Matchbox Caterpillar Construction Zone: CD-ROM & CAT Controller

Description:

If your child is fascinated by those big rigs seen along roadside construction areas, this title is ideal! The CAT Keyboard Controller allows kids to get the "feel" of operating heavy machinery by providing a hands-on control panel that straps to the keyboard. There is a key to start the machine, a toggle switch to blow the horn and change the view, and three sticks to maneuver the rig and activate special functions.

The software offers four missions, each with two or three jobs that must be performed for completion. The missions include Feed a Nation, Repair the City, Demolishing a Derelict Building, and Prevent a Natural Disaster. To accomplish their mission, players must operate some very awesome equipment, all designed from actual CAT machines: Track Loader, Challenger Agricultural Tractor, Track Type Tractor, Lexion Combine, Excavator, and Forestry Swing Machine.

From the Main Construction Yard, players can go to the Hat Shack for a customized hard-hat, visit the Garage to learn about the machines, practice in one of the Training Yards, select a task from the Job Board or check in at the Trailer to get a certificate for a job well done!

Features:

• Strap-on CAT Keyboard Controller
• 6 rigs styled after actual CAT machines
• Customizes and stores up to 9 different player hard-hats
• Help radio provides hints from the Foreman
• Over 10 jobs to complete 4 missions
• 2 levels of difficulty
• Printable certificates for each completed job
• Machine upgrades rewarded for each completed mission

Technical Aspects:

The controller strapped on easily and stayed in place while playing. The controls are rather difficult to maneuver since they are patterned after the controls of actual CAT machines. Left and right sticks must be used together to move the rig. Push both forward to go forward and pull both back to go in reverse. Now, here's the tricky part: to turn left, push the right controller forward and vice versa to turn right. My oldest son was very frustrated until he figured this out (of course, we could have found the information in the user guide). If the controllers prove too difficult, all functions can also be performed by mouse.

The graphics and audio are excellent, providing vivid scenes and realistic sounds.

Report & Conclusions:

On the flip side, my 8-year-old loves the game. He has had some driving difficulties as well, but with practice has improved significantly. If he finds a particularly tough area, he switches to the mouse to get through. The game is very challenging for him and I think the danger aspect really appeals to him. The volcano is his favorite area - watch out for that lava!

As for mom, I think the two-handed controllers are a great challenge for coordination and brain development. The jobs are fun and very realistic, but I worry that they may play-out soon. I think it would be a great idea for Mattel to produce a "sequel" with more games to be used with the same controller. Also, I would have preferred to hear more verbal encouragement from the foreman during play.

Overall, I would recommend this title for ages 8 - 12, maybe a bit younger if your child is well-coordinated. Although this title is obviously targeted at boys, I would also recommend it for girls that show an interest in it.