|
|
|
Best
Computer Software Programs |
Ages 4 and under | Ages
4 - 7 | Ages 8+
Ages 4 and under
 Tonka FireFighter
(Atari) Ages
3-6, $14.99
Our testers
aged 3 and 4 had a blast playing this game. Although they had a bit
of difficulty driving around the fire engine, they had no problem rescuing
the fire fighters during the "practice" runs, they had a blast
with the pyrotechnics and loved saving the kittens. There are three
levels of difficulty and 12 rescue jobs. Our testers reported also
really enjoyed dropping water bombs on fires. The game is packed
with extras that include: printables: certificates, licenses, pictures to color, and more
 My
Little Pony (Atari)
Ages 3-6, $19.99
Our 4-year-old
Little pony fan LOVED this game reports her mother. First she adored
"Sparkleberry Swirl" that was in the box - an added bonus.
Then according to her mom, she had a great time doing hairstyles, and
selecting clothing and jewelry. There are a lot of fun activities
including printable coloring pages which were a big bonus. Her
daughter now has her My Little Pony characters preparing for the
"Friendship Ball" at home!
 Dora the Explorer: Fairytale Adventures PC Play Pack
(Atari)
Ages 3-6, $19.99
"Hooray for Dora"
comments the mother of our 3-year-old tester. The mother of our
tester really likes the fact that Dora inspires thought! That's
she's not just "any cartoon character." Our 3-year-old
tester just loves the Dora character, she talks back to her while playing
the game and sings the songs. This game is great for young
children. It helps them work on colors, shapes, numbers and even
Spanish (although it's basic.) Dora walks you through the game where
the goal is to become a real princess to awaken the Boots who has been put
to sleep by a mean witch. The miniature Dora toy that comes with the game is an added bonus.
Ages 4 - 7
 Barbie
Fashion Show (Vivendi) Ages 6
and up, $29.99
Our 6-year-old reviewer was reported to have played this
non-stop since receiving it. Her mom said, "she sits on her
computer designing outfits non-stop and then calls me upstairs to see the
fashion shows." The mom reported that she "really enjoyed
watching them." She also commented that it was a game that appealed
to her to play because the outfits looked like fun, the fabrics were
really appealing. She was very impressed with the fashion shows that
her daughter was able to put on. Note: The system is for Windows 98 / Me / 2000 / XP
and requires 64 MB RAM. Make sure your computer has the adequate
video requirements.
 Barbie Beauty Boutique
(Vivendi) Ages 6
and up, $19.99
In beauty boutique
girls can make Barbie up for her wedding day, award show or modeling
assignment. They can cut and curl hair, paint nails, apply makeup,
dress them and even give them tiaras. Our testers had aged six and
seven had fun applying French manicures, putting highlights on Barbie's
hair and even styling different updos. It's a fun package that
according to the kids mom, "they play with again and again. Note:
The system is for Windows 98 / Me / 2000 / XP and requires 64 MB
RAM. Make sure your computer has the adequate video requirements.
Finding
Nemo (THQ) Ages 6
and up, $14.99
Fans of Finding Nemo will enjoy this game the graphics
are pretty amazing with vivid colors and a real underwater feel. The
game has properties that entertain and challenge kids. The kids that
tested it said it was a fun game and liked that it had Nemo, Dory and
Marlin. Note: The system
is for Mac OS / X, Windows 95 / 98 / Me / XP
Backyard
Basketball (Atari) Ages 6
and up, $14.99
According to our 10-year-old reviewer Backyard
Basketball was in between a good and great. The graphics were great.
It was easy how to learn the controls. He commented that "he
didn't like that the time in a game was to short, and it could have better
control timing." Overall he thought it was a great game.
Ages 8+
|
