children's software review

Math Blaster: Master the Basics

Rating: 

Review Sections: Product Overview  Technically Speaking  Dollar Value    

 Product Overview
With schools focusing more on problem-solving skills than they are on math facts, it's often up to families to help their kids build math facts at home. With this all-new Math Blaster game, kids can do just that--even children who are not enthusiastic about the whole process!

In Math Blaster: Master the Facts, kids select the type of math facts they want (or need) to practice, such as addition, multiplication, subtraction, or division. Players then embark on a series of missions that will help overthrow robots who are suppressing humans' ability and will to do math. They are told to "use your most important weapon--your brain".

The arcade-style and platform-based games involve hopping on platforms, zapping obstacles and correct answers, and collecting numbers that solve math equations. Many missions involve finding an answer to a math equation, but some involve finding equivalent equations (for example, players are given the equation "4+5" and might need to identify "3+6" as an equivalent equation).

There are 8 levels of math content to choose from, making the program appropriate for children of varying skill levels. The easiest setting involves working with addition of sums with the numbers 0 through 8. Other levels involve work with addition and subtraction using the numbers 0-16, the numbers 0-24, and multiples of 10. The multiplication and division sets involve products up to 36, 60, 144, and multiples of 10.

Technically Speaking
Minimum system requirements are Windows 2000, XP; Pentium II 400 MHz or higher, 128 MB RAM, 300 MB hard drive space; DirectX 9.0 and DirectX-compatible video card with 32 MB memory.

Educational Value
This game is designed to build confidence in mental math rather than to teach children the concepts behind solving math equations. Children need to solve math equations rather quickly, and the engaging format of the game helps motivate them to do so.

Entertainment Value
Game-play is fast-paced but not overly so, making it just right for children who are not having any serious learning challenges with math. Kid testers were very motivated to see the game through to completion.

Design
Children choose from 8 levels of math content. There is a sign-in feature so that children can pick up where they left off. Progress reports are included.

Replayability
With 8 levels of content spanning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and a nice variety and quantity of missions, the game is both motivating and satisfying in length.

Dollar Value
This program carries a suggested retail price of approximately $20 US.

Score: 8.9 out of 10

Math Blaster: Master the Basics

 
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