy songs on the disk, each with an associated screen saver. Multiplayer versions are available. Versions are also available for the Xbox 360 ($59.99), GBA
($29.99), Nintendo DS ($34.99).
Details: Electronic Arts, Inc., www.ea.com, 800-245-4525, $49.99, for ages 10-up.
Runs on Windows XP, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Xbox 360, Game Boy Advance,
Nintendo DS, PSP. Teaches: sports, racing, fine motor, spatial reasoning, organizing
activities, working competitively, managing resources. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.5 stars.
Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
8
86%
9
9
9
8
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+, Edutainment
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
8
90%
N
10
9
9
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+, mild violence
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 11
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Nicktoons Unite!
As many as four children can play this game together, working cooperatively to kill
ghosts, find hidden switches, shrink cars and earn enough power ups needed to unlock
the next level of this 3D adventure.
The game starts with a short episode of SpongeBob, explaining the good guy vs.
bad guy plot. Next, each player chooses from an all-male cast of popular characters
(Spongebob, Jimmy Neutron, Danny Phantom and Timmy Turner). Each has a unique
set of powers and weapons (such as Tornado Blaster, Neutron Flare or Shrink Ray for
Jimmy Neutron). There's no shortage of cartoon fighting in this game; in fact, killing the
rather creepy ghosts is required.
Like LEGO Star Wars, the game uses a limited form of drop-in/drop-out turn
taking, although it is not automated. A player can join or leave the game at any point, as
long as they pause the game and sign out. Starting up is easier -- just start using the
controller.
Another innovative feature is the "Nickelodeon Cross Save System," where the
game checks the memory card for previously saved Nick games. If it finds them,
additional bonus features can be unlocked, such as a funny outfit for SpongeBob or a
gallery of concept art for the game. So progress in the game is rewarded with your
ownership of other Nick titles, with marketing having crossed over into game design.
Testers noted that some of the menus are cryptic, as are many of the setup screens,
which could frustrate younger children. The process of saving a loading game is also
confusing; our testers loaded the wrong level more than once. The reading of dialog
boxes is required. There are some graphic problems—sometimes the characters are too
small for example, and wander off screen.
Despite these rough spots, the multi-player process makes this a valuable social
experience and possibly a great family game that parents should enjoy together with
their children. Created by BlueTonge Entertainment for THQ.
Details: THQ, www.thq.com, 818-871-5000, $39.99, for ages 9-up. Runs on
PlayStation 2, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance. Teaches: language,
reading, logic, spatial reasoning, problem solving, noticing patterns, counting,
classifying, comparing quantities, graphing, using time concepts, interpreting data, fine
motor, coordination, social, working cooperatively, interpersonal problem solving.
Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.2 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Peter Jackson's King Kong (PSP)
This is a dark, rather creepy game where you wander around a very realistic island
killing monsters. The game is based on the story line of the King Kong movie. After a
cinematic introduction of a ship wreck, you find yourself on a rocky shore of skull island
as Jack Driscoll, equipped with a pistol and about 12 clips of ammunition. At points in
the adventure, you can become Kong, with a new set of skills and weapons.
Using the analog stick, you move around (forward, back, and so on) and change
views with the control buttons. The scenery is very realistic, but the best part is the stereo
sound effects. When you're about to come into some danger, there is a swell of the
orchestra, and the crabs feet click on the rocks with an eerie effect. This is one of a
handful of games we've seen that use this technique.
After a bit of exploring, you find a cave where you can kill a few dozen crabs
determined to kill you. If you are bitten too many times, you die and are returned to the
start of the level. Games can be saved at any point, as long as you have a memory stick.
There are five types of weapons, four kinds of monsters, levers to open doors, and
14 chapters of content. It's rather clumsy view options make it hard to see if you're
coming or going. Two multiplayer modes are available—cooperative and competitive. In
the cooperative mode, players explore the world at the same time, but can't see one
another. But if one kills a monster, it stays dead for the others. In the competitive mode,
players are rewarded for killing the monster first.
