Preteens

Liberty Kids Published on December 20th, 2002

Players become journalists during the American Revolution in this fun historical adventure. By interviewing famous people of the time, kids learn about the turbulent days that marked the beginning of our country.
Summary Age  8 - 14 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $25.00 Category  History Grade  ISBN  Company  The Learning Company (800) 223-6925 http://www.learningcompany.com

Zoombinis Island Odyssey Published on December 20th, 2002

Science logic puzzles intrigue preteens as they help little blue creatures repair the environment of Zoombini Island. The games challenge kids to think about gears, codes, genetics, and more. They start easy, so that players can learn how to play, and gradually become more challenging. Pre-teens love Zoombinis!
Summary Age  8 - 14 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $20.00 Category  Science Grade  ISBN  Company  The Learning Company (800) 223-6925 http://www.learningcompany.com

LEGO Spybotics Published on December 20th, 2002

An ultra-cool marriage of technology and LEGOs, where kids build and program robots to play spy games. The robots look like cars and have sensors so that they can detect specific things like objects and light. On the computer, kids program their robot to play a game and then construct the physical environment off-computer for the robot to try.
Summary Age  9 - 16 Platform  Windows Price  $60.00 Category  Smart Toys Grade  ISBN  Company  LEGO http://www.lego.com/spybotics

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Published on December 20th, 2002

Kids become Harry in his second year at Hogwarts in five new games covering all platforms. The PC game is beyond captivating! In it not only does Harry sleuth for the rumored Chamber of Secrets, but he attends class to learn new spells and potions, practices those spells in special Challenge courses, participates in the Professor Lockhart’s Dueling Club, earns House points, and plays Quidditch. He even faces off with Aragog, the terrifying giant spider. These games are sure-fire winners!
Summary Age  8 - 99 Platform  Windows Price  $30.00 Category  Games Grade  ISBN  Company  Electronic Arts http://www.eagames.com

Teens

Zoo Tycoon Published on December 20th, 2002

“Zoo Tycoon” is a wonderful zoo-development simulation in which children design and manage their own zoos. In addition, “Marine Mania,” a new dual expansion pack for “Zoo Tycoon” owners, provides teens with marine animals and even dinosaurs to place in their zoos. And a new free download called the “Atlantean Theme Pack” is available at www.zootycoon.com.
Summary Age  10 - 99 Platform  Windows Price  $35.00 Category  Simulations Grade  ISBN  Company  Microsoft http://www.zootycoon.com

Hoyle Puzzle Games 2003 Published on December 20th, 2002

Fifteen fascinating puzzle games including four never-seen-before games and the award-winning “The Incredible Machine: Even More Contraptions.” This software will provide fabulous fun for the whole family!
Summary Age  6 - 99 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $30.00 Category  Puzzles Grade  ISBN  Company  Sierra Entertainment http://www.sierra.com/games/hoyle.php

Nancy Drew: Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake Published on December 20th, 2002

The famous sleuth is back in this brilliantly spooky 3D mystery about a phantom pack of hounds. This mystery is complicated and long, but always doable. As with all Nancy Drew software, it has a “second chance” option which keeps you from making a game-ending mistake. A good choice for the teenage girl on your list.
Summary Age  10 - 99 Platform  Windows Price  $20.00 Category  Logic Grade  ISBN  Company  Her Interactive http://www.herinteractive.com

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 Published on December 20th, 2002

An updated, more user-friendly version of the best-selling amusement park simulation with all new rides and attractions. Teens can work through specific challenges or enjoy designing their perfect amusement park. All learning should be this much fun!
Summary Age  10 - 99 Platform  Windows Price  $30.00 Category  Simulations Grade  ISBN  Company  Infogrames http://www.rollercoastertycoon2.com

NFL Fever 2003 Published on December 20th, 2002

For the sports enthusiast on your list who owns Xbox, here is a football simulation that is complicated enough to be intriguing but easy enough to “tackle” right away. Players select NFL teams and manage them in a game or throughout a season. This game can also be played on Xbox Live, a new way to play others from around the world.
Summary Age  10 - 99 Platform  N/A Price  $50.00 Category  Sports Grade  ISBN  Company  Microsoft Game Studios http://www.microsoft.com/games

All software is judged on a five star scale by looking at the following five factors: educational, fun, ease of use, value, technical.

Jinny Gudmundsen is the Editor of Computing With Kids magazine. If you have questions or comments, please write to: .

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