ItzaBitza
© 2008 Sabi Games
Even a four-year-old can be a computer designer, with this innovative draw-your-own adventure for Windows computers. Available either on CD-ROM, or as a $20 download from www.sabigames.com, the experience is like an interactive flannel board, where children are invited to draw the story elements. It is a very strong early reading experience that brings back memories of the 1996 classic "Orly's Draw-A-Story." The game uses a technology called "living ink" that was developed at Microsoft (Sabi Games). You start with themed playsets: Home Sweet Home, Camping, Space Adventure, Haunted House and Country Farm. You have to complete a challenge in order to unlock the next playset. Fortunately, this isn't very hard. At various points, children are asked to draw each part of the story. This is a pretty amazing process -- a semi-transparent layer (onion skin) covers the screen so you can still see objects underneath. The computer somehow can tell the difference between a door, window and chimney, so when you're done, your character (called a Sketchy) goes in the door and appears in the window; while smoke comes out of the chimney. When you draw a sun, the rain might stop, things start to blossom, and the story elements seem to be amazingly connected -- making you want to keep on exploring. If you're a pre-reader, you'll be an active participant in the language process, because the menus are read aloud by child narrators. Drawbacks include an inability to save a playset in progress. You can save a snapshot, but that's it. While the music is nice, it would be nice to have some options, including silence. Also, there are a few bottlenecks in the story. When asked to "feed the spider 10 flies" our six-year-old tester grew frustrated trying to find the flies. A hint system might help. Our tester, aged 6, liked the program at first, but once they solved all the levels, were less interested. Note that you'll need a Windows computer that can support DirectX 9.0, with a one-time Internet connection during the installation. To install the program, you'll need an activation key which can be used on up to five computers. If you're looking for a solid early language experience with a strong dose of creativity, don't pass over this innovative title, especially if you teach emerging readers. It is well worth the $20.
$20, Windows (Internet Connection required for activation)
Teaches: reading, creativity, following directions
CTR Rating: 92%