LEGO Friends

by Lego Media

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00002EPYS
• Item Weight: 5 ounces
• Media: CD-ROM
• Release Date: September 12, 1999
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,208 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #84 in Software > Children's Software > Art & Creativity
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From Children's Software Revue® -- "Subscribe Now!"

Designed by Danish developer Ivanoff Interactive in association with London-based Flipside, this unusual CD lets girls compose songs and choreograph dance routines for a teen-aged Spice Girl-like band. The premise is that there is a big "gig" coming to the school and it's up to the kids to develop the show. This includes creating catchy tunes and dance routines, as well as putting together a stage show to perform by selecting different backgrounds, lighting effects and dancer positions. Children can also write and illustrate in a password protected scrapbook. Accompanied by four main characters, Joolz, Anita, Emma and Mimi as well as Disco the dog, girls visit the town of Sunnyvale where they explore friendship and fame. They arrange the music by adjusting tunes on a grid, pick the components of the dance routine and then perform a concert for friends and family. From time to time, the girls call boys on the phone, introducing an element of preteen flirtation. Testers enjoyed the characters, and many parents felt that the theme and activities offered a nice software alternative for their girls. Some testers reported that there wasn't enough to do, wishing for features like a traveling tour and additional activities.
Teaches: creativity, music, writing
Age Range: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Copyright © 2000 Children's Software Revue

Amazon.com Review

Looking for some hip new pals? While it's not clear what LEGO Friends might have to do with LEGOs, it's an entertaining program for musically inclined preteen girls. With three different major activities that revolve around pop music and dance, there's fun to be had for any aspiring pop star.

Within the game is an entire high school world, including several different hangouts to investigate with (or without) your new musical chums. The band, part girl-power garage band, part Josie and the Pussycats, has plenty of individual personalities. Band members come unnamed, so players can provide each one with the ultimate hip identity.

An interesting subtext of LEGO Friends touches on key elements of what it's like for girls to transition into adult activities. For example, while the software is labeled for 7 and up, some of the activities involve flirting with LEGO boys via pretend cell phones--a pastime we found suitable and appropriate for those a bit older than 7. The music choices are great (and, frankly, who knew Euro-dance could sound so rockin?), but an added bonus is that the dance-step designer can provide a strong outlet for girls feeling clumsy in the middle of growth spurts. The entertaining school-related activities are great practice for burgeoning social skills, and the characters are funny and friendly.

If you're looking for the latest in LEGO-set building, it's doubtful this will suit you, but if you've got a girl who's into jammin' with some cool chicas, this may be just the ticket. --Jill Lightner

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