Matchbox Caterpillar Construction Zone

Put on your hard hat, fire up the D400E (which happens to be an Articulated Dump Truck, didn't you know?), and let's get rolling! It's your job to operate those big construction vehicles, build bridges, pour concrete, and much more! The foreman of the job will point you in the direction you need to go. He will give hand motions to let you know if you need to turn the vehicle around, point to where the next vehicle is located, and give encouragement by way of clapping or jumping up and down when a load has been delivered. There are not any words spoken in this game, and the music is tolerable, even with the sounds of the construction vehicle in the background.

In all the Game Boy cartridges we own (be it original or color), I have yet to find such a great game as the Matchbox Caterpillar Construction Zone. Why? Because this is the FIRST cartridge I have reviewed that a YOUNG child can maneuver. The Matchbox Caterpillar Construction Zone does not require quick reflexes, the ability to read, time limits, or extremely fine tuned motor skills. We did find that the maneuverability of the vehicles around corners improved with the use of the HandyPak by InterAct. If your child is a reader, then he will be able to read the spec sheet of the machinery and learn something in the process.

The scenery changes, the mazes get a bit harder, but it is still in a young child's grasp! The age range is from 5 years and up. My 4-year-old has been enjoying it, as it is the first game that he has played that has not frustrated him. The game looks good on the original Game Boy too, which is a plus.

The ONLY drawback is that you can't save the game. You have to write down, or remember, the level code. It's the only thing missing from making it "perfect". However, with 25 password-protected levels, 9 heavy-duty construction vehicles, and multiple job assignments, this is one game that will keep them "on the job" for quite awhile! Grab that hard hat, your Game Boy, and Matchbox Caterpillar Construction Zone and let's get busy!