Dora the Explorer: Backpack Adventure

by Atari

Product Features

• All the popular characters from the hit PBS show are here - Dora and Boots, Tico the Squirrel, Benny the Bull and more
• Dora, Boots and her friends will face seven challenges, collecting stickers every time they succeed
• Teaches children basic thinking skills, as well as computer usage
• Multiple locations, play modes, and difficulty levels
• Ages 3 to 5

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006BN8F
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Media: CD-ROM
• Release Date: August 15, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,146 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #50 in Software > Children's Software > Math
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Nearly any fan of Dora the Explorer's TV show will enjoy this structured "adventure" in which players help the program's intrepid heroine achieve the noble goal of returning her library books on time. While not exactly suspenseful, the program is ideal for children ages 3 to 5 who are just learning how to use a computer. Over a soundtrack of catchy Latin music, the player helps Dora and her perky friends overcome a series of seven obstacles, and collects sticker prizes along the way. The program is unlikely to hold the attention of more computer-savvy kids as it is very predictable, structured, and slow paced. But its emphasis on teamwork, and opportunities to practice color, shape, and number recognition--not to mention learn a little Spanish--make it worthwhile.

Only a minute or so into the program most adults will find Dora's incessant cheerfulness a bit old as she shouts out a steady stream of encouragement. But for kids, this aspect may not be so hard to take. Dora's pack of friends from the TV show all appear in the program, along with the Fiesta Trio, a dancing frog-snail-and-bug band.

The seven games that make up the plot of the program emphasize basic skills and concepts. They include locating Dora's books by color, sorting through her backpack for objects, and solving simple pattern-recognition problems. There are three levels of difficulty--each varies according to how much Spanish is used and how advanced the number and pattern problems are. One drawback is that if a child gets stuck there is no way to ask for specific help or hints. A useful feature, however, is the ability to stop and start the program where the player left off, and save individual programs for up to three different players.

While kids used to more fast-paced programs may quickly get bored, young children--especially those who are already fans of the TV show--will have fun developing their mouse skills and putting their problem-solving abilities to the test. --Molly Masland

Product Description

Dora the Explorer Backpack Adventure (PC CD-ROM), Product #23741

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Does Dora Live up to her Show?, August 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Dora the Explorer: Backpack Adventure (CD-ROM)

Dora the Explorer: Backpack Adventure is the first CD-ROM starring Dora and her friends. For the parents that have bought Nick Jr. software before, such as the Blue's Clues series, I must warn you, you will be a tad dissapointed. First, however, the pros. Infrogames (that's right, Humongous is gone, Infogames has taken over) has copied 95% of Dora's world into this game. All her friends are there, and are voiced by the TV actors. The music is from the show as well, and Dora asks for your child's help a lot. This game is based on Backpack Adventure, which means you are helping Dora return her books to the library. Now, sadly, we come to the other 5%. First off, if you're looking for free exploration and clickable surprises, you will only find them in 2 screens of this game. The rest of it is game-structured. You finish a game, you're done at that location. Second, the Map screen. When you look at the Map, instead of seeing three locations, you see 7. Still, the Map tells you you only need to go to three of those locations, yet you go to all 7. This could be confusing for a child who has seen the show. Also, if your child likes the songs, he or she is in for a surprise. Only one song is played fully, and two (I'm the Map and Grumpy old Troll) are recited. The other two, Vamanos and Backpack, are shortened. Aside from that, this is a good game for any Dora fan.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars My 3 year was bored after 3 plays the first day., October 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Dora the Explorer: Backpack Adventure (CD-ROM)

I would have to agree with the other reviewers of this game. This game looks and sounds like it is 3 to 4 years old, Infogames must have been put on a quick deadline to get it done. Graphics are very poor, details are lacking, and there is very little a child can explore on their own. There is little incentive to play it again after completing it one time at each skill level. My daughter loves Dora, but has not wanted to play this game since the day we brought it home. My advice would be to wait until it appears in the bargain bin at the store.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very poor, September 6, 2002

By 

"roojo" (rockville, md United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dora the Explorer: Backpack Adventure (CD-ROM)

The children's show Dora the Explorer is ready made for computer games but unfortunately Infogrames has done a terrible job putting this together.

1.The game is full of glitches, I have run it on a MAC and a PC and have had problems with it on both platforms.

2. The game is VERY limited, my son loves Dora but was bored with this after a few plays.

3. My advice is save your money and buy some Dora books
instead.