Embark on a multimedia global exploration of the animal kingdom as you examine 700 different species from around the world. See and hear where and how they live, what makes each animal special, and to whom they are related. In addition, learn how the world's geography, rainfall, weather patterns, and wind currents affect their existence. Using words, photographs, sounds, movies, time-lapse animation, and 360-degree panoramic landscapes, this title immerses you in the lives of these animals.
The central point of Wide World of Animals is a striking photorealistic globe, assembled from satellite photographs of the earth, which users can rotate to view from any direction. Optionally, the globe can display the earth's terrain, its environmental areas, or national boundaries. Upon any of these users can overlay the range, or location, of any of the 700 species. The globe can also display the names of major cities and geographic features, like mountains and rivers.
Next to the globe is a list of animals featured in this title, which users can subset by class (mammal, bird, fish, amphibian, or reptile), biome, country, taxonomy, threatened status, or keyword. From this list users can select an animal's Datacard. Each Datacard contains up to five pages describing the animal's scientific name, classification, appearance, measurements, eating habits, habitat, and its young. Clicking on specially marked words in the text displays a detailed glossary entry for that word. Every card also displays between one and four high quality photographs of the animal. Often the card includes a video or audio clip so users can see and hear the animal in action. A "See Also" button suggests related animals or topics for further exploration.
To learn more about the world and how climate affects its animals, nine time-lapse movies illustrate how worldwide temperature ranges, precipitation, wind patterns, and ocean currents change throughout the year. Other time-lapse movies show the migration of bluefin tuna and gray whales, or how land bridges allowed animals to migrate across the earth. The rest of this title is packed with features like: narrated movies covering topics from adaptation to parenting; customizable map pins to mark interesting locations on the globe; animal-related statistics for countries around the world; an animal knowledge game; and full print capabilities. One of the more interesting features is the tables that rank the animals by a variety of attributes. (Did you know that a panda bear sleeps 22 out of 24 hours?)
This is an impressive title. In a marketplace full of encyclopedias and reference titles vying for your attention, the Wide World of Animals stands out. The depth and quality of its information, coupled with a wealth of features and a top-notch user interface, make this title a "must have" for anyone interested in animals and nature. More than an animal reference title, this CD-ROM is a learning experience.
Dustin Kassman writes and reviews software in Corvallis, OR.
©1996, ProMotion, inc.