This is one of those games that pulls you in, and can keep you up all night. But
after you beat it (it took our tester an entire weekend), it's over. The challenge is best for
older kids, ages 10-up; and the content is on par with most Teen-rated games. The game
can be played in English, French or Spanish. Other versions are available for all
consoles, including the Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS.
Details: UbiSoft, Inc., www.ubisoft.com, 415-571-2135, $49.99, for ages 10-up. Runs
on PSP (Wi-Fi ad hoc). Teaches: English, French or Spanish, logic, maps. Rating (1 to 5
stars) = 4.3 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
6
82%
8
9
9
9
ESRB Rating: Everyone, Cartoon Violence
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
8
85%
N
10
9
7
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+, Blood
Fantasy Violence
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 12
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Piano Wizard
Consisting of a four-octave MIDI keyboard, a USB MIDI cable, software and a set of
color-coded keys, this piano tutor is designed for the very first exposure to the piano. It
also introduces the relationship between notes and musical notation. The program is like
Dance Dance Revolution, only with a piano keyboard instead of a dance mat. The idea is
to follow a moving stream of color coded objects as they float across your computer
screen and then hit the piano key precisely when the object crosses a marked sweet spot
zone. The better you do, the higher your score and the better the song sounds.
The setup and menu systems are rather clunky—with menus that require reading—
certainly not designed for a preschooler. There's a forced registration system that
requires you to supply your address and Email in order to unlock all the songs. The
included keyboard (an M-Audio Keystation 49e Mobile USB MIDI controller) works
easily -- just plug it in, and Windows recognized it. By the way, this keyboard also works
well with Apple's GarageBand.
The $150 question is-- can Piano Wizard teach a younger child, such as preschooler,
to play piano? I'm not sure. The color matching approach is counterintuitive to listening,
in other words, you can get so wrapped up visually matching the colors that you forget
about the song. This could lead to a debate on piano pedagogy, but one idea is that any
child who has the innate talent to peck out simple songs would soon outgrow a color
coded visual crutch. The ear will soon take over, and if it doesn't, it is likely that the poor
child doesn't have any business playing a musical instrument in the first place. The other
issue is with the skills needed to play any instrument. With the piano, hand placement,
scales and arpeggios are required -- to train the hands. These are not covered by this
package.
There's no doubt that the program can introduce the general idea that the piano
keyboard = musical notes. It is not clear if it can teach the piano, however.
Details: Allegro Multimedia, Inc., www.allegrorainbow.com, 888-735-6822, $150,
for ages 3-up. Runs on Windows XP, Windows 98 (requires a MIDI keyboard). Teaches:
piano, music, audio discrimination, rhythm, notation, creating music. Rating (1 to 5 stars)
= 3.6 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Rainbow Fish and the BIG Ocean Party
The second Rainbow Fish CD looks good, but features a sluggish design that makes
it hard to control. Content consists of 16 limited activities. The idea is to prepare for a
talent show featuring dancing crabs, tap-dancing penguins, a shrimp ballet and a big
bandshell orchestra. There's a lot of original choir music. Children are asked to sort
bubbles by shape, complete a background set by putting a jigsaw puzzle together, or
paint a fish. Narration is excessive, getting in the way of action. The graphics are
pixilated, but beautiful none-the-less, clearly inspired from the book. There are also some
places where the video gets choppy. There are better ways to spend ten dollars.
Details: Global Software Publishing, www.learnatglobal.com, 646-792-2795, $9.99,
for ages 3-7. Runs on Win 98, Win XP. Teaches: music, matching, logic, creativity. Rating
(1 to 5 stars) = 3.1 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
SmartGlobe
Like the LeapFrog Explorer, this electronic interactive globe lets children hear (in a
clear, male voice) information about any part of the map as they touch it with the
attached pen tip stylus. The stylus uses printed-grid technology (not unlike the FLY pen)
to know where it is.
The globe can be customized for three age groups (5-8, 9-14, and 15-up). There's
plenty of content, including 30 activities that deal with facts about countries, population,
geography, weather, currency, history and language. Children can compare information
about locations, such as: population, area, currency, distance, and flying time.
The games consist of quizzes to see which player can find the most items in a
limited time. It would be a good general classroom resource for practice on finding US
facts, such as capitals.
Testers noted that first-time users had trouble finding the "ON" button on the pen,
and that the pen tip was rather clunky -- making it hard to select fine points, like capitals.
Also note that a Windows computer with a USB port and web access is required in order
to use the Internet update feature. Those familiar with the LeapFrog Explorer Globe will
notice a similar design to the activities, minus a bit of responsiveness. Requires six
batteries: 2 AAA in the pen and 4 AA in the base; or an AC adaptor.
Details: Oregon Scientific, www.oregonscientific.com, 503-783-5177, $129.95, for
ages 5-up. Runs on Win 98, Win XP. Teaches: geography facts, social studies. Rating (1 to
5 stars) = 4 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
6
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
7
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
72%
8
8
8
6
62%
6
7
6
5
8
80%
10
6
8
8
Page 13
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Spyro: Shadow Legacy
Spyro comes to the Nintendo DS with mixed reviews. In this game, players fight
creatures to improve Spyro's strength and abilities. They can draw symbols to cast spells
or use the second screen as an overhead map. Testers found the game play to lag a bit,
and the life bar to be hard to figure out. It is possible to use the Nintendo DS wireless
capabilities to trade items with other players nearby. We'd pass.
Details: Vivendi Universal Games, www.vugames.com, 800-545-7677, $29.99, for
ages 6-up. Runs on Nintendo DS. Teaches: not applicable. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 3 stars.
Review date: 3/31/2006.
Stuart Little 3: Big Photo Adventure
The best single-player children's game for consoles of 2005, this easy to use
exploration title lets you take on the mouse-sized role of Stuart Little. You are on a
mission to drive, fly and skateboard to find Stuart's step brother's missing photo project.
You can jet-pack around New York City, where you play golf, race boats and collect cat
snacks. The game is rich with informal spatial and logic problem-solving opportunities.
After Stuart learns to ride his jet ski, he can enter a race in the park pond to win back
photos.
Features include multiple costumes for Stuart, 16 vehicles, including a helicopter,
tank, boat and a jet pack; plus mini-games like golf and an EyeToy game where you pop
bubbles. This is a great first title for a younger player--it is easy to play, no worrisome
content and fun to simply explore. Just make sure you have a memory cartridge so you
can save the games. Created for Sega/Sony by Magenta Software.
Details: Sega of America, www.sega.com, 800-275-7342, $25, for ages 5-up. Runs on
PlayStation 2, EyeToy. Teaches: logic, deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, problem
solving, noticing patterns, interpreting data, building, coordination. Rating (1 to 5 stars)
= 4.8 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
V.Smile Art Studio
This large, $30 battery-operated drawing table is designed to work with the $50 V.
Smile TV Learning System. The software comes on one "smartridge." Plug everything in
and your TV turns into a blank easel surrounded by 15 color selections, including icons
for all the basic drawing functions such as erase, fill, stamps, cut and paste.
The tethered stylus makes it possible to select or unselect screen items, essential for
playing the included sorting games. There are also direction keys and a large ENTER
button, giving children several ways to do the same thing. Children are also helped by
the verbal labels, by merely moving the cursor over any screen item.
Five pictures can be saved in memory and turned into a simple screen saver. Other
content includes 120 stamps, different background patterns and a set of very basic
tutorials that introduce the idea of lines, colors, simple and complex shapes. While the
resolution is crude, this device gets children creating screen content rather than just
watching it.
Details: VTech Electronics North America, www.vtechkids.com, 800-521-2010,
$29.99, for ages 5-up. Runs on TV based Game (4 AA batteries). Teaches: art/creativity,
drawing, mixing colors, fine motor, spatial reasoning, classifying, patterns. Rating (1 to 5
stars) = 4.2 stars. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
6
60%
4
7
7
6
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
10
94%
8
10
9
10
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
8
84%
9
9
8
8
Page 14
FEATURE REVIEWS, APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
WordChasers
This maze game looks a lot like Pac Man. You move a cat around the maze, trying
to capture moving letters in the correct order to spell a target word. Mixed with the
letters are mice, which will either send you back to the start, or can be captured. The
game is somewhat slow paced, taking over a minute to spell a simple word like "hat"-minimizing the value of quick spelling practice. Still, the format is no-fail, and the game
is addicting--provided your thumb doesn't get tired. That's because the Leapster controls
are not as easy to use as a GBA or PSP, and there is a lot of up/down/left/right
movements in this game. High scores can be saved. The four challenge levels range from
words such as "hat" to harder words such as "snapshot." Most words are in the early
elementary level.
Details: Leapfrog, www.leapfrog.com, 800-701-5327, $18, for ages 6-8. Runs on
Leapster. Teaches: language, spelling. Rating (1 to 5 stars) = 4.1 stars. Review date:
3/31/2006.
Ease of Use
Educational
Entertaining
Design Features
Good Value
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
9
82%
7
8
9
8
Page 15
Other New Releases
APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
American Idol Digital Camcorder
The original Digital Movie Creator, from Intel Play has been repackaged with updated Windows XP software and a
microphone. The camera looks like a small cordless drill with a viewfinder. The handle fits firmly into a USB cradle/tripod
that you plug into your computer's USB port. Once you install the software and plug in the camera, all you need to do is
pull the trigger to start recording. The camera can hold up to up to four minutes of video footage in its 16 MB of RAM or
1,200 640x480 snapshots. The video is fairly clear, but make no mistake, this is not camcorder quality. One key drawback -there is no viewing screen, an essential item for any children's video camera. The video editing software makes it easy to
import the footage and edit the results by way of drag and drop thumbnails. If you're not comfortable giving your child a
$500 camcorder, this might be an option.
Details: Digital Blue, www.playdigitalblue.com, 800-538-3373, $99.00, for ages 8-up. Runs on Win 98, 2000, XP.
Teaches: creativity, movie making and editing. Review date: 3/31/2006.
CeledyDraw 2
Looking for a cheaper alternative to Adobe Illustrator? CeledyDraw is a Canadian no-frills vector graphics program,
with enough power for serious artists. The program loads quickly, and gets right to work with sets of familiar menus. Work
can be exported to all popular formats, including JPG, TIF and PDF. Features include Freeform, Bezier Curve, and Polygon
drawing tools. A trial version can be downloaded and installed from www.celedy.com. Content includes flowchart
symbols and 3000 thumbnail-driven symbols. We found the interface to be straightforward, but did not spend much time
with the advanced features.
Details: Celedy Software, Inc., www.celedy.com, , $64.99, for ages 12-up. Runs on Windows 98, Windows XP. Teaches:
Art/Creativity, drawing, publishing. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Destination Reading III and IV
For the first time, Riverdeep is expanding its well-known computer-managed reading curriculum beyond the early
elementary levels. The two new packages, called III and IV, are designed for grades 4-6 and 6-8; a time when readers move
beyond reading skill into comprehension and cross-curricula types of activities.
According to Riverdeep, these new products have “relevant, real-world connections, enhanced graphics and modern
music.” For example, the series contains reading exercises and comprehension activities to reinforce other school subjects,
including science, social studies, math, language arts, technology and performing arts. The courseware is web-based, so
students or teachers can access the lessons anytime, from any computer.
Details: Riverdeep, Inc., www.riverdeep.net, 800-825-4420, $call, for ages 8-12. Runs on Windows XP, Mac OSX.
Teaches: reading, comprehension. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi
This action-adventure game follows the Japanese pop duo Puffy AmiYumi through 24 stages, searching for their
fanatical fan, Harmony. The game has two play modes including a very addicting shooting stage where players pilot a
flying craft through six generic, fast paced 2D sidescrolling levels, and a "story mode" where players go through a series of
18 enemy-filled puzzles and mazes. This game is enjoyable but not really unique, aside from the characters.
