~~March 2003~~

Here are some of the latest releases in children's software and video games. 

Pokemon comes to GameBoy Advance

Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire mark the series' entrance to the GameBoy Advance platform. We are excited to see this multi-layered and detailed series again appearing on the latest GameBoy platform. As with previous versions (the game is quite similar to Gold and Silver), the object of the game is to explore the world and find wild Pokemon to tame through battle with the Pokemon you already have. New features include the ability to bring two Pokemon into battle at once (and they can actually help each other out) and improved graphics. Best of all, Ruby and Sapphire include all Pokemon known to date, plus 100 more. To enjoy the multiplayer options and trading aspect of the game, you will need a link cable. See our full review of the games.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Pokemon Ruby or Pokemon Sapphire at Amazon.com]

JumpStart Bundles

New JumpStart bundles of previously-released software titles are economical and worthwhile. JumpStart Preschool-1st Grade Learning Playground contains the following titles:

• JumpStart ABCs
• JumpStart Numbers
• JumpStart Artist (see our review of this unique title here)

Another bundle is JumpStart 1st-3rd Grade Learning Playground, which contains the following full titles:

• JumpStart 2nd Grade Reading (an excellent title for vocabulary, reading comprehension, and spelling practice)
• JumpStart Math
• JumpStart Explorers (great game that has kids transported back in time to learn a bit of history and interesting facts about world cultures)

With these bundles, consumers receive 3 titles for the price of 1. See our full review.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: JumpStart Preschool-1st Grade Learning... and JumpStart 1st-3rd Grade Learning... at Amazon.com]

~~February 2003~~

Smart Baby

The very popular Baby Einstein series of videos, DVDs, books, and toys has now made it to CD-ROM. Just released by none other than Disney Interactive is Baby Einstein: Baby Newton Fun with Shapes, designed for children ages 1 year old and up. Kids will be exposed to real-world objects as they explore shapes and are treated to classical music at the same time. Parents can add their own personal photos to the program--what a special treat for baby to see photos of their favorite objects and people incorporated into the program! See our full review and our screenshot gallery from the game, featuring screens and explanations.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Baby Einstein Baby Newton Fun with Shapes at Amazon.com]

Creativity with the Disney Gang

This set is quite a value. Bundled with Disney Magic Artist Deluxe, this new release, Disney Magic Artist Cartoon Maker, lets kids create animations! Children play around with props, backgrounds, and Disney characters and use the program's tools to create cartoons.

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Disney's Magic Artist Cartoon Maker at Amazon.com]