Skybase

Copyright: KBkids.com

Like other Piranha titles (Ancient Origins etc.), this title will appeal to a very specific audience. The information included is remarkably thorough, but won't have an extremely broad appeal. Skybase makes and in-depth study of the International Space Station being built, which many of you may not even know about. This space station is being constructed by several countries, and is slated for completion in the year 2003. It will be used for international space study and will house astronauts from various countries.

Skybase contains a database of unbelievable proportions. Information is included about every part of the space station, every launch site in the world, and information you probably would have never thought of! This is a program for the serious, astronaut buff in your house. Most others will find the depth just too great to try to tackle. 3-dimensional models of 40 actual modules from the design are included for inspection. Details about how each part functions, what it's strengths and weaknesses are, as well as measurements are included. You will also learn about each of the international launch sites. Some are better suited for different types of launches and flight plans. Details maps show you where each of these sites are located. If you wade through all of the information here, you will be quite the expert.

It is also possible to build your own space station using each of the 40 module pieces. You can put them together anyway you like, manipulate the space station, and even go inside and look around. Building a space station will take a trip to the help menu, but it is not impossible. It may take a few frustrating clicks until you finally say, "OH, that is how the pieces go together!" As you walk around the space station you have built, you will have a 360 degree panoramic walk-through, complete with weightlessness. The effect is very nice. You can click on objects to find out how they work, and what life is like in the space station.

Although Skybase has limited audience appeal, it is a very thorough, high-tech program. There are millions of kids who are extremely interested in space travel. This program is for the serious student who wants to know the most intricate details and not just watch a few shots of the Apollo missions. The rest of us are better off heading for a more general space program.

Bottom Line: A very in-depth program for the serious space student. Not extremely user-friendly and very heavy in it's content, but a good study of the subject.

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

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 4

FunFactor: 2 1/2

EasePlease: 2 1/2

While difficult to find, I did find copies at CDaccess.com

http://www.cdaccess.com/html/quick/skybasepj.htm