Technology reviews

By JULIE CHURCH and ROBB GUIDO

© St. Petersburg Times,
published November 5, 2001

Radio Disney Music Mix Studio

SYSTEM: Windows

MAKER: Disney Interactive

PRICE: $19.99

This virtual music studio lets kids make their own music videos starring themselves. A microphone that comes with the CD-ROM attaches to your PC so kids can record their voices and insert them into prerecorded music tracks. Scanning in a photo will put the child's face on a screen. Background music and visuals can be tweaked to suit the child's taste and changed easily to create a new look. The program also acts as a desktop player for CDs, MP3s or music preloaded onto the software. This program is fun for older children, but there is very little instruction, and no sound prompts on the program. It can take some time to master.

-- JULIE CHURCH, Times staff writer

Zoog Genius

SYSTEMS: Windows, Macintosh

MAKER: Disney

PRICE: $19.99

This trivia game for kids features a cast of space-age characters from the popular Zoog Disney television series. The games are similar to the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire show, but with categories appealing to kids ages 9 through 12, such as Boy Oh Boy Band and Science Fair 3000. Three levels of difficulty are available, and players can choose from rounds of seven or 17 questions. The graphics and sound effects are appealing to kids, but those who enjoy fast-action video games may be bored with the pace. It's available in two versions: Language Art, History and Geography or Math Science and Technology.

-- JULIE CHURCH, Times staff writer

ICO

SYSTEM: PlayStation 2

MAKER: Sony

PRICE: $49.99

Sony is finally beginning to deliver on its promise of innovative games for the PlayStation 2. With ICO, players not only get an eyeful, but also a dreamlike interactive experience that won't put them to sleep.

The mood and graphics of ICO are a preview of the potential of games to incite wonder and emotion. The quiet opening sequence tells the story of a boy, named Ico, born with horns and imprisoned in a large, mysterious castle. The breathtaking stone castle is medieval at its core but contains traces of more advanced technology, adding to the fantasy.

The mood of the game is enhanced by soft lighting and an eerie mist that blows through the windows of the castle. There are also the woodsy sounds of the outside world, and the whole experience is supported by a subtle yet appropriately dark score.

Even more surprising than ICO's stunning visuals is its inspired game play. While many games set in 3-D worlds are beautiful, they often resort to running around and bashing enemies. While there is some of that in ICO, the main focus is on solving puzzles to advance through the castle.

This may involve finding switches, climbing chains or moving giant boxes. Complicating matters is a princess that players must keep close at hand and protect from spirits that try to steal her away. Ico is able to grab the princess by the arm to pull her along or help her reach high places. This adds to the game play and to the feeling that players aren't alone in a big, creepy castle.

Grade: A

-- ROBB GUIDE, Times correspondent

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright