November 2002

New Kids on the Ice

Anyone familiar with the Backyard series of sports simulations for kids will be delighted with this new offering: Backyard Hockey. Those new to the exceptional series would find this latest title a wonderful introduction. The kids (Backyard Bunch) are a little older, but the excellent options and general format is the same. This game features all 30 NHL teams and pro players appearing as animated kids. Windows only. Very recommended. See more pictures and our notes on the game in the screenshot gallery.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Backyard Hockey at Amazon.com]

Case File #1

Scooby-Dooby-Doo is back on the case, this time facing the possibility of a Glowing Bug Man. At the Natural History Museum, exhibits have been damaged, and every museum employee is a suspect...or could it be the Glowing Bug Man? Children need to use logical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to crack the case in Scooby Doo: the Case of the Glowing Bug Man.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Scooby-Doo: The Glowing Bug Man at Amazon.com]

Chemical X to the Rescue

This game will go over well with both kids and their parents. Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles are determined to save Townsville--and the world--from Mojo Jojo's evil doings. But they need kids' brainpower to defeat the villain. Math and reading skills are featured in activities that are pleasant, somewhat challenging, but ultimately "doable". Kids ages 6-9 will have a great time with The Powerpuff Girls Mojo Jojo's Clone Zone (Learning Challenge #1). In fact, there are five levels of difficulty to choose from, so children with different skill levels are accommodated. Very recommended.

See our screenshot gallery for pictures from the software game.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: The Powerpuff Girls: Mojo Jojo's Clone... at Amazon.com]

Save the Zerbles!

The Zoombinis are back, this time in an adventure that not only exercises kids' logical minds, but also their scientific ones! The original Zoombinis Logical Journey has to be our favorite software title for kids ages 8 or 9 and up (EK rating: A+; see our review). The second title, Zoombinis Mountain Rescue, was excellent (EK rating: A; see our review). We had high expectations for the latest title in the series, Zoombinis Island Odyssey. This time around, kids embark on a mission to save the Zoombini's homeland and the wild Zerbles. Children need to think logically as they form hypotheses and decode complex processes; and, at the same time, they are introduced to scientific concepts in the subjects of astronomy, mechanics, cryptography, and life sciences. The adventure plays out as a series of puzzles and games. Read our full review of Zoombinis Island or see our screenshot gallery of the game. 

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Zoombinis Island Odyssey at Amazon.com]

Learning with Caillou

An all-new software title starring the lovable (and believable) cartoon boy named Caillou has been released. Caillou: Four Seasons of Fun features simple spelling, balancing, creativity, work with rhymes, and plenty of activities that introduce children to the four seasons of the year. Kids crazy for Caillou will enjoy this program's eight activities, many songs, and printables. Appropriate for children ages 2-3 and up, this game is fresh and fun. We'll have a full review shortly.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Caillou Four Seasons of Fun at Amazon.com]

Dolls Debut on the Computer Screen

Based on the fashion activity dolls, What's Her Face! CD-ROM allows children to create TV "episodes" starring their favorite dolls. Kids choose accessories for the dolls, design sets by choosing backgrounds and props, select dance moves and music, and then watch their episodes from start to finish in the TV room. This game is low on educational value and it doesn't have much variety in gameplay, but it is enjoyable while it does last. See our review and our screenshot gallery of the game.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: What's Her Face! at Amazon.com]