Children create silly scripts for the puppet show by selecting different words to place in the story templates. Kids help determine the outcome of the silly skits, then watch as the puppets perform their often humorous selections on-stage.

"Deesco" with Jar-Jar involves kids by allowing them to choose different dance moves and beats, plan a dance sequence, and sit back and watch Jar-Jar boogie. Music Droids turns children into composers in a delightful activity that allows children to select background music and instruments to "play along" with. This is beautifully done, as children can choose from a number of different grid templates and roll their mouse over them to create truly pleasing musical compositions.

Children practice sorting cute little creatures sporting assorted tails, horns, and colorful bodies with the ultimate goal of dunking Boss Nass (and they love to see his startled face when he does go under!). Slinging colorful blobs of paints at druids sounds like loads of fun, but testers soon tired of this activity that has children recognizing and completing patterns in the Coliseum. However kids who stick with it will discover gradually more challenging patterns to complete.

An underwater search for treasure helps familiarize kids with spatial concepts like closer/farther, left/right, and more. They direct Obi-Wan through color-coded caves on a search for treasure-filled clams according to clues. As levels advance, the clues become more complex, and kids need to pay attention to words that describe the direction they must go in order to find the treasures.

Creativity is the main focus of this title. Free play is encouraged, and directed activities are also included, helping to round out this Activity Center's educational offerings.

Don't be fooled into thinking this Activity Center is much less educational than other preschool and kindergarten curriculum-based software offerings just because it is so much fun! Kids won't learn their alphabet or solve math equations, but through play they will be exposed to pre-reading and pre-math concepts such as vocabulary, sorting skills, problem-solving skills, and more.

Technically Speaking
Minimum requirements are Windows 95, 98, or 2000 Direct X compatible; Pentium 166 MHz; 32 MB RAM; 4X IDE or SCSI CD-ROM drive; 100% Direct X compatible 2MB PCI or AGP graphics card; 100% Direct X compatible 16-bit sound card; 70 MB hard drive space. Macintosh: Mac OS 7.6 or higher; 160 MHz PowerPC 603e, 120 MHz PowerPC 604, or any G3 or faster; 32 MB RAM; 4X CD-ROM; 640x480 display with thousands of colors; 70 MB hard drive space.

Skills Covered
color recognition, pattern recognition, pattern extension, vocabulary, prereading, timbre, pitch, rhythm, musical instruments, motor, perceptual development, sorting and classifying by attribute, memory, problem solving, spatial concepts, fine motor skills

Educational Value
This rather breezy approach to learning places exploration and discovery in the child's hands. On the surface, this title doesn't appear as academic as some; dig a little deeper, however, and you will find some half-decent skill-building going on. The creative music activity stands out as very innovative and fun.

Entertainment Value
The graphics are superb, and there is a nice variety of games to keep kids interested. Humor and good cheer prevail.

Design
The interface is easy to understand. Many of the activities use auto-leveling, which automatically advances children to the next level as they show mastery of certain skills. There is a subtitles option and the ability to print out extension activities as well.

Replayability
We expect replay value to be fair. Activities are fun and inviting, but there is no additional motivation to play the games, which some children may need. For most preschoolers, however, the activities themselves will have some life.

Dollar Value
Suggested retail price is $29.95 US.