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Blue's 123 Time ActivitiesReviewed by Carol WelchPublished by Humongous Entertainment
PC version requires: Mac version requires: Description:
By helping her friends at the Backyard Fair, Blue earns Blue Dollars that she can spend at the Prize Tent. When an activity is completed correctly, Blue receives one or more Blue Dollars. If a child makes a mistake during an activity, he/she is gently encouraged to try again. The activities include: Shovel & Pail's Mother May I? Game - practice counting and number line skills as Blue and her friends play this game. Mr. Salt & Mrs. Pepper's Snack Stand - practice sorting and classifying while Blue helps to set up the stand. Tink's Train Ride - count the blocks that Tink needs to build a train ride for the fair. This activity illustrates simple addition and subtraction. Baby Bear's Card Game - match numbers or shapes as you play cards with Baby Bear. This is not a memory match game; it is much more fun and challenging. Bell's Souvenir Stand - learn about weight and measurement, estimating, and greater than/less than skills while helping Blue to weigh souvenirs. Felt Friend's Pattern Parade - practice shape and color recognition as you help Blue to complete the patterns on the floats. Cash Register's Prize Tent - practice counting and simple addition and subtraction while helping Blue spend her Blue Dollars. You can buy parts needed to assemble a Big Prize. The manual includes a description of each activity along with a similar Parent & Child Activity that can be done at home with simple, household objects.
Features:
Technical Aspects:I did have some problems running this title; but, considering the circumstances, my final verdict is in favor of the program. I tried to install this title on a Pentium 200 with an AMD chip. Unfortunately I could not go further than the intro without receiving various error messages which would close down the program. I spoke with Humongous's tech support by phone for about half an hour (thankfully, they have a toll-free number). The gentleman was very patient and had me try several things, but we just could not get past those error messages. I even tried a different CD-ROM of the same title - but I got identical results. Finally, my oldest son suggested we try it on his computer - an old 486 with 64MB RAM that has a reputation for running programs it has no business running. (Please kids, don't try this at home - always follow the recommended minimum requirements). It worked! The game ran slowly, but it did run. Cynthia Sorrels loaded the game onto her Pentium 300 and it ran beautifully. I still don't know exactly why this title would not run on my computer, but I tend to suspect my system rather than the program.The graphics and audio are excellent! Blue's 123 Time Activities really captures the look and sound of the TV program.
Report and Conclusions:My children love this game! My 5-year-old loves to play with Blue and her friends, and it provides him with crucial practice of his math skills. Even my 8-year-old is addicted to this game. Of course, the skills are much too basic for him, but it appeals to him nonetheless. After an hour of play, he proclaimed that the game company was wrong when they set the age range at 3 to 6. "I'm 8, and I love it," he announced.The games are very unique, appealing to children, and simple to understand. The Parent and Child Activities Section is a welcome tool for reinforcing skills during playtime. Blue's 123 Time Activities is definitely worthy of a Gold Award! |  |
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Blue is back! This time Blue will guide your child through a Backyard Fair, where all the
"Blue's Clues" friends are waiting with fun, math-oriented activities. True to the spirit of
the television program, this game enables children to practice early math skills, solve
problems, and build self-confidence in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
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