Kids need to bring back 4 items to Redline Rick:

• extra hi-powered/hi-octane gas
• super speedy radial racing tires
• a safety helmet
• a triangular flag

In order to retrieve these items, kids must look for clues, solve problems for different characters, and investigate objects.

Once kids collect all 4 items, it is time to race in the Cartown 500! The best thing about this is that kids get to "be" Putt-Putt by steering him around the track!

There are mini-games embedded in the adventure, and they are really FUN. One notable mini-game involves helping Betsy Bulldozer by frantically hammering nails into wood.

Gameplay is similar to previous Putt-Putt titles (mostly like Putt-Putt Travels through Time, because objects are randomized to make each game a "new" game). There is a better way to save and load games (click on the key in the ignition to do so, instead of the spacebar). Is it my imagination or is it a little bit easier than the other titles? Or am I (and my kids) getting more familiar with Putt-Putt titles?

Can you believe the range for this title (ages 3 to 8)? Do you really expect that a 3 year old can enjoy this game as much as an 8 year old? I can. This title entertains all 3 of my kids (who are 2, 4, and 8).

Technically Speaking
This requires a Pentium 90 or higher, with minimum 16 MB RAM and 4X CD ROM. Windows 3.1 users are included! Mac users need to have a Power PC 90 with System 7.1 or higher, at least 16 MB RAM and 4X CD.

No installation is required at all with Windows 95/98 AutoPlay feature. This is an excellent multimedia title with high performance and excellent graphics.

Skills Covered
problem solving, critical thinking, memory, organizing ideas, mazes

Educational Value
This title is not meant to be explicitly educational, and Humongous doesn’t promise any more than they should! The adventure teaches kids to use their noggin, plan ahead, and it rewards kids for being curious.

Entertainment Value
Excellent. The highest rating possible for this category! Characters are so cute, you want to reach in the screen and grab 'em. You'll discover all sorts of cute and often humorous surprises throughout the game.

Design
Navigation is superb. I am particularly pleased with the save/load improvements. A lot of care and thought has gone into this title, and it shows.

Replayability
Randomization of objects makes this title very replayable. But more importantly, the reward for solving the clues (racing in the Cartown 500) is a particularly motivating one! Humongous outdid themselves in this area.

Dollar Value
You get what you pay for. However, the suggested retail price ($30) is still a tad steep. (Or maybe I'm just cheap).