Axe 3, The: Titans of Classic Rock
© 1998 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Forget music lessons— you can jam with the best of them using just your mouse or joystick. The CD provides the background music; 12 famous rock songs (i.e. Aqualung), and you get to "play" an instrument along with the song. Instrument choices include those like electric guitar, piano and sax. You quickly get to see the results of your efforts as you hear yourself playing cool riffs along with the tune. The visual effects are there as well, as you can choose from several wild music videos that turn the cursor into a psychedelic paint brush or a series of notes on a staff. You can record, playback and save your creations, but that's all there is to the program. We enjoyed playing with the software, but felt it came up lacking as a teaching tool. Still, the program would work well in home settings and in schools as a springboard to further music instruction. Note: there are two other Axe programs: The Axe Vol. 1 and The Axe Grooves, each selling for $19.95.
$29.95, Win 95, 98 (CD-ROM)
Teaches: music, creativity