;           Macintosh compatible computer with 68040 processor or higher
            &nbs p;           System 7.1.2 or later
            &nbs p;           5MB free RAM
            &nbs p;           9MB free hard disk space (10MB for trialware version)

Subject Area: Science
Objectives: Objective is to show students the delicate balance necessary for a longterm food chain to exist.
Brief Description: Four different creatures, each with different eating capabilities, are put on the playing board.  Playerr chooses the placement of new indivicuals to maximize the number of eatings, yet still maintaining at least one individual of each species on the board.  The game ends when one species becomes extinct.
Entry Capabilities Required:

Rating: (1-5)

Relevance to objectives: 3 For younger students, up to 6th grade, this program should work well.  For higher grades, the simplified level of the species inteeractions would be indadequate.
Provides practice of relevant skills: 3  This aspect is fairly good. The player must plan ahead and foresee consequences of moves.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 4  Graphics are good, and the level of interactivity is also high.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 3  Both a manual and a tutorial are provided.  However, the instructions could be more specific.
Technical quality (durable, attractive): Good quality overall.  I experienced no problems using this program.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather than chance):  3  While much of a player's success depends on skill, chance does affect the outcome.  The creature to be picked is generated by the program, not the player.  Also, grass patches and floods are included sporadically.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic, accurate depiction):  3  As previously stated, this program greatly simplifies the principle it illustrates.  I would like to see more variability in the species interactions.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
     Winner of Apple Design Award for Best Macintosh User Experience;  Finalist in 1st Annual GDC Independent Games Festival
      Kids Domain Gold Award Winner
              ;         
Clear directions for play: 3  Some aspects, such as turning creatures, were not well explained.  But, these can be figured out fairly easily during play.
Effectiveness of debriefing: 3 Scores are presented after each eating, as well as at the end of the game.  The scores are clearly linked to success in the game.  Longer food chains result in higher numerical scores.