Details: D3Publisher of America, Inc., www.d3publisher.us, 310-268-0820, $20, for ages 6-11. Runs on Game Boy
Advance. Teaches: timing, music. Review date: 3/31/2006.
JumpStart Interactive DVDs
This is a new direction for Knowledge Adventure—interactive DVDs. Frankie's Field Trip, for Pre-K to 1st grade,
covers letter sounds, telling time, colors & shapes and problem-solving with puzzles and sign-alongs. JumpStart Power
Prep, for 2nd through 4th grades, is set in a quiz show format with 300 questions based on core math, reading and language
skills. Instructions can be heard in English or Spanish.
Details: Knowledge Adventure, www.knowledgeadventure.com, 310-533-3400, $call, for ages 4-10. Runs on Interactive
DVD. Teaches: early math, reading and logic. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Kid's Cards
Play five card games on your GBA: Go Fish, War, Crazy Eights, Old Maid and Slap Jack. There are both single player
modes and multi-player modes (link up with three other players). Menus require minor reading, but most commands are
spoken. The background music gets annoying, but can be turned off. All in all, this is a nice collection of easy to play card
games. Created by Skyworks for Majesco.
Details: Majesco Entertainment, www.majescoentertainment.com, 732-225-8910, $19.99, for ages 5-up. Runs on Game
Boy Advance. Teaches: card games. Review date: 3/31/2006.
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 16
OTHER NEW RELEASES APRIL 1, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4
Making History: The Calm & The Storm
Chances are, your high school students are experienced simulation players—adept at titles like Age of Empires, Roller
Coaster Tycoon or The Sims.
This new history simulation is designed especially for classroom use. The game puts students in charge of either
France, Germany, Russia, Great Britain or Italy during the tumultuous years between 1930 and 1950. As leaders of these
countries, students must analyze each time period’s scenarios and make decisions as to diplomatic relations, military
actions, trade, domestic policies, and so on.
Game play is turn-based, and scores are based on the success or failure of decisions. This is a compelling way to
explore history, but it is complex and will require a teacher support. It also could be a vehicle for cooperative learning.
Details: Muzzy Lane, www.muzzylane.com, 978-499-9099, $39.99, for ages 14-up. Runs on Windows XP. Teaches:
Social Studies, maps, history. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Nintendo DS Lite
This is a smaller, cleaner version of the regular Nintendo DS (released in 2004). The features and functionality are the
same. Improvements include a brighter screen, a smaller size (2/3rds the size), and 20% less weight. The stylus now slips
into the side rather than the back. The smaller DS will be released in Japan in March 2006, and later in the US.
Details: Nintendo of America, www.nintendo.com, 800-255-3700, $call, for ages 3-up. Runs on Nintendo DS. Teaches: a
portable game console. Review date: 3/31/2006.
Print Shop Pro Publisher Deluxe 21, The
This upgraded program offers the same features as The Print Shop Deluxe 21 (advanced photo editing, borderless
printing, object flip, kerning and spacing, and resizing images for cell phones) plus a library of 345,000 images,
professionally designed project templates and image opacity. Other features include the ability to create booklets.
Details: Riverdeep, Inc., www.riverdeep.net, 888-242-6747, $99.99, for ages 10-up. Runs on Windows XP. Teaches:
creativity, publishing, . Review date: 3/31/2006.
School Rules! Volumes 1 & 2
This product is designed to teach acceptable social behavior during structured activities related to the classroom,
group work and physical education, as well as during unstructured time in the hallway and locker room. Other titles
available include The Birthday Party, My School Day, and My Community which instruct children on the rules of social
communication including topics such as appropriate touch, body space, speech volume and classroom behavior. There is a
range of prices.
Details: Social Skill Builder, www.socialskillbuilder.com, , $89.99, for ages 8-18. Runs on Windows XP, Windows 98,
Mac OSX. Teaches: acceptable social behavior. Review date: 3/31/2006.
© 2006 • Children's Technology Review • www.childrenssoftware.com
Page 17