Tarzan Activity Center

 

I am usually rather skeptical when it comes to programs based on movies. This one, however, caught the attention of my kids and has held it for several weeks. They enjoyed this program before seeing the Disney movie, and like it even more now that they have seen the movie (twice mind you!) Unfortunately, as with most of these programs, if you don't like the movie, you probably won't like the computer programs. If you family has enjoyed Tarzan, this program will be a hit. Although the box says 4-8, my 10-year-old enjoys playing alone, or with her younger brother.

From the main screen, you can select any one of seven activities. Remember, that each Disney release comes with an "Activity Center" program (semi-educational activities) and an "Adventure Game" (more arcade style). Here the activities have 'some' educational value.

Sing Along: Two sing-along-songs are included, "Son of Man," and "Strangers Like Me." Your children can sing 'follow the bouncing ball style', or turn off the text and sing 'karaoke style.' My kids enjoyed these two areas more after the movie than before.

Terk and Tantar's Power Lunch: This is a game involving dexterity and hand-eye-coordination (read: not a lot of educational punch here). This is, however, my children's favorite. You must make your ball bounce off of certain animals, and then go collect their food. If you accidently hit another animal, your ball changes color and you must then collect the food for that animal. The game becomes progressively harder.

Tarzan's Jungle Tumble: Your children must help baby Tarzan clean up the tree house by knocking things into the rescue boat. Watch out for the baby leopards after Tarzan. Don't worry, not nearly as scary as the movie scenes. Not much educational value here either, and my kids did not enjoy this one as much as others. This is a very arcade-style activity.

Fetch the Sketch: A variation on concentration. The baboon has stolen Jane's sketches. You must match them in order to fill her book again. I enjoyed the emphasis on nature journals and sketch books in this movie.

Jungle Journal: Probably the most educational, feature here. Your children can create pictures, and add text. There are enough tools here to keep them busy for quite some time. Again, they will enjoy this more after the movie. My kids particularly like the tool which allows you to create your own secret language.

Adventurer's Stickers: An area all but ignored by my own children. Here you can print out Tarzan stickers. They were too enthralled with other areas of the program to bother here.

Trash the Camp: Another favorite (and rather educational) activity. Your children will make music with the apes in the camp. Instruments include chemistry beakers, washboards, pans and typewriters. Once a song is recorded, your children can add their own words to the song as they watch music created on a staff.

No, this program is not going to prepare your child for the next school year. It has been surprisingly well received here, however. This is a good movie in my opinion, and most kids will enjoy interacting with their new favorite characters. There is enough educational value to at least appease mom and dad for a short time.

Grading for Tarzan Activity Center Educational Value- 2 1/2 Entertainment Value- 4 Replay Value- 4 Ages- 4-8 Available from Disney Interactive at http://www.disneyinteractive.com

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