Darwin is a rather unique monkey. After all, how many monkeys are fastidious? Though he detests the thought of getting dirty, he loves his cheese munchies just a little more. In Another Vine Mess, players direct Darwin through a mysterious rainforest on his search to regain his coveted treats. He must deal with what he considers to be unrefined marmosets, avoid crocodiles and other playful animals, and gather clean shirts and munchies.

A fun game has little Donnie, whose favorite food is - ugh - bugs, chasing all kinds of little critters through mazes all the while dodging wild predators and avoiding things like mud that will slow him down. In the Arctic, Eliza is heroically returning baby animals to their moms by hopping onto floating icebergs at just the right moment.

Players hop over to Asia to play Monkey Chaser with Debbie, and visit Down Under for a game of Boomerang Tango.

All five of the games require some relatively quick reflexes, though most are really quite easy to learn. Children generally use the computer keyboard to move characters through the different arcade adventures.

Remember that this is not much more than an arcade program. There could have been more educational value thrown in. This title, for the most part, doesn't purport to be much more than it is, though some might be misled by the box's claim that this program takes kids on a "world-wide tour". Geography is not taught.

For those looking for a bit of fun, this title likely won't disappoint. Testers enjoyed it, though they were not jumping for joy over it. Some of the games are entirely addictive, and the graphics as well as gameplay are well done.

Note that there are only 10 levels for each of the activities, and once the levels are completed, players need to start from scratch again. The idea is to redo them in an attempt to get a higher overall score, but the easy levels will seem even less challenging once the hard levels have been mastered.

Technically Speaking
Minimum requirements are Win 95/98/2000, Multimedia 166 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM. Minimum 60 MB of free hard drive space to install and 20 MB to run.

Skills Covered
hand-eye coordination, navigation, computer keyboard and mouse skills, strategy.

Educational Value
This is an arcade-style program that involves some hand-eye coordination and a bit of strategy in order to be successful, but is not meant to be an academic program.

Entertainment Value
Most of the 5 games are fun to play while they last (there are only 10 levels per activity). The graphics are bright and inviting, and background music appropriate.

Design
A straightforward, user-friendly interface ensures children can pop in the CD and play without a fuss.

Replayability
Though the games themselves are enjoyable, with only 10 levels each, they eventually run out of steam. Once the levels are successfully completed in each game, players who want to continue with the activity must start over at the easiest level.

Dollar Value
Suggested retail price is $30 US.