School Zone's Flash Action Go Fish

Reviewed by Christine Webster
Published by School Zone

Age Group: Age 2 to 5
Type: Language Arts, Thinking Games, Board and Card Games, Teaching Tools
Price: $20

PC version requires:
Windows 95/98 or higher, 24 MB RAM, 640x480 16-bit color video, 16-bit sound card, Pentium, 50 MB HD, 4x CD-ROM

Mac version requires:
Mac OS 7.5.5 or higher, 24 MB RAM, 640x480 16-bit color video, PowerPC 601, 50 MB HD, 4x CD-ROM

Description:

Go Fish by School Zone Publishing Company is a new and creative way to play the popular card game 'Go Fish' while reinforcing the alphabet by using it as bait! The player can choose from bright and colorful characters for their own player or to play against. Up to three players can play at once or the user can play against the computers other two characters.

This program offers clear and simple instructions which makes the game easy to understand for the youngest user. Go Fish is challenging because it is not just a basic matching game. The player has to be able to recognize the upper and lowercase letters that will form a pair together.

Features:

  • Upper and lowercase letter recognition
  • Repetition and proper pronunciation of the letters while used in a word
  • Bright and colorful characters
  • Reinforces the alphabet using matching skills
  • Simple and clear instructions to follow making it easier for the youngest user
  • Another fun and educational way to use flash cards
  • Helps with memorization skills

Technical Aspects:

Installation was simple as it installed immediately when put in the CD-ROM drive. Once the CD is fully installed, it starts automatically each time the CD-ROM is put in the drive.

Report and Conclusions:

Go Fish is a really great educational tool for children who are just learning the alphabet, need practice with the alphabet or for those who just love to play the card game. It's the type of computer game that uses bright colors and characters, one basic screen, along with one simple idea. This simple idea captivates and challenges the player in a fun way.

Three other reviewers helped out with this program - a child who is beginning to learn the alphabet, a child who is having trouble with the alphabet and an older child who just wanted to play the game. All three benefited from this one game. Go Fish by School Zone Publishing Company is an effective learning tool and a great addition to everyone's CD-ROM collection!