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SuperKids Software Review - The Parent's and Teacher's Guide to Childrens' Software
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spacer all reviews > > > problem solving software

I Spy Fantasy

Scholastic

Ages 6 to 10

Rating Scale
5 = great,    1 = poor
Educational Value
3.5
Kid Appeal
3.0
Ease of Use
5.0

I Spy Fantasy arrow indentSystem Requirements

arrow indentPC / Mac Price Survey

arrow indentProduct Support

Based directly on the based on the book of the same title by Jean Marzollo, I Spy Fantasy, in which readers search densely packed pictures to find objects referred to in the accompanying text, the interactive version allows players to choose from three fantasy environments. Kids can search for sunken treasure under the sea, invade a castle to defeat a dragon and rescue a princess, or undertake a mission to an alien planet.

I Spy Fantasy includes 54 skillfully worded riddles that players must solve by finding objects hidden in a scene. Players collect prizes when each riddle is completed. In the alien planet environment, players win rocket fuel pellets. When all of the fuel is collected, the rocket blasts off into space.

Educational Value

I Spy Fantasy, like the I Spy books, promotes problem solving skills and logic in solving the riddles. Naturally, children must also use visual discrimination to choose the correct objects from the scenes. It is good for early reading practice and letter recognition. Players must also listen to and follow instructions, which boosts auditory learning.

Children with shorter attention spans may become frustrated with this game, which requires a great deal of concentration.

Kid Appeal

Kids liked the fantasy-themed scenes, but for some the game became tedious and repetitive. The game asks the players to accomplish the same tasks over and over again, much like searching for pieces to solve a jigsaw puzzle. This computer game is not action packed and thrilling, but rather a quiet rainy day activity.

Ease of Use / Install

Installation is very easy. Using the program is very intuitive. The program navigation is very well planned. Help and oral instructions are available at all times, so children can easily use this program without adult assistance.

Best for... / Bottom-Line

I Spy Fantasy is best for children who have high levels of concentration. Multiple players can use the program, so it could be used in the classroom as a supplemental game, a reward for students, or a rainy day recess activity. . However, it is primarily best-suited for use at home.

See SuperKids' comparisons with other problem solving software titles, and the Buyers Guide for current market prices of the PC and Mac versions.

System Requirements
PC: Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, XP, or later, Pentium® II 266 MHz or faster processor , 20 MB hard drive space, 32 MB RAM, 16-bit color display, 8X or faster CD-ROM, Windows-compatible sound card .

Mac: System 8.6 - 9.2.2; OS X 10.1.2 or later , iMac/G3 233 MHz or faster processor, 20 MB hard drive space, 32 MB RAM, 16-bit color display, 24X or faster CD-ROM, .

Reviewed on:
-     Pentium III - 750 running Windows 2000, with 196MB RAM and 24x - CD-ROM
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