Matchbox: Big Dirt Movers

Copyright: KBkids.com

This program will be a hit for the child in your house who loves to play with dirt, trucks, and construction materials. Although it can be used with the CAT Controller (an interactive device that fits on your keyboard,) it works just fine with a mouse.

This virtual backyard has been outfitted as a young boys dream (granted, girls may enjoy this one as well, but it's geared toward boys.) The Command Center Club House lets you read up about all of the CAT equipment that will be used. From this Command Center, you can also set the skill level to one of three settings.

The backyard contains five different 'zones,' each with its own unique set of equipment, and job to be completed.

The Blast Zone: Build a mountain road, and bridge for waiting travelers. Here you will use a Motor Grader, Asphalt Paver and more. Each machine has a job to be done. At higher skill levels you must complete the tasks in a given time.

The Quarry Zone: Dig for and process gold from one of six pits.

The Beach Zone: The hose has been left on in the sandbox, and the sand castles are being threatened. Using the front shovel and soil compactor, rebuild the beach and save the castles before the water destroys them.

The City Zone: A high-rise must be demolished, and the construction yard cleaned up. Your kids will particularly like using the wrecking ball here.

The Airport: Your town needs a new airport, and it's up to you to build it. This is a big job, involving road construction and laying pipe.

While testers wished for a bit more free/creative play with the equipment, this one definitely appealed to truck oriented testers in the 5-9 age range. The 3D graphics are OK, but nothing state-of-the-art.

Bottom Line: A good construction program, with lots of options. Great for the truck lover in your home.

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

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 2 1/2

FunFactor: 3 1/2

EasePlease: 3

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