Rating: 
Ages: 7 to 10 Subject:
Math/Logic Brand:
Kutoka Interactive
Review Sections: Product Overview
Technically Speaking Skills
Covered Educational Value
Entertainment Value Design
Replayability Dollar
Value
Product Overview
In Mia's third adventure, the endearing little mouse
sets her sights on time travel. Her search for parts for a time machine is prompted
by a fire that burns Mia's house to the ground in a program introduction that
is perhaps too scary for younger players. Fortunately, Mia can make things right
again by collecting Sparklies (colorful gems) and finding machine parts.
Mia's quest takes her through a vegetable garden, into Mr. Mole's burrow,
to the patio, and into the kitchen. Returning characters, like Freddi the Frog
and the very ratty Romaine, as well as a few new faces, help round out the charming
cast.
While the previous titles focused on reading and science, this one is devoted
to math. A choice of four skill levels that affect the learning games —
not the adventure itself — are roughly matched to grade level (that is,
level one features first-grade curriculum, up to level 4, which is designed
for fourth-graders). While higher levels were age-appropriate, we found some
of the level one games challenging for the average first-grader.
In order to help Mia complete her quest, players need to collect items and
solve problems. For example, in one sequence, they have to hunt for an object
that will help Mia rouse resting ants. Once done, Mia works at earning a lock
for an ignition by solving math equations. Depending on the level, players will
need to recognize numbers, add, subtract, multiply, or divide in order to advance.
Activities are tied in well with the storyline. For example, Mia needs a clock
for the time machine, but will need to set the clock to the requested time of
day in order to earn it. Other math activities involve arranging numbers in
descending order, identifying geometric shapes, and completing number patterns.
This content-rich adventure is contained on two CD-ROMs, but disc swapping
is limited to only once in the adventure. Kids click on Mia's face in order
to get hints, and the more they click, the more specific the tips become. A
complete walk-through of the game is promised to be available on the Kutoka
web site, but most children ages seven to 10 will be able to get through it
independently with a little persistence and a lot of exploration.
Technically Speaking
Minimum system requirements are Windows 95+, Pentium
233, 64 MB RAM, 6X CD-ROM, and 40 MB free hard disk space. Mac users require
a G3 processor 233 MHz or iMac, System 8.1+, 64 MB RAM, 6X CD-ROM, and 40 MB
free hard disk space.
Skills Covered
Children work with addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division, geometry, logic, place value, fractions, measurement, inductive reasoning
skills, estimation, strategy, and mental computation.
Educational Value
The math activities can be accessed independently of
the adventure. However, the fact that they are incorporated into the storyline
so well makes them more meaningful and attractive when played in the context
of the adventure. Activities feature a nice range of math skills at four different
challenge levels.
Entertainment Value
The story — complete with cute characters and
"bad guys" kids love to hate — will appeal to most children. The program's
top-quality movie introduction easily sweeps children up into Mia's world, and
as the game advances, the mouse-eye view of the world continues to feature visuals
that are stunning.
Design
As in previous Mia titles, "the mouse follows the mouse"
— children simply point their cursor where they want Mia to go. The program
supports multiple players and multiple games for each. Background music can
be turned on or off, and activities can be played independently of the adventure.
Movie sequences can be skipped with a tap of the spacebar.
Replay Value
Kids have a well-defined goal to work toward, and the
problem solving required to complete the adventure is manageable enough to keep
children playing until they've saved the day.
Dollar Value
This CD-ROM carries a suggested retail price of $19.95
US.
The Bottom Line
Math exercises and problem solving are expertly equated
with fun in this content-rich software sequel.
Released: 2001
Reviewed: October 2001
