Tracksters (www.tracksters.com)
© 2008 10Vox Entertainment
A great idea, but poorly implemented, Tracksters are a series of about a dozen Hot-Wheels-sized die cast cars that come with a code that provides access to an online racetrack. After children buy one of the $13 cars, they can register their car at www.tracksters.com where they can customize and then race a vertual replica of their car. We tried a candy red corvette, and were pleased to see the transfer from toy to on-screen fantasy car. You start by downloading a very large (90.8) MB file onto your hard drive and then install it on your Windows computer. After that, you are presented with a menu with four options, including a multiplayer (with others online) or a solo race in various locations. You can also choose to go back to your garage to decorate your car. During the races, the cars are impossible to steer, which makes things overly frustrating. The site features a translator module, which allows players to communicate in multiple languages and compete with players from around the world. In addition, players can attend TrackCollege and participate in trivia-based minigames to earn TrackBucks. These can be used to purchase new parts from the Track Mall to customize their cars. Bag it, for now.
$1315, Windows, Internet Site (not
Teaches: hand-eye coordination, strategy, logic
CTR Rating: 64%