Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!attctc!jolnet!swan
From: swan@jolnet.ORPK.IL.US (Joel Swan)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: Software for Kids?
Keywords: Education Software Kids
Message-ID: <1282@jolnet.ORPK.IL.US>
Date: 9 Aug 89 08:31:12 GMT
References: <21076@cup.portal.com> <89219.124243UH2@PSUVM>
Reply-To: swan@jolnet.UUCP (Joel Swan)
Organization: Media Specialties LTD
Lines: 54

Interesting that someone just brought this subject up.  I had
spent a few days last week asking various dealers the same question-
what is some good educational software out there?  They all said,
"I don't know. People buy this stuff and never tell me how good it is."

Well, I bouth a couple titles from various software developers and
here are a couple reactions

1.  THE DISCOVERY SERIES-  trash.  I could have done better (in fact
    some people had) on a PET 2001.  This text only series of "tests"
    is one, hard to understand their directions and two, boring as
    all get-out.  Kids would rather stare at a TV that is unplugged
    than sit any "play" this junk.  

2.  TALKING NOTEBOOK SERIES - (I had Mathtalk)  OK  Good graphics and
    good concept.  Parents or teachers can make up tests.  The problem
    here is that the program was VERY slow and sluggish.  I don't think
    they used Amy's normal intuition.  It looked like a cheap port from 
    an IBM PC or such.

3.  WHERE IN *** *** IS CARMEN SANDIEGO - (I've got "THE WORLD" version)
    Very well done for the most part.  The "game" uses the World Alamanac
    as an educational source (although a set of Encyclopedias may do better)
    as the player tries to track down a spy who has stolen some country's
    treasure.  Graphics are OK (again, pretty much a port) and sound is
    OK.  (It did bother me though that they hardly ever mix sound and
    animation on the screen at the same time.  Maybe they were to used
    to some "other" computers where all you can do is one or the other.
    While the places of geography is somewhat limited, you do learn
    quite a bit about each one.  The strongest point for this educational
    games is its stronmg attraction to kids.  I could not tear my
    5-10 year old nieces and nephews away from it once they started.
    BTW- it is totally mouse driven and easy to learn.
    I do plan to get "Where in the USA is C.S." and "When in the World
    is C.S." for the kids.  This is the only package I've used that
    I will consider buying another in the series.

That's all I've used so far.

BTW- have you seen "Super Hang-On" by Activision?  It is a Motorcycle race
on the order of "Out Run," only this thing is FABULOUS!!!
I have never seen such beautiful scenery that passes you by while you
speed through the country side, desert, city, etc.  It is VERY playable
and yet challenging. (they did invert the mouse/joystick option.  When it
says joystick, it means mouse)  If you like arcade games, check this one out.
The sound effects are minimal, but you have your choice of 5 or 6 tunes
to play while racing. It really surprised me how good this one is.
    

-- 
 - Joel E. Swan
[  swan@jolnet.UUCP                   <>  PLINK ID: Amiga*joel         ]
[  "Amigas.... for the rest of us."   <>  CI$     : 74746,3240         ]
[  "...peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."    Romans 5:8    ]