Freddi Fish and Case of the Missing Kelp Seeds

© 1994 Humongous Entertainment
$13, CD-ROM for Mac, DOS and Windows
Teaches: problem solving skills, memory, counting, addition, subtraction
CTR Rating: 90%

CTR Review

Note that this title was re-released in 2007 as "Freddi Fish Kelp Seed Mystery." A Wii version was released in 2008 by Majesco (see the review). The code (and rating) is the same, but the graphics look jagged on modern, larger monitors. Keep in mind -- this title was state-of-the-art back in 1994. The Freddi Fish and Putt Putt series are one-player scavenger hunts that are high in control, and ideal for younger children. In this story, children embark on a mission to find all the kelp seeds. The graphics and music are similar to "Little Mermaid", even though this title was released before the Disney movie. To help Grandma Grouper replant her garden, children must search the ocean floor. Children help the fish search by clicking on pathways. Randomly sprinkled in the scenes are bottles containing clues to the missing seeds and special sea urchins that open up secret areas. The character development is excellent, as is the Caribbean-style music and graphics, making this a very pleasant program for young children. There are plenty of places to visit, with 40 screens -- each with about 10 hidden animations which vary in complexity and relate nicely to the story line. There are two structured games. Starfish Math is a five-level multiple-choice-style activity that focuses on addition. The activity's range of content is varied. In the first level, kids start out counting to three. Once they reach the fifth level, they can end up subtracting double digit numbers. In an arcade-style game, Feeding Time, children throw jellyfish at advancing sea animals. Higher levels provide different, faster animals. The story elements are the same with each use, but this was not a problem for our testers. Like the Putt-Putt and Fatty Bear titles, this is a lighthearted adventure that children will enjoy playing over and over again. We're happy to see it rereleased, and running nicely on Windows Vista.