Barbie Detective: The Vacation Mystery

Copyright: KBkids.com

Vacation Mystery is the second program in the Barbie Detective Series. It is also the better of the two. This program has much more depth than the original, and will take your kids longer to finish. On the other hand, if you are not sure your daughter can handle these mysteries, start with the original. This one is more difficult.

Barbie and her friends are spending some time at a beachfront hotel. This hotel is over 100 years old, and contains some pretty cool mysteries, including hidden jewels! Barbie and her friends Ken and Becky (in a wheelchair in this episode by the way,) are on the case. They soon find out that there are other, not so nice, folks after the secrets as well. They must solve the mysteries, and capture the suspect. A computer helps you keep track of clues and suspects as you go.

There is much to explore in this mansion. There are many floors, rooms, and secret passageways. Unfortunately, it is still rather easy to get Barbie stuck in a corner, or make her walk into a pole. Young children with little 'mouse dexterity' may find the movements frustrating at first.

Clues are hidden everywhere. You can find them by exploring with a very cool magnifying glass. As you meet people, you will have to listen to their tales as well, keeping track of clues as you go.

One nice feature in this version are all the 'hidden' games and puzzles. Barbie will chase the suspect on a boat, a four-wheeler, a hang-glider, and solve brain-bending puzzles throughout the mansion. This is one aspect that gives this new version so much more depth.

Although the package says 5 and older, most five to eight year olds would be a bit overwhelmed by this one, unless they are rather computer savvy. It is not too difficult, there is just a lot to digest for a five year old. Most eight to twelve year old Barbie fans will enjoy this one.

Bottom Line: A very well done Barbie Mystery. Better than the first, and a great choice for pre-teen girls.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3 1/2

BrainGain: 3

FunFactor: 3 1/2

EasePlease: 3

Buy Detective Barbie 2: Vacation Mystery at Amazon!