Laura's Happy Adventures

Copyright: KBkids.com

Ubisoft has forged new territory with this program for girls, which takes full advantage of today's 3D graphics accelerators (different from a 3D graphics card). Although the idea is innovative, and the game play fairly good, there are some elements parents will want to be aware of which bothered testers.

Laura is a young girl who finds a magical diamond in her attic. The diamond comes with a story of fairies and magic. In order for Laura to win the game, she must please the people around her (by completing tasks) in order to light up each facet of the diamond. This is an open-ended adventure, with no time limits.

The graphics are incredible. Children who have never played a console game, may struggle with the controls at first, but will learn quickly. Girls will enjoy the fact that this program was made 'especially for them,' although younger boys seemed to like the program as well.

A few notable objections:

The game does not empower girls. Laura is taught to please those around here ("Making people around you happy is fantastic" etc) Testers felt this was an incorrect portrayal of the purpose of 'service,' and may lead girls to think their job is to make others happy.

Laura is placed in a situation where she is asked to solve a relationship problem between her father and her mother. It is wrong to expect a child to deal with adult situations, particularly relationship situations between parents. This was particularly bothersome. Although this is a spectacular program, testers were bothered by these elements. Ubisoft is on the right track. Had the story line dealt with Laura doing acts of true service (minus the 'make someone happy' objective,) testers would have been more accepting. Ubisoft needs to keep Laura out of the realm of parental disputes as well.

Bottom Line: A wonderful high-tech program for kids, but with some disturbing psychological elements.

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

Overall: 2

BrainGain: 1 1/2

FunFactor: 3

EasePlease: 3

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