Chemicus: Above the Learning Curve

It’s no big secret that I like puzzle games. I love to spend my computer game time solving riddles, fixing machinery, and finding solutions. And if I can learn a thing or two while I’m at it, so much the better. Chemicus was right up my alley. Chemicus is a puzzle game, but you get to (some would probably say "have to") learn so much about chemistry and related fields that I was seriously tempted to declare this a cleverly disguised educational game instead of a puzzle game. The introductory movie and background in the manual are certainly melodramatic enough. … Continue reading Chemicus: Above the Learning Curve

Millie Meter's Nutrition Adventure Falls Flat

I have never been so appalled at a piece of so-called educational software in my life. Millie Meter is so far from educational as to be down right offensive at times, though mostly it’s just an absurd piece of software. The game begins with the heroine, Millie Meter walking among boulders. One of them has a stomachache. He asks Millie to get in a helicopter (they call it something cute, but it’s a helicopter) that he just happens to keep nearby in case he wants anyone to travel through his digestive system. This beginning is the first problem. I don’t … Continue reading Millie Meter's Nutrition Adventure Falls Flat

Play with the ABCs Makes Letters Friendly

ALPHABET: Play with the ABCs, is exactly what it says. It is an opportunity to play with each letter of the alphabet in its own unique way. Based on the art of Czech artist Kveta Pacoska, letters float and fade in and out on the screen. The child can double click on one which will take him to a screen of just that letter. Then he/she has to figure out how to effect the letter, sometimes blowing into the microphone will ripple the letter. Sometimes it’s a matter of moving the mouse so that a letter like "G" will eat … Continue reading Play with the ABCs Makes Letters Friendly

Max and the Pirates Makes Reading Fun

Max and the Pirates is the latest game in the Max series, where the lovable little bear goes on adventures around their world. This time around Max and his famous inventor Uncle Pong find themselves on vacation along the Jivery Coast. The game starts out with Pong and Max relaxing on the beach. You can click around the screen to trigger different events, and to see some of the interesting things that Pong has invented. Just on a personal note, the foot irrigator seems downright heavenly. Anyway, eventually when you click on a pirate ship off in the distance a … Continue reading Max and the Pirates Makes Reading Fun