Title: SuperMunchers
Overall Rating:
B+
Source: MECC(Minnesota Educational Computing
Corporation), The Learning Company
Playing Time: <30 seconds(if got ate
by Troggles right off) to 1+ (if you are skilled and prepared)
Date: 6/11/98
Cost: $ 39.95 http://www.shoplet.com/sof
tware/db/374563.html
Number of Players: 1 (could possibly work
in pairs)
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed:
MacIntosh Plus, or later model. A hard disk drive is recommended,
but not required. Minimum system software: 6.0.2.
Subject Area: Reading, Social Studies,
Science, Music, etc..
Objectives: Matching items
on game screen to title, helps develop recognition & categorizing skills,
vocabulary, knowledge in above subject areas, as well as Pop Culture.
Brief Description: Object
of the game is to move around a grid on the screen, eating only facts that
match or fit within the rule/category listed at the top of the screen.
Every item you munch correctly earns player points, but if incorrect you
lose a muncher (also lose a muncher if you get caught by a troggle).
Player can choose what level he/she starts at: Beginner, Intermediate,
Advanced. Player can also choose what category he/she wants to work
in: Social Studies, Science, Music, Pop Culture, etc..
Entry Capabilities Required: Basic Reading
Skills. Beginner Level: 3rd Grade skills, but advanced 1st
and 2nd graders may also be able to play certain types (i.e. colors/shapes)
without little difficulty.
Age Group: Grades
3 to 12, ages 8 to Adult.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: +5 --Every screen
has the player involved in obtaining this.
Provides practice of relevant
skills:
+5 --Again, the player gets plenty of practice each and everytime he/she
plays.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:
+3 --Depending on type of person playing game, if one is not interested
in topics boredom will set in quickly.
Likely to be comprehended clearly:
+3 --Player needs to be able to read well and understand what he/she is
reading.
Technical quality (durable,
attractive):
+5 --This game can be modified so it will last through many years of use.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): +5 --Players need to be involved
and part of the action in order to win.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): +1 --Not
much simulation towards a real life item.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
+1 --Can not judge this as I have no evidence to do so.
Clear directions for play:
+3 --Instruction manual is available, not a lot of help in game though.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
+3 --Again, Debriefing would be more intense when applied to a specific
subject area and used for lesson, reviews, etc..
Strong Points:
Can be modified to suit teachers needs.
Weak Points:
Children with physical problems might find it hard to keep the muncher
moving and ones who can not read well, will quickly lose.
Reviewer: Edith M. Hanlon
Position: Student
Date: 6/11/98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.
Return to software review page:
http://www2.po
tsdam.edu/educ/betrusak/softwarereviews.html