My First Amazing History Explorer

Reviewed by Hilary Williamson
Published by DK Multimedia

Age Group: Age 4 to 8, Age 8 and Up
Type: Art/Creativity, Reference
Price: $35

PC version requires:
Windows 95/98,486DX/33 MHz, 12 MB RAM (16 MB for 98), 2x CD-ROM, 6 MB HD, 8-bit sound card

Mac version requires:
System 7.01+, 16 MB RAM (24 MB for System 8.0), 2x CD-ROM, 5 MB HD, 16-bit audio

Description:

My First Amazing History Explorer gives a captivating introduction to 8 fascinating historical periods: Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece, the Roman Empire, Imperial China, Mediaeval Europe, the Inca Empire, the Age of Industry and a 1920's city.

Professor Timestein has been trapped in the past by the Time Fugitive, and you have to find the missing pieces of the time trail in order to rescue him. Each piece is hidden in history. A time machine is available to help you search, and you also have a travel journal. You design your own user appearance at log on and can have your game self photographed in places like the Great Wall of China for your journal.

Each time period is represented by an animated map. When you click on an animation, you see and hear a description of that item, for example the oracle at Delphi or Egyptian fishermen. The information is brief, interesting and well presented. Many of the items have stickers associated with them. To collect a sticker for your journal you answer a simple question that tests comprehension. You can do activities, e.g. pick a Roman nickname or design your own coat of arms. When the journal is full you gain access to your secret page and can try on historical costumes.

By filling in the time trail, you learn a great deal about the 8 periods in history and also acquire some understanding of what history is all about.

The help function (presented as a Projector) is excellent and takes you around the professor's attic explaining everything. In the attic you find an Ancient Treasure Challenge and a Time Detecive game. While these have some appeal, they are not as outstanding as the historical periods themselves.

Features:

  • Takes a trip to 8 periods in history
  • Personal travel journal
  • Multiple users each with own appearance
  • Projector help function
  • Ancient Treasure Challenge and Time Detective games
  • Index file to research specific information
  • Notes for Parents in the Options chest is a user manual
  • Technical Help in the Options chest for detailed troubleshooting

Technical Aspects:

Installation on both PC and Mac was straightforward, as decribed in the jewel case instructions. No manual was provided, but none was needed, and both online help (the Projector) and an online manual (Notes for Parents) were excellent.

Report and Conclusions:

This program was very hard to review - my 8 year old dove into it and did not emerge for days! He loved it and kept going back to it. His father seemed to be enjoying it also. When I finally got access, I found the program extremely engaging. I filled in my Time Journal and rescued Professor Timestein. I thought I knew a lot about these periods of history, but there was more to learn and some of the details were fascinating.

A great way for kids to find out what history is all about!





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