Product Overview
Kids join the Rugrats gang and get to be super sleuths! Players meet up with Tommy, Private "Defective", and hear a "client" describe a case that needs to be solved. The case may be the missing "jack" in Phil's jack-in-the-box and Tommy needs help clearing "Madame Lillian's" name (since she is being framed for the crime, and, if the case isn't solved, she might get time-out for a "long time"). It may be a case of "who stole Angelica's Cynthia doll", or some other awful crime!
After the nature of the mystery has been relayed, it is time to search for clues! Players find the babies in their playpen at home. Clicking on either of the parents (Didi or Stu) will take them to an environment in which clues can be found. Choosing Didi will bring the babies to The Park, where they will meet with an informant. But this informant will give information only for a price -- Reptar bars. To collect these bars, kids play the following games:
- In Turtle Recall, players help Tommy clear a path in the fountain to the baby turtle's mommy.
- In Worm-a-licious help the twins Phil and Lil fill their pockets with worms, so they can eat them later (!). It takes a bit of coordination toggling between the left and right arrows to help the twins.
- Just Ducky involves leading baby ducks to the pond before Spike gets to them.
Clicking on Stu will take kids to the Home Heaven environment, where they will play the following games:
- Shake it Up, Babies! requires players to help the Rugrats catch the bouncing balls in their paint shakers.
- In Baby Shower, help Dil hold off the big kids by spraying them with water before they get too close.
- In Dummi Bear Express, the Dummi Bears have fallen asleep and Tommy needs help knocking the stars down so that they will come out and play.
Once the 3 games in an environment are completed, players go back to the informant and exchange Reptar Bars for information. There are 10 different mysteries to solve in all. When a mystery is solved, there is a final showdown and the guilty party is revealed, which leads to a dramatic confession.
This program is very charming, with excellent sound effects and music. Drag the mouse over the various icons on the main screen, for example, and you will hear a dramatic saxophone sound effect. The opening video is hilarious and fun. Kid testers were enthralled by the whole idea of doing detective work, and enjoyed the activities.
Technically Speaking
Minimum requirements are Windows 95/98 or NT 4.0, a Pentium 133 MHz, 16 Mb RAM, and 4X CD ROM. Mac users require a 150 MHz Power PC with 16 Mb RAM, System 7.5 or higher, and at least 4X CD ROM. 25 Mb hard drive space is required for this product.
Skills Covered
critical thinking, problem solving, memory, strategy.
Educational Value
Although more fun than educational, some basic thinking skills are covered.
Entertainment Value
The Rugrats will, of course, be the initial draw. However, the activities and the whole detective theme will keep kids coming back for more.
Design
This title is very well-designed, with clear instructions and multi-level activities.
Replayability
Kids will return to this program over and over. There are 10 different mysteries to solve and arcade style activities that will appeal to most kids aged 6 and up.
Dollar Value
This program retails for $29.95 US.
Released: 1999
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