Title.  Math Blaster Mystery Pre-Algebra, the Great Brain Robbery

Content Type.  Math (Pre-Algebra)

Rating.  8

Low Grade.   5th

High Grade.  High School (12th)

Publisher.  Davidson & Associates, Inc.

Date Published.  1996

Platform.   Mac and Windows

Price.   $29.95
 

Content Description.  This game takes place in Dr. Drabble’s mansion, where the player works his way through the different rooms by solving problems.  These problems include building the skills of pre-algebra, logical-thinking, and word problem skills.  There are four math machines throughout the house that you must outsmart to earn puzzle pieces. The four math machines are: Word Problem Creatures, Equation Maker, Kitchen Comparisons, and Number Guesser.  Once you get all of the puzzle pieces you earn the key to the lab, where you can reclaim the brain.  To play the math machines, you must obtain gold coins, which are hidden throughout the house. The higher the difficulty level, the more coins it costs to play (2 coins-easy, 4 coins-medium, 6 coins-hardest).  Allotted time: 30 minutes per work session (this would not be enough time to finish the whole game).  This program would be best suited for an individual or partners.

Installation.  This software was extremely easy to install.  The minimum requirements for installation on a Macintosh are:  Macintosh Performa 575, 8MB of RAM, 13” monitor, system 7, double-speed CD-ROM drive, 256 colors, and printer (optional). The minimum requirements for Windows are:  Super VGA or VGA graphics, Windows 3.1 or higher, 4MB of RAM for Windows 3.1, 8MB RAM required for Windows 95, 33 MHz 486 speed CD-ROM drive, mouse and hard drive, Windows-compatible sound.

Strengths/Weaknesses.  We found this game moderately easy to play. We believe that the problems we had to solve would be useful in teaching Pre-Algebra.  However, getting around the house and rooms was difficult. Strengths: animation, sound effects, problem content, and the overall purpose of the game. Weaknesses: lack of directions, the math machine “Kitchen Comparisons”, and the material made us easily frustrated.

User Comments.  We did not have the resources to acquire comments from children or parents. We decided to use the reviewer’s comments.   The reviewers stated, “It is very animated with fun activities that promoted independent thinking, understanding of different aspects of math  . . .”

Links.   www.kidsdomain.com,
           http://inkido.indiana.edu/w310work/donov/reviews.html