Titanic: Challenge of Discovery

Copyright: KBkids.com 1998

Whatever your opinion of the recent Titanic movie, there can be no doubt that 'Titanic fever' has swept this nation in the past twelve months. The Titanic wreck has probably been given more press this past year than it did when it originally happened! If your kids (or yourself) have been caught up in the craze and want more, this program is for you. Be forewarned, however, this is not an easy program. It will take patience, a desire to read, study, and plan in order to succeed. This is not the program for the Titanic-nut who just wants a 'cool game' to play, or one who wants quick action. The challenge here is real, and like all challenges, is not quick, or easy.

Robert Ballard, the original discoverer of the Titanic wreck is your host in this program. You will have access to his log book and suggestions as you go along. If you score enough points, he informs you that you will be able to contact him on the Internet. Earn an outstanding number of points and you just may be invited to participate in one of his voyages. There is a drawing for this voyage on the web site, which anyone can enter.

Titanic Challenge of Discovery is very much like the Oregon Trail programs. Much harder, but the layout is similar. You must plan your missions, and then watch and participate as your planning, or lack thereof, unfolds in front of you. You will not be able to jump right to the Titanic wreck, you must prove yourself before touching this 'sacred ground.' You must first find the wreck of the Isis, followed by the Bismarck. If you prove yourself on these quests, you will be allowed to find the Titanic. Three skill levels are included. More hand-holding, and onscreen help is needed for those who want to play, but just can't figure all of the nautical controls out.

Before leaving on your voyages, it will be vital that you spend time in the port town learning about your mission, the equipment, and the crew you must select. If your crew is not kept happy, they will mutiny and your mission will be very short. This is a much more 'hands-on' experience than you will find in Oregon Trail. With the "Trail" programs, you can do a mediocre job preparing and still have some fun on the trail. If you do not do your research up front, you will have no clue what to do once you set sail. This program is not for the child who is loath to read an instruction manual.

Once at sea, you will have control over several underwater vessels, including Jason which can be controlled from the surface, and a manned, deep ocean submersible. The controls are difficult to understand, and at times frustrating. If you have a child who is intensely interested in undersea adventures and all that is nautical, they will enjoy this adventure. The average child (or adult) will wonder if all the study is really worth it in the end.

Bottom Line: A spectacular idea, tons of information and learning, but a tough game. Not for those who want a quick and easy gaming fix.

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

Overall: 2 1/2

BrainGain: 3 1/2

FunFactor: 2 1/2

EasePlease: 1 1/2

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