children's computer game review

Rugrats Munchin Land

Rating: 

Product Overview
The Rugrats meet the Wizard of Oz in this humorous program that involves a fantasy trip through the Land of "Odd". Instead of the Yellow Brick Road, children travel along the Rainbow Brick Road, which takes the form of a winding game board path.

In the somewhat twisted Land of Odd, Angelica plays the Wicked Witch, Tommy is the Scarecrow, Chuckie is the "Scaredy Cat Lion", and Phil and Lil take on the role of the Tin Twins. Players get to choose which baby they'd like to be, and then select whether they want to play alone or with a friend. If they play alone, they simply move through the game without even competing against the computer. This is surprisingly fun, but kids have even more fun when they play with a friend.

Players take turns spinning a colorful spinner and then move to the appropriate colored space on the Rainbow Road. The goal of the game is to be the first player to find the Whizzer of Odd, and collecting pieces of the Entry Ticket is required. Some of the board spaces reward players with fun surprises; others involve facing the Wicked Witch herself, who asks for payment in the form of Paciflyers. Children collect and earn Paciflyers throughout the game, and these golden treasures are required to get past Dil the Tollkeeper.

Players must venture through all the lands that make up the Land of Odd. Along the way, they play mini-games that are somewhat difficult to master at first, but they get easier with practice. In the Great Candy Grab, players snatch as many cookies and candies as they can, and in The Colorful Corn-Filled, they must unscramble a picture puzzle. There are several mini-games in the program—including mazes, puzzles, and assorted challenges—and they are all enjoyable.

Rugrats Munchin Land is an appealing game that offers a fresh experience each time children play. Children who enjoy competition can play the game with a friend or sibling, but the program is entertaining when attempted independently as well. Board games don't always transfer well to the computer (they can feel clumsy and slow-moving), but this one succeeds beautifully.

Technically Speaking
Minimum system requirements are Windows 98/Me/XP, Pentium II 233 MHz, 32 MB RAM, DirectX 8.0 compatible video card with 4 MB video RAM, 4X CD-ROM, and 60 MB hard drive space.

Skills Covered
Problem solving, puzzles.

Educational Value
This game is designed mainly for fun, but players do strategize, solve puzzles, navigate mazes, and learn how to wait their turn.

Entertainment Value
Filled with humor that stays true to the Rugrats series, this program keeps children engaged with fun surprises and varied gameplay. Besides the main board game, children participate in pleasantly challenging mini-games in their mission to find the Whizzer of Odd.

Design
An excellent design facilitates gameplay for even the youngest children in the target age group. This program is well thought out and easy to master.

Replayability
Rugrats Munchin Land is never the same game twice and is filled with hilarious surprises. For children who enjoy board games, this CD-ROM promises loads of replay value.

Dollar Value
This CD-ROM carries a suggested retail price of $19.99 US.

NOTE: This program is now available in an economical bundle along with 3 other software titles: Adventure Workshop Famous Friends

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