5 stars (Works fine on XP) - This is an enjoyable game, & educational as well. For the price, it's worth buying. The puzzles aren't difficult, but challenging enough to keep it interesting. The game reminded me of an easier version of Myst. You don't need to have prior knowledge of physics - a handy reference guide is available as part of the gameplay. The only drawback was that the screen was small. Maybe that could have been fixed, but I didn't want to mess with the setup since some games can be finicky on XP. 5 stars (physicus) - it is a pretty fun game with a few quirks here and there. Some of them include the anoying "click button" interface, and a few problems that are just a random guess to solve. Other than that, it has very good graphics and a very addictive storyline. 4 stars (Educational fun if there be such a thing) - This is a fantastic Myst clone that, on top of everything, is "gladdened" with a load of physical minutiae which, naturally, lends the game its name. Now I find all matter of educational things to be a compelling incentive to wanting to solve the puzzle. This does not move me to finish the game, however. This, perhaps, is the greatest shortcoming for an adventure game. There is no plot as you know it. Yes, you need to achieve a goal and save the world from a global cataclysm. We've saved the world before, and it has been none too grateful getting into some sticky predicament time and time again. But WHO are you saving? Is it the disembodied voice in the introductory video? This is where the plot begins and ends. There are some marginal hints at a story involving a telescope lens thief, but these are clearly there to facilitate the puzzles. Yet, for a game that makes clear its ambition to create a giant puzzle, Physicus superbly succeeds to render the puzzles built on physical laws maximally enjoyable. The physics information, like in all the games of this series, is presented in a kind of a very pretty virtual textbook which offers extensi... Viva Media :: Adventure :: Computer Games :: Science (Sciences) :: Reference :: Education (Educational) :: Computer software (programs) :: :: Physicus (Jewel Case)
4 stars (Good Program) - I had no problem installing this on Windows XP. I was impressed with the dvd portion of the software. I had no problems loading it onto my computer and it seems to be working well. Some error messages were in German; however the english version was right behind the German message. I am impressed with every aspect of the program thus far. I installed it on my laptop and it works fine. It has been very useful so far. 1 stars (Worst software I've ever used) - This software slowed down my computer and then didn't ever really work correctly. I wound up wiping it off my computer completely and throwing it away. Plus the visuals are not as good nor the interface nearly as intuitive as my old Softkey Bodyworks software. 1 stars (BAD SOFTWARE ) - I was completely disappointed with this software. I am a nursing major and desperately needed visuals to go along with my lectures and labs. This software is 1. the worst ever to load, 2. once loaded crashes the computer 3. not very functional as well. I am sorry to say I won't recommend this software to ANYONE. If anyone knows of a good A&P visual software, please post it!!!! Thanks! ... Mega Systems :: Secondary Education (High School) :: Science (Sciences) :: Reference :: Education (Educational) :: Computer software (programs) :: :: Human 3D Advanced Edition
3 stars ( Chemicus ) - While the game is not one of my favorites it is not bad. You definitely need a guide to play this. (In today's games, who wouldn't?) There is a lot of inventory and it is sometimes cumbersome to perform a task. I would recommend this to anyone who likes science or just for relaxation. Ed 4 stars (Much Better Than Physicus, But...) - My wife and I are avid adventure gamers and, to help pass the time until "URU: Ages Beyond Myst" is released later this year, we decided to try " Chemicus ". We played "Physicus" a couple years ago and, while we enjoyed it, we both thought that it could have been a much better game if it had tied into Physics a little deeper and if more effort was put into the adventure game design (look for my earlier review). We just completed " Chemicus " and I can honestly say that this was a MUCH better overall attempt. Nearly all of the puzzles of the game are chemistry-related ranging from the fairly easy and logical to the pretty hard and requiring a hint or two (we peeked into the included walkthrough only a couple of times to get us unstuck). The greatest improvement over "Physicus", however, was on the game design side. Like "Physicus" the graphics and music are lush and inviting. But, the scope of the game is where " Chemicus " shines over its predecessor. "Physicus" was just a singular environment or location to explore with very few cut-scenes and conveyances to enjoy along the way; both popular elements to a successful adventure game. In " Chemicus ", even though the "subway" system was a little on the cheesy and repetitive side, at least it felt like we were transporting between unique locations (thank goodness the space bar forwards you through the animations). Plus, after solving some particularly difficult puzzles, we were rewarded with some nice cut-scenes; the balloon ride over the city being the best one. It wasn't on the same level as the bigger games like Riven and Schizm, but still an improvement. One thing... Viva Media :: Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple :: Puzzle (Puzzles) :: Board :: Adventure :: Computer Games :: Science (Sciences) :: Reference :: Education (Educational) :: Computer s :: Chemicus
5 stars (Amazing!!) - Why haven't I heard about the Mia characters before? I bought this for my god daughters 6th birthday without knowing anything about the game. We opened it together and I was BLOWN AWAY with the 3D animation-the same quality as Pixar. Everyone at the party was glued to the computer screen in this adventure land game. Best of all, its educational but because it was so entertaininng, my god-daughter has not stopped playing it. Well worth your money! I'm going to buy the rest of the Mia series. ... Kutoka :: Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple :: Science (Sciences) :: Reference :: Education (Educational) :: Kids (Children) :: Computer software (programs) :: :: Mia-s Science Adventure- Romaine-s New Hat
1 stars (Don't Buy THIS SOFTWARE) - I am in the same boat with the other reviewer other than I cannot return this program. I don't know who voted these the parents choise because they don't intall properly. The content and graphic take me back to the early 90's when computers where getting big. Jump-Start and Knowlege Adventure programs are much better and keeping the kids wanting to play. Basicly only my 5 years old will play the spanish game, when it works. 1 stars (Bad Software Alert !!!!) - Unfortunatley I bought this software before I read the reviews, and I absolutely agree with the other reviewers (elementary and middle school)that this software is awful, garbage, etc, etc. If you manage to work through the installation problems you will find the content utterly boring. This software has been returned. 1 stars (Not worth yourt time or money (negative star rating )) - This software is bundled with five cd's offering lessons in earth science, typing, reading and spelling, social studies and writing, critical thinking, basic math, foreign languages, and fractions. The installation of these programs is unacceptable. Some of the programs will not load on XP. Some of the programs are run from the CD's. As for the actual software, some are 1996, 1997, 2000 written programs with limited offerings. Some of these programs contain old code written for Windows 95, 98. Some of the programs will not load the complete software on the hard drive. So you are stuck having to change cd's when changing programs. I would love to see who evaluated this program for the Parents Choice Foundation. My children were not happy with the software offered. I will be returning it tomorrow. ... Encore Software :: Science (Sciences) :: History (Historical) :: Atlas (Atlases) :: Geography (Geographical) :: Reference :: Education (Educational) :: Kids (Children) :: Computer sof :: Elementary Advantage 2006
4 stars (A little difficult for our 4 year old) - The game has lovely graphics, and creative-educational games. My son enjoys matching the poop with the correct farm animal. However, it is a little difficult for him to understand what the directions are or what he's supposed to be doing in the game. It's a bit "word heavy" for a boy who has an auditory processing disorder, but he does enjoy clicking on the animals to see if they'll poop. In fact, anything to do with poop will entertain him. It's really better geared towards older kids and younger children who can handle higher level learning. ... Viva Media :: Science (Sciences) :: Reference :: Education (Educational) :: Kids (Children) :: Computer software (programs) :: :: Oscar the Balloonist Discovers the Farm
5 stars (Looking for something good for my kids...) - I am constantly on the lookout for science software that's fun for my kids. When I saw that Children's Software Revue gave Starry Night Complete Space & Astronomy Pack 4.5 stars out of five and called it "the ideal package for either novice or expert astronomers who want to know a bit more about their backyard view of the universe," it was a must-buy for my household. My kids LOVE this program. They are on the computer all the time now looking at the planets and the sun or doing one of the guided tours. I totally recommend this! 5 stars (Great Way to Pass on a Love for Astronomy) - I pride myself on being a fairly experienced amateur astronomer and I've been a very happy and enthusiastic user of Starry Night Pro 4.5 for close to a year. My 10-year old niece got her hands on the "Atlas of the Sky" DVD and I was excited to see in her reaction the signs of the astronomer within. I knew SM Pro was more than she needed, so I got her the Complete Space & Astronomy Pack for her birthday and it fit the bill exactly. The encyclopedia-like content is fabulous to feed her ever-growing curiosity and the visualization powers are just awesome and keep her coming back for more. She's hooked and now I've got a partner in crime. This product gets high marks from a happy aunt. 5 stars (Best Way to Learn About The Universe for Adults and Children) - What can I say except - The Best! I bought this for myself as a reintroduction to an old hobby. The package surpassed all other programs I'd ever seen. It was intuitive, informative and included material I'd never seen before. Needless to say, I'm considering buying a telescope now! The depth of information on deep sky objects was my favorite feature. However, when my 5th grader got his hands on Starry Night, I couldn't get him to go to bed for a week straight. The best software out there for all users. Highly recommended! ... Imaginova :: Science (Sciences) :: Reference :: Education (Educational) :: Kids (Children) :: Computer software (programs) :: :: Starry Night Complete Space -amp- Astronomy Pack
2 stars (It wouldn't let me register...) - Hi, I have installed lots of software, but Red Shift 5.0 has me stumped! I tried on-line to register my SN, but it keeps giving me a 'error'. Also no email support! I tried there on-line web support,but it said my probelm did not fit a certain creteria so had to just give up. I might add I can run the program if I use the CD each time, but since I couldn't register I now won't be able to update any of the comets data, etc. I had expected better! Wally.. ... Topics Entertainment :: Secondary Education (High School) :: Science (Sciences) :: Reference :: Education (Educational) :: Computer software (programs) :: :: National Geographic Presents- RedShift 5