RATINGS:

5: Excellent
Much sought after -- great graphics, sound, animation, and utility make this title a "must have."
4: Very Good
Great title lacking in some minor areas.
3: Good
A quality title that lacks distinction.
2: Fair
Lacking in quality and generally should have stayed in development longer.
1: Poor
Truly mediocre -- resembles a slice of processed cheese.

Darby the Dragon
Broderbund
Ages: 4-7
Available in Hybrid format
ISBN 1-57382-034-2
Rating: 3

Shrinking your sister is a no-no for any big brother; even if you are Prince of the mythical world of Dragondale. Potentially outstanding, this title does not size up to its competition. A lack of innovative ideas places it snugly midstream, in terms of interactive story quality. For your shrinking dollars, look elsewhere.

The Ultimate 3D Skeleton
Dorling Kindersley Multimedia
Ages 17-adult
Available in Mac and Windows formats
Windows ISBN 0-7894-1280-2
Rating: 4.5

This superbly designed medical program peels away the mystery of the human framework. Using state-of-the-art animation and graphics, DK Multimedia presents a comprehensive look at the many bones that form the human skeleton. Aptly named, this program deserves high marks in the academic field for accuracy and presentation, no bones about it!

Gregory and The Hot Air Balloon
Broderbund
Ages 4-7
Available in Hybrid Format
ISBN 1-57382-033-4
Rating: 3

After crash-landing outside the local fair, Gregory Woodchuck may not think much of air travel. Your child however will have great fun trying to return Gregory and his pet, Newt, to the open skies. Engaging characters fail to make this title stand out from its competition, however, leaving it hovering in the "seen it; done it" region of cyberspace.

Number Heroes
Mighty Math series
Edmark Corporation
Ages 8-11
Available in Hybrid Format
ISBN 1-56926-269-1
Rating: 3.5

A heroic effort by Edmark in their bid to be the premier math CD-ROM for grades 3 to 5. Straining under a heavy load of arithmetic material, the program suffers from poor screen layouts that leads to inevitable confusion during use. Once mastered, the program should help develop an increased understanding of probability, fractions, and geometry.

Dave's company, The Edutainer, provides insightful opinion on today's crop of multimedia titles that readers and developers can depend on.

©1996, ProMotion, inc.

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