Candyland

Copyright: KBkids.com

Candyland has been a popular board game for young children for generations. It is one of the first board games many young children (and their parents) ever play. It's universal appeal has been brought to the computer screen twice. This new program is not an upgrade to the first. They are entirely different programs, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

The first program, Candyland Adventure, was met with some criticism because it left out the board game concept. It was an group of activities with a Candyland theme. The program, despite press criticism, was popular with children. The included activities were fun, and somewhat educational. The new program, Candyland, includes the board game, but excludes any worthwhile activities. The included activities are much more appropriate for a toddler, than for the four to six year olds who really seem to enjoy the game. Nonetheless, testers still enjoyed playing the game, and continue to be Candyland fans regardless.

One to four players can participate in a virtual Candyland game. There are no difficulty levels as their were in the first program. The game play itself is rather traditional. When it is your turn, you will click on a gumball machine which produces the colored cards. You then move to the corresponding colored square. The object of the game is to be the first to reach and save King Kandy. Along the way are obstacles, like sticky squares, and places to visit.

The graphics here are much improved. As you move around the board, 3-D videos show you the Candyland path. The colors are brighter, but this one will need a much more powerful computer than the original. As you move around the board, you will visit several familiar places. These can also be accessed at any point during the board game, making for a rather odd interface. You don't 'earn' the right to visit these places, they are just there if you like. Testers complained that, although they enjoyed the game, the activities were too 'babyish.'

In Plumpy's forest for example, you tickle him by touching him with your cursor. He then gives you a plum which will go toward making a plum pie. When you visit Mr. Mint, you make music by clicking on various parts of a music machine while he skates around an ice pond. In Lord Licorice's mansion, you will look out over Candyland through his telescope, and make noises by pushing buttons. Other activities included changing the look of Gramma Nut's house by clicking on it, decorating lollipops randomly with Princess Lolly, and 'painting' Gumdrop Mountain by flinging colors at it. The activities are great for toddlers, but toddlers will not be playing the board game.

Today's computer savvy tots will demand more from the included activities. That said, your kids will still enjoy the board game. Testers said they would play the game, but liked the older program for it's activities. This is one which has to warrant criticism for it's much to easy games, but will still be popular with the 3-6 crowd.

Bottom Line: A good board game rendition with activities which are too childish for the intended audience.

 

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

Overall: 2 1/2

BrainGain: 1 1/2

FunFactor: 3

EasePlease: 4

Buy Candy Land Game at Amazon!

OR the Original Candy Land Adventure