Magnadoodle

Copyright: KBkids.com

Two new animation programs have appeared on the market this fall, MagnaDoodle, and Create and Draw in Elmo's World. While both are unique concepts, they did not meet reviewers' expectations. MagnaDoodle does not have the depth to keep a preschooler coming back for more.

Your screen looks much like the real-life MagnaDoodle toy. There are five themes to select, Under the Sea, Air Balloon, Space Travel, Fire Truck and Roller Coaster. Once you click on one of these themes, you are transported to the drawing area.

High points and low points:

Five objects can be drawn for each theme. These are then placed within a moving picture. Your drawings do not become animated to the extent they do in Create and Draw in Elmo's World, although they do move around on the screen (much like a stick puppet would). They are static drawings on a rather dull, rotating background.

This program does contain a stamp option, and bucket fill, something missing in the Elmo program. The only problem is that you must first outline the object before using the bucket fill. If you just try to use the bucket fill you end up with a mess. This makes it inaccessible for very young children who like to make their pictures 'look nice.' The stamp option automatically draws your picture, but with rather weird colors.

There are limited art tools available. Some colors, and a pencil and crayon. Testers found the creativity portion of this program rather lacking.

Once most small children have played through this program, they will not want to come back. Your children are much better off with Orly's Draw A Story, even without the animated drawings. It's a nice idea, but needs some work to make it a substantial program.

Bottom Line: A good idea that comes up short. Not enough depth or creativity.

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

Overall: 2

BrainGain: 2

FunFactor: 2

EasePlease: 4

Sorry, this program is no longer available. Watch for it on Ebay.com