This Barbie three-pack of previously released programs is inexpensive but poor in terms of quality. The best of the bunch is Barbie Magic Hair Styler. Girls interact with a 3D Barbie (or with her friend Christie, Kira or Teresa) to style the doll's hair, and to put on her make-up and accessories. A set of hairstyling tools allows girls to cut, curl and color the hair. When the "look" is completed, Barbie models it. In Ocean Discovery, Barbie takes on the role of marine biologist and must find a mysterious sunken treasure. Children are called in to help Barbie and her friends Ken and Sandy (a dolphin) as they search the depths. The graphics in this program are excellent and perhaps its best feature. Barbie swims through beautiful 3D scenes where fish and other sea life swim about. Kids control where she swims and help her navigate the waters by using map skills and memory. Even though they'd sometimes get stuck, kindergartners and first graders liked the CD more than the older girls did. Few of our testers wanted to play it again, however, after completing the adventure the first time. In the Gotta Groove CD, kids choreograph 3D dance routines for Barbie and her friends. Girls can choose outfits for the characters, decorate the stage, choreograph and then watch Barbie and her friends perform the dance. Unfortunately, the creativity tools are difficult to figure out, and getting the dancers to do what you want can be a frustrating experience. The program lacks responsivity as well, with lots of lost clicks. In addition to choreographing dances, kids can create a "personality page" for an onscreen scrapbook. This activity is very weak, with too few choices of artwork and no text options.
Teaches: Age Range: Copyright © 2001 Children's Software Revue
Amazon.com Product Description
This set features three Barbie CD-ROMs in one package:
Barbie Generation Girl Gotta Groove,
Barbie Ocean Discovery, and
Barbie Magic Hair Styler. With
Barbie Generation Girl Gotta Groove girls choreograph entire 3-D dance routines using the latest hip-hop, techno-pop, and salsa moves for Barbie and her Generation Girl friends in this interactive game. Players can also design colorful, patterned, or sequined outfits, and choose from tons of cool effects, backgrounds, and lighting.
Go on an underwater adventure with Barbie and her friend Sandy the dolphin on a mission to find sunken treasure in Barbie Ocean Discovery. Girls solve challenging activities and puzzles as they explore an ocean environment filled with lots of surprises and clickables. Players can even save favorite photos, captured with an underwater camera, and create a printable scrapbook of their discoveries.
And with Barbie Magic Hair Styler girls can create stylish new looks for Barbie and her friends by cutting, coloring, or even growing their hair. Players choose from Barbie, Kira, Christie, or Teresa, and apply makeup, add accessories, and change their hairstyles to match various special occasions. Girls can then watch their chosen model in 3-D as she shows off her fashionable new look. Players can also print out their makeover designs to share with friends.
