R.P. Phillips and his 3 year old son, C.A. Phillips (CAP), reviewed three pieces of software from Humongous Entertainment: Blue's Treasure Hunt, Blue's Birthday Adventure, and Blue's 1 2 3 Time.

Blue's Treasure Hunt Blue's Birthday Adventure Blue's 123 Time Activities

A "CAP & Dad" Review By C.A. Phillips and R.P. Phillips

What is Blue's Treasure Hunt?

A 2 CD set with 3 different "Blue's Clues" mini-adventures. Each of the 3 mini-adventures have you looking for the usual "3 clues" to solve a particular puzzle as well as finding 3 pieces of a treasure map that, when all mini-adventures are solved, lead you to the the final "big" prize.

Within each mini-adventure, there is a lot to explore and several different "fun" activities to do. Besides these, there is also CAP's favorite of finding and playing with the different "little animations" - he clicks on everything!

With so much to do and learn, it was difficult to get "someone" away from the computer. The variety of activities contained within each segment made the "quest" more of a pleasure trip than a challenge (even though some of these activities do offer a degree of difficulty).

Yes, CAP had to complete the "Treasure Hunt" before he'd put it away. Luckily for me he didn't see what the ultimate treasure (Land of Great Discovery) was. And this isn't a "one time" finish and store game. He has re-done the "Hunt" on his next two computer days (as well as some of his other CDs as well) and has already added it to his list for his next computer day.

It is a lot of fun and well worth the price!

 

Rating & Review Summary for Blue's Treasure Hunt

CAP Rating = 5 of 5

Pros: Literally "hours" of entertainment for him. He loved it. The mouse easily controls all movements. Cons: His only complaint relates to Dad interfering with his playing.

DAD Rating = 4 1/2 of 5

Pros: Literally "hours" of entertainment for him. Educationally a bit ahead of him, but he still managed to understand and complete it with a minimal amount of help. Cons: As a parent, I really could have used a "map" which highlighted the areas we needed to go. As a child, he found the areas I didn't know existed & made me look bad. And I want my G3 back!

What is Blue's Birthday Adventure?

It is a way to play 4 different "Blue's Clues" puzzles/games while you prepare for the ultimate finale - Blue's birthday party. From the beginning (above) personalization page, you know the entire 2 CD adventure is going to be festive.

Again, there are a lot of "activities" to do as you click your mouse through the different "Blue's Clues" fun and educational segments.

Why I am not a fan of the television show - I am becoming very fond of the way they've been added to CD for children. Actually, the CD adventures are a lot better than the show and CAP is a lot happier participating in & solving the adventure(s) at the computer than he ever was watching the television version (where he truly questions the mental capacities of the "Steve" character).

Another CD set that is worth the price - even if you and your children aren't really fans of the TV show.

Rating & Review Summary for Blue's Birthday Adventure

CAP Rating = 5 of 5

Pros: Literally "hours" of entertainment for him. He loved it. Easy mouse navigation. Cons: He had no complaints.

DAD Rating = 4 1/2 of 5

Pros: Literally "hours" of entertainment for him. Educationally a bit ahead of him, but he still managed to understand and complete it with a minimal amount of help. Cons: As a parent, I really could have used a "map" which highlighted the areas we needed to go.

What Is Blue's 123 Activities:
It is a collection of different counting and sorting activities. Some fun and educational activities, but, I wasn't overly fond of the concept of "receiving a cash (Blue's dollar) reward" for finishing some activities and disliked the concept of "being paid" for helping out friends in other areas. Granted, the "payments" were a requirement to complete the final activity (purchasing different parts to make a "big" prize).

We were both, somewhat, disappointed in the lack of the traditional trademark of the characters - no Blue's Clues.

Short Review:
If you read our reviews of the other Blue's Clues software titles, you'll probably understand why we were disappointed with this specific title. Why it did have some really good and educational activities - the entire "money" concept really didn't sit well at all & the lack of "clues" is baffling as well as another disagreeable aspect.

If you and your child know what to expect and what is missing before hand and really want to concentrate on counting and math skills; then this might be a good choice for you.

Why Post An Unfavorable Review:
First off, it did get 3 out of 5 - still putting it above average.

Secondly, I thought that is what reviewing was all about - good, bad or so-so - you always try to call it as you see it. This not only helps out those interested in buying that particular software, it also lets the software makers know the truth so as they can make appropriate changes to their next title. (Additionally, I'm sure they realize they can't please all the people all the time.)

Rating & Review Summary for Blue's 123 Time Activities

CAP Rating = 3 of 5

Pros: It had Blue and his friends doing some fun activities. Cons: Got "very" frustrated when he couldn't find any "Blue's Clues".

DAD Rating = 3 of 5

Pros: Several fun activities. Pretty good "mathematically". Cons: Not really sure he should be "learning" to expect payment for helping friends. No "Blue's Clues".

The Reviewing Team.
"CAP" turned 3 at the end of August and has been "doing 'puters" for about 2 years now. He's presently owns 32 child specific programs and has received 6 more for review at or since EXPO-2000. His opinion is invaluable! As a "child" he sees these programs through a child's eye - and really knows what he likes and dislikes. It is "these opinions" I hope to incorporate into my review. Me?

"Dad"; probably better known as R.P. Phillips of the Phillips Files section of MacMilitia or Bob the "G" man from this Reviews section.

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