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Easy to use
probably best sums up the new Barbie CD-ROM, Barbie Mermaid
Adventure. Best for younger fans of the ubiquitous doll,
this computer game features undersea
mazes, pong-like games, and assorted just-for-fun
activities.
The magic
shell has lost its light, just when Barbie and her undersea
buddies are getting ready for a celebration. Legend has it
that finding three rainbow dolphins will restore the light
to the shell. Children need to help Barbie and her seahorse
friend, Samika, find the dolphins. At the same time, they
will have to invite musicians to the celebration and collect
decorations.
Three
arches lead to the different areas of the ocean where the
rainbow dolphins can be found. Kids need to play two
activities, invite musicians, and collect decorations in
each undersea world before a sparkling path appears, leading
them to the rainbow dolphin. In each world, kids can click
on a clownfish to hear jokes, such as "Why won't crabs
share their toys? Because they are shellfish."
Although
there are 6 activities found in the three underwater worlds,
3 of them are jewelry mazes and are very similar to each
other. The other activities include a Pong-like activity, a
matching game, and a logic game that involves soothing baby
cuddlefish to sleep, one at a time. Once all dolphins are
found, kids design a song and decorate Barbie's jewelry and
the dance hall in preparation for the celebration.
The
game's ease of use is both a strength and weakness,
depending on the audience. The activities are virtually
error-free and not very challenging, which means that four-
and five-year-old children can play independently. However,
children older than five will likely enjoy the game the
first time through, but ultimately find it lacking in
challenge and depth. We would have liked to see more
interactivity in general. Although some of the activities
become slightly more challenging as kids continue to play
them, more levels of challenge would have greatly improved
the game's depth.
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