ToonTalk 2
© 2001 Animated Programs
This new version of ToonTalk has the same goal as the original— to teach children how to create and run programming routines. Here's the premise: a Martian has crashed his spaceship, and kids must help him repair it by completing tasks. These tasks are really a sequence of interactive puzzles that gradually introduce programming techniques. As they progress in the adventure, children learn how to build programs step by step. The game is very strong conceptually, and a great exercise in logical thinking, but has some serious flaws. Our testers had difficulty completing the tasks, and found interaction with objects (a critical aspect of program-building) awkward and unintuitive. Graphics are amateurish. On the positive side, the program does seem to be easier to use than the original, and the price has dropped. Versions are available in Japanese, UK English, Swedish, and Portuguese.
$24.95, Win
Teaches: programming, logic, creativity