There are 3 different ways to move around Tonka Workshop -- use the traditional mouse interface, the arrow keys on the keyboard, or the Playset itself. The Playset is extremely easy to set up -- simply place it on top of almost any standard computer keyboard and strap it into place. Tools include the drill, hammer, saw, sprayer, screwdriver, and sander. The Tonka Joe Button on the playset acts like a click of the mouse, and pressing it will select the highlighted hotspot on the screen.

The main screen is the Tonka Workshop Headquarters, from which kids can select one of the 5 main activities:

• In the Barn, players select a project category then build their project using virtual tools.
• The Cellar is a freeplay building activity. Kids express their creativity on a sheet of wood, and every press of a tool will bring up a new item such as a nail or paint onto the wood.
• In the Storage Shed, kids create sculptures from either cement, steel, or wood. Players use their tools to chip away at the different materials, and what they create is a surprise.
• The Pickup Truck brings kids to the country where there is work to be done! The bridge, picket fence, and a bike are in need of repair.
• Kids stop by the Tree House to play one of 3 games -- Tool Tag, Tool Challenge, and Tool Tunes. Kids race to get rid of termites, and repeat sounds using their tools.

Tonka Joe serves as a helpful host who guides kids through the various activities, and the Tape Measure contains some handy icons that allow kids to navigate through the game, print a completed project, start a project all over again, and exit the game.

Kid testers ages 3 and 4 (a boy and a girl) were thoroughly pleased with the program and wanted to return to it often. The 6 year old tester lost interest after only one day -- I suspect that he was too old for it. Parents should note that this program has little to offer in terms of educational value, and is heavy on "fun" factor. It is best for preschoolers because the activities pretty much guarantee success and are very straightforward.

Technically Speaking
Minimum requirements are Windows 95/98, a Pentium 90 processor, 16 Mb RAM, and 4X CD ROM (8X recommended). DirectX 5.2 is required and included.

Skills Covered
Creativity, very basic logical thinking, eye-hand coordination.

Educational Value
This title has little educational value except for that intrinsic in creative play. Purchase this title for its entertainment value only.

Entertainment Value
The Playset is an innovative and fun way to play a computer game. With this workshop kids get to build, destroy, sculpt, and repair to their hearts' content.

Design
The toy tool Playset very easily straps onto a standard keyboard without any fuss of computer cables or connections, but it is rather bulky to store when not in use. This title can be played using the mouse, arrow keys, and/or the Playset, and each is active throughout play so that kids can use the method that comes the most naturally to them.

Replayability
The novelty of the playset may wear off as with most toys, but there is a decent selection of activities in the program to keep kids busy at least for a little while.

Dollar Value
This title retails for approximately $40 US.