 |
The Best Just-for-Fun Computer Games
If you are looking for pure computer fun to give as a gift to a child this holiday season, here are some great ideas.
|
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Published on December 14th, 2001
|
|
If a child on your list loves Harry Potter, this is the PERFECT gift! This fabulous software game allows kids to become Harry Potter, the most famous kid-wizard of all. Players relive Harry’s first year at Hogwarts by attending classes, learning spells, exploring the inside and outside the magnificently rendered castle, flying on a broomstick to play Quidditch, and ultimately facing the evil Voldemort. A guaranteed winning gift that will make you a hero!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lego Racers 2
Published on December 14th, 2001
|
|
This adventure in racing will keep fast-driving kids happy. Youngsters must complete a series of racing challenges as they zoom their way through five different LEGO lands. Kids race to win over different tracks in each land. Players can drive over “power-ups” icons that give them special powers and add pizzazz to the game. The two-player split screen mode makes this a fun game to play with friends and family. (This game also plays well on the PlayStation 2 format.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Summary |
| Age |
6 - 14 |
Platform |
Windows |
| Price |
$20.00 |
Category |
Games |
| Grade |
|
ISBN |
|
| Company |
Lego Software
http://www.lego.com
|
| |
|
Hoyle Kids Games
Published on December 14th, 2001
|
|
Here’s a way to play 15 different games, all included on a single CD-ROM. Kids will find classics that they love, including Checkers, Chess, Snakes & Ladders, Crazy 8s, Go Fish, Hangman, and many more. There are also games that are new and available only on the computer, such as Placer Racer, a fast paced marble shooting game. Ten of the 15 games can host up to four players on the same computer. Or, kids can play against 12 animated computer opponents that are highly amusing. The Hoyle Genie teaches children how to play the games and there are no game pieces to lose!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Summary |
| Age |
5 - 12 |
Platform |
Windows Mac |
| Price |
$20.00 |
Category |
Games |
| Grade |
|
ISBN |
|
| Company |
Sierra
(800) 757-7707
http://www.hoylegames.com
|
| |
|
|
|
Backyard Basketball
Published on December 14th, 2001
|
|
Kids can take it to the hoop with the Backyard Bunch (an endearing group of cartoon kids) and kid versions of pro-athletes Kevin Garnett and Lisa Leslie in this newest addition to the award-winning “Backyard Sports” series. Kids draft players and act as managers for their own 3-on-3 teams. Easy to use point-and-click controls allow even the youngest hoopsters to enjoy playing basketball on the computer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nancy Drew: Treasure in the Royal Tower
Published on December 14th, 2001
|
|
Players take on the persona of Nancy Drew in this mystery set in a castle ski resort. As the famous sleuth, players interview characters, wander through the castle looking for clues, and solve a variety of puzzles. The mystery can be played on two levels of difficulty, and it features a helpful “second chance” option, which brings players back to the moment before they made a bad decision. Because of its delightfully complex problem-solving, this Nancy Drew software works best with teenagers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Who Wants to Be A Millionaire: Kids Edition
Published on December 14th, 2001
|
|
Regis is in rare form as he challenges children to participate in his show. His quips use teenage jive, and the questions are particularly relevant for kids. Questions cover music, movies, sports, science, history, games, and more. Kid-contestants get the same lifelines offered on the TV show. This is a fun way to walk away with a virtual million dollars!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
**************************************************
NEED A LAST MINUTE GIFT? CHOOSING CHILDREN'S SOFTWARE Magazine makes a terrific gift for anyone who has children or works with children. 64 pages of software advice for only $14.95. Go to www.ChoosingChildrensSoftware.com to order your gift subscription.
**************************************************
All software is judged on a five star scale by looking at the following five factors:
educational, fun, ease of use, value, technical.
Jinny Gudmundsen is the Editor of Computing With Kids magazine. If you have
questions or comments, please write to: .
© 2010 Computing With Kids
|
  
|
|
