If you're looking for software games that feature girls as main
characters, you have plenty to choose from. From Barbie to Dora to
Nancy Drew, female "leads" abound in the children's
software industry.
While some
titles perpetuate the all too common dress-up theme,
others feature roles that break the stereotypes. Best yet, there
are games that don't go in either direction. This latter "middle
ground" is the most refreshing (titles that go to neither
extreme). Still, we feature titles from all categories here.
 Nancy Drew
titles are exciting and challenging mystery adventures that are a
must for older children, approximately 11-12 and up. In
these detailed and engrossing mystery-adventure software games,
children get the opportunity to step into teen sleuth Nancy Drew's
shoes as she investigates such things as a disturbing theft at a
museum, mysterious happenings in an old castle, and more. She
interviews mysterious characters and solves plenty of logic
puzzles as she collects clues that will ultimately lead her to
exposing the culprit. The latest Nancy Drew CD-ROMs are exciting,
challenging, and involving. Kids will relish the chance to play
detective. [Titles include Nancy Drew: The Secret of Shadow Ranch,
Nancy
Drew: Secret of the Scarlet Hand, Nancy
Drew: The Haunted Carousel, Nancy
Drew Danger on Deception Island]
 My Scene
CD-ROM was very difficult for me to review. Why? Its
superficiality almost offended me, but at the same time, the
program is deep in terms of content. The game stars the more
"hip and happening" My Scene Barbie dolls. These dolls
have much appeal to older Barbie fans. In fact, several children I
know who had outgrown Barbie returned to collecting dolls when the
My Scene Barbie dolls were released. The game itself features
quite a few activities that are not only fun, they are
educational. However, there is a mismatch here, because most
children who love the dolls are not old enough for the teen banter
in the game. Some of us feel that nobody is old enough! The CD-ROM
is largely about shopping for twelve weekend events. Children move
Chelsea, Madison, and Barbie through different areas of the city,
finding the items they need. As they move through the streets,
they meet "cute boys", take quizzes, answer their cell
phones, and so forth. Note that kids need to know how to read in
order to enjoy the title. See our full
review of My Scene CD-ROM. [Buy My Scene
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Barbie
Games
Of the many
Barbie software games on the market, the higher rated ones here at
Edutaining Kids include Barbie
Beauty Boutique, Barbie
of Swan Lake, and Barbie
Horse Adventures. If you can still find it, Barbie Pet
Rescue is our favorite to date. This title
requires some thinking skills, and features wonderfully rich
graphics. The pets are especially easy on the eyes—very cute.
[Look for Barbie Pet Rescue
at Amazon.com]
For
younger fans, Kelly
Club Pet Parade has some merit. Preschoolers should enjoy
playing along with Kelly and her friends in her clubhouse. [Buy Kelly Club Pet Parade
at Amazon.com]
 Powerpuff
Girls games by the Learning Company are very cute, and quite
educational. These "Learning Challenges" offer kids
peppy and fun characters on missions to save the world, and plenty
of opportunities to give their brains a workout at the same time. [Buy The Powerpuff Girls Learning Challenge: Mojo Jojo's Clone Zone
and The Powerpuff Girls Learning Challenge 2: Princess Snorebucks
at Amazon.com]
If you're
looking for an engaging game for your daughter, and you're not
specifically concerned about purchasing one that stars female
characters, try out our favorite educational game for both boys
and girls: Zoombinis Logical Journey. This one is pleasantly addictive, appeals to both
boys and girls equally, and is an excellent exercise in logical
thinking skills!
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