Math Blaster: Master the Basics
© 2005 Knowledge Adventure, Inc.
Math facts drill meets video game in this frenetic 3D cartoon adventure, in which you steer a young male teen Blasternaut through a maze of moving platforms or though an obstacle course while being chased by lobster-like robots. The game succeeds in putting some "thrill in the drill", by presenting a compelling 3D adventure. After signing in, a student is presented with a menu containing eight sets of math problems, ranging from simple addition and subtraction to three-digit multiplication and division. It is possible to focus on one set of math facts, if needed. Progress is automatically saved. As children play, the challenge increases. Each game starts with an introduction describing your mission to save the world from math-hating robots. In order to get through a level, you have to make quick choices, using the space bar to blast down walls of ice and the arrow keys to jump to the platform holding the correct answer. The best part of the game is the fast-paced action. The worst part is the clumsy controls (compared to typical video game standards, at least) and the lack in choices over things like the gender of the lead character or the background music. It is hard to change levels, and when you select the exit icon, you are kicked out of the game without any indication that your progress has been saved. Math Blaster has certainly come a long way since we first reviewed it back in 1984 on an Apple II. While it could be improved, this latest edition continues the tradition of fast-paced math drills, set in an adventure setting.
$29.99, Windows 2000/XP
Teaches: math: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
CTR Rating: 86%