As the gang discusses possible ways of signaling for help, players select from one of three possible solutions that determines the game path of the adventure. This is a novel way of varying gameplay. They might, for example, be looking for items to make a kite with the message HELP written on it, and a small mirror that will reflect the sun and attract attention. In this case, players look for blueberries (for ink), string, a small mirror, and fishing poles. As they find the items, they can check in with The Brain who is busy assembling the rescue device.

Activities encountered along the way include assembling tents according to instructions, balancing Arthur on a log, and climbing a cliff while watching out for falling debris and cracking rocks. Children direct Arthur through a darkened cave maze equipped only with a flashlight, collect items such as a saw and rope to use at various points in the adventure, and refer to a map to center themselves.

Throughout the program, players snap "photos" of various wildflowers, animals, and insects, filling up their Nature Book. In the end, if players help Arthur collect more of these information tidbits than Francine, they receive a special certificate from Mr. Ratburn. Both the Nature Book pages and certificates are printable, as is the campfire story that children listen to after solving the adventure.

Technically Speaking
Minimum requirements are Win 95/98/NT/2000, Pentium 166 MHz, 16 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM. Up to 50 MB of free hard drive space is required. Mac users require a Power PC 120 MHz+, System 7.5.1 or better, 16 MB RAM free, and 4X CD-ROM.

Skills Covered
problem solving, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, spatial relations, nature, wildlife.

Educational Value
Kids won't learn any of the 3 R's with this program, but they need to use their noggins nonetheless. Though players will be trying to solve the problems Arthur and the gang face by thinking things through, it is possible for children to solve the whole adventure by simply doing a lot of clicking and trial and error. The puzzles are not hugely innovative, and the greatest educational benefit we observed was memory and mental mapping.

Entertainment Value
The graphics in this program are vibrant and thoroughly appealing. Of course, the Arthur franchise will be a draw for fans of the show, and few children would pass up on the mission to save the day.

Design
In an honest attempt to simplify the program so that children can readily "click through" chatter, younger (hasty) players ended up missing a lot of pertinent information as a result. The transitions from screen to screen were not quite as smooth as they could be as a result, but all in all, the program is easy to use and navigate. The "Save" button is on the same screen as the "Quit" option, which helps remind children to save their game. I personally prefer the program to have a sign-in feature and automatic saves for this age group, but maybe this option teaches kids to think and be responsible in a small way!