Product
Overview
This satisfying CD-ROM Playset combo allows Thomas the Tank Engine fans to engineer Thomas himself around a virtual railroad track. The large, colorful playset sits atop the computer keyboard — most standard Windows keyboards are compatible — and straps securely and easily into place. Working parts on the playset include a whistle, throttle, action lever (for switching tracks), and a big Thomas button.
After signing in, kids can choose to learn how to drive Thomas in the orchard. The little tutorial found here is encouraging. Players learn how to use the throttle to move Thomas forward or backward, switch connecting tracks at a junction with the action lever, and pull the whistle to link and uncouple Thomas from other trains — or just for the fun of it!
Once the ins and outs of controlling Thomas have been learned, it's time to help Thomas to be a "really useful" engine — and fans of the popular engine will know that this is always Thomas' goal. Though younger kids can have a grand time simply driving Thomas around the island, others will want to play the program's four featured games and its equal number of mini-games.
Kids can roll right through the stations or journey into the sidings for a game. Alternatively, players can go to the Engine Sheds to access all of the main games, which are wonderful exercises in logic. One involves travelling around the island in search of a missing mail car, and then sorting mail. Kids can help repair a landslide that has broken the track by fetching loads of stones, and stopping from time to time to refill Thomas with water. A third activity involves printing tickets for passengers, and then taking them to their destinations. Lastly, kids help out other engines and vehicles by fetching the supplies they need.
Mini-games include a maze activity in which Toby is lost in the sidings, and one in which the naughty Troublesome Trucks need to be rounded up. There are four altogether, and all are great fun.
Children earn printable certificates and pictures of Thomas for each job well done. Every step of the way, players are encouraged and congratulated.
Technically Speaking
Minimum system requirements are Windows 95/98/Me, Pentium 233 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 8X CD-ROM, 2 MB Windows 95/98/Me-compatible SVGA video card, Win 95/98/Me-compatible sound card, DirectX version 7.0a (included) or higher. It requires a minimum of 60 MB of hard drive space.
Skills Covered
Kids develop strategic thinking skills and eye-hand coordination, and they learn to follow directions.
Educational Value
The featured games and mini-games are constructive exercises in logical thinking. Even playing engineer is a decent exercise for the brain — kids will need to learn the controls and draw on memory skills in order to successfully navigate the tracks. Because many of the games are multi-step, younger players might need a little help and "training" before they get the hang of it.
Entertainment Value
To begin with, the activities can be on the challenging side for many preschoolers. Still, for most, they are enjoyably so. Kids take great pleasure in the opportunity to ride around the island from Thomas' perspective, and enjoy the 3D graphics.
Design
Both the installation of the software and set-up of the playset are easy. Help is given frequently throughout the program — kids need only push the Thomas button on the playset for helpful instructions from Thomas. However, sometimes the instructions given as Thomas rolls along the track are a little confusing because the timing of these can be a little off. With the exception of an awkward sign-in process, operating the playset is fairly intuitive.
Replayability
The novelty of many CD-ROM playsets wears thin quickly, but this set is especially fun and its activities are rich. For these reasons, we expect high replay value.
Dollar Value
This CD-ROM carries a suggested retail price of $39.99 US.
Released: 2001
Reviewed: November 2001
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