Rating: 
Summary: Say 'The boy is under the ball' in seven languages!
Review: An earlier reviewer claimed that Japanese was not included, which is incorrect. There are in fact, three versions of Japanese available. While the Explorer series are essentially hooks to get you to buy into the far pricier full versions of the software, you still got a lot of language for your dollar. Don't expect to learn a whole language on this CD. Don't even expect to have any degree of fluency. However, as an intorduction to a language, PowerPac can't be beat. The interface is intuitive, engaging and frankly, a lot of fun. A variety of activities work your brain in different ways, helping retension. There is also a 'voice analyzer' feature that compares your voice to a native speakers, but it's far too frustrating to use effectively. Other than that blemish, you have a great facile language learning powerhouse.
Rating:
Summary: Say 'The boy is under the ball' in seven languages!
Review: An earlier reviewer claimed that Japanese was not included, which is incorrect. There are in fact, three versions of Japanese available. While the Explorer series are essentially hooks to get you to buy into the far pricier full versions of the software, you still got a lot of language for your dollar. Don't expect to learn a whole language on this CD. Don't even expect to have any degree of fluency. However, as an intorduction to a language, PowerPac can't be beat. The interface is intuitive, engaging and frankly, a lot of fun. A variety of activities work your brain in different ways, helping retension. There is also a 'voice analyzer' feature that compares your voice to a native speakers, but it's far too frustrating to use effectively. Other than that blemish, you have a great facile language learning powerhouse.
Rating:
Summary: A Shipping Mistake - FLT is working on it
Review: Apparently a shipping clerk made a mistake in packing my box. The kind people at FLT are taking steps to remedy the situation. Thanks guys. I've only tested the Spanish and English (English was not listed on the box or in the manuals, indicating I got the wrong PowerPac CD). Aesthetically, the software is very pretty, and the multimedia used in the tutorials is well chosen. I had to look in the manuals to figure out what some of the icons meant, though. Also, the GUI was built for smallish screens. Users with higher resolution hardware will still be able to use it, but with wide black borders around the active area (typical of Macromedia-type software). Overall, it's good solid educational multimedia.
Rating: 
Summary: NOT for serious language learning
Review: Excellent, easy-to-use interface creates a fun environment for an introduction to seven languages. But do not expect to reach any level of fluency because there just isn't enough material for any one language. I would buy this package simply to see if Rosetta Stone style of learning (use of pictures while hearing the words for the object in the picture) would be appropriate for you. You can't go wrong if your expectations are low.
Rating:
Summary: NOT for serious language learning
Review: Excellent, easy-to-use interface creates a fun environment for an introduction to seven languages. But do not expect to reach any level of fluency because there just isn't enough material for any one language. I would buy this package simply to see if Rosetta Stone style of learning (use of pictures while hearing the words for the object in the picture) would be appropriate for you. You can't go wrong if your expectations are low.
Rating: 
Summary: Misleading Packaging - Japanese NOT Included
Review: I was very disappointed to discover that contrary to the packaging and printed manuals, the software does NOT include Japanese. It includes 3 Chinese (Traditional, Simplified, Pin Yin), German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Russian. I've just now complained to FLT's Sales & Marketing via their website, and hope to get a reply soon.
Rating:
Summary: nicely structured, very user friendly
Review: My CD-Rom does include the japanese lessons. I find this product extremely accessible and very nicely structured. The lessons progress in easily understandable segments. For me, it is an ideal way to start