My 3-year-old son, Gavin, learned about computer interactivity by passive participation in action-packed games like Marathon and Doom. Potential psychological effects aside, his taste in CD-ROM entertainment stretches far beyond his years. When he hits a key or clicks the mouse, he expects something exciting to happen. Flimsy electronic storybooks won't satisfy this boy.
To pass the Gavin Test, a CD-ROM must have big machines or cool animals. It must contain more than a cute narration and characters that jump around when you click on them. The Escape of Marvin the Ape, based on a book by Caralyn and Mark Buehner, fits his bill. It follows a big, cool primate on an expedition from the zoo to New York City. Gavin gets music, a matching game, and painting segments to boot. Three worms, each with their own quirks, guide you through the narrative and, when selected, add a quirky dimension to the story experience. Albert is a wacky scientist. Wendy is a straitlaced assistant. Pablo is a groovy beatnik artist. Your child may favor one worm, but the presence of all three enhances the software's replay value considerably.
The interactive spots are fairly inventive, if a little sparse, and the artwork is vastly superior to the flood of dreck coming out these days for kids. Marvin follows the big guy as he wanders through the Big Apple. After his breakout, he visits attractions such as Central Park, the public transportation system, and an art gallery. Finding Marvin in each scene is a blast for kids and, when you click on him, you get his take on things in thought balloons. Kids' CDs are getting better all the time, and Marvin's right up there with the best. Take Gavin's advice (after clicking on Pablo the beatnik one too many times) and "play it, Daddy-o."
The Escape of Marvin the Ape CD-ROM for Mac and PC: US$29.95. Penguin USA: (800) 253 6476, fax +1 (201) 385 6521, email electronic@penguin.com, on the Web at www.penguin.com/usa/.
STREET CRED
Empire without EmperorEmail Snaps
Play It, Daddy-O!
