There is certainly no shortage of software starring "superdoll"
Barbie, but finding a really good title poses some challenge.
Parents
concerned with some of the themes often associated with Barbie
(such as her clotheshorse tradition, "too perfect"
figure, etc.), will find them in Barbie software titles. Some of
these titles break a few of the stereotypes, casting Barbie in
roles like secret agent, detective, athlete, and marine biologist,
for example. But, even in these games, clothes and make-up are a
focus.
Barbie Software Releases
 Barbie
Beach Vacation allows kids to go on vacation with Barbie and
her friends -- to a beautiful island. It's all fun and games here
-- nothing educational -- as a vacation should be. Kids take part
in 7 activities, either in a directed manner in adventure mode, or
by selecting activities on their own. Players build sandcastles,
go on an underwater "photo shoot", assist Barbie in some
rather provocative dances, take island photos, go water skiing,
surf, and, finally, throw a beach party. This program is rather
fun, sometimes awkward to play, and has questionable replay value.
See our screenshot
gallery of the game. [For more information, or to buy: Barbie Beach Vacation
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
 Kelly Club
invites fans of Barbie's little sister to join Kelly
and her clubhouse friends for creative and free-play fun on the
computer. Children go on
mini-adventures, such as a Jungle River Adventure, in which
children return lost baby animals to their mothers--after dressing
up the dolls in jungle attire, of course. Kids were disappointed when the
cakes they spent time decorating didn't appear on the tea party
table (instead, the program's default cakes were there). Also, the
cursor is a bit awkward throughout the program--younger children
had the hardest time with it. The program is best for ages 3-5.
Kelly Club is fluffy,
somewhat limited, but fun. [Buy Kelly Club
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Secret
Agent Barbie
takes kids on a secret mission to capture a fashion thief! A
number of gadgets are at Secret Agent Barbie's disposal, including
Pink Vision Goggles and a Lipstick Recorder. This adventure game takes Barbie on a tour of
the world, searching for clues. We had some maddening technical
problems with the game -- it didn't work on two of our systems.
When we found a system it would work on, we were pleased with some
elements of the game. Kids have to, for example, solve a tile
puzzle in order to open a safe and sneak past guards. Children under the age of
8 will need help,
however. Also, once the mission is solved, there isn't anything
new to bring kids back to the program. [Buy Secret Agent Barbie
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Barbie Team
Gymnastics involves kids in choreographing gymnastics
routines for Barbie and friends. Plenty of practice is required
before the girls can enter gymnastics competitions. Younger
children will have a hard time with some of the timing demands. [Buy Barbie Team Gymnastics
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
If you own a
PlayStation One console, you might want to try Barbie Explorer,
which is really quite fun. Kids set out on an adventure to
find four treasures and guide Barbie in her travels to Tibet,
Egypt, and the African Jungle. Kids can play solo or with a
friend. Drawing upon logic skills is necessary in order to solve
the game's puzzles. It's easy enough to control for children ages
6 and up, and it's a pleasurable (though sometimes challenging)
experience too! [Buy Barbie Explorer at Amazon.com]
More Barbie Games
 A good--and
economical--way to sample some older software releases starring
the superdoll is to purchase the bundle, Barbie Birthday
Collection. Three CD-ROMs are included, one of which is Barbie
Magic Hair Styler, pictured at left. We have a full
review and screenshot
gallery of this package. [For more information, or to buy: Barbie Birthday Collection
Amazon.com]
Our favorite
Barbie title so far is Barbie Pet Rescue. This title
requires some thinking skills, and features wonderfully rich
graphics. The pets are especially easy on the eyes. [Buy Barbie Pet Rescue
at Amazon.com]
Barbie
Magic Genie Bottle and CD-ROM features a special Magic Genie
Bottle that connects to your computer's game port. In the game,
players attempt to recover magical gems. Along the way, they play
games and solve puzzles. [Buy Barbie Magic Genie Bottle & CD-ROM
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Detective
Barbie 2: Vacation Mystery is best for kids ages 7 and up.
This title requires more brainpower than most of the Barbie
software games available. Players look for hidden jewels, pay
attention to clues, and solve puzzles in and around an old inn. [Buy Detective Barbie 2: Vacation Mystery
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Take a look at more Barbie software games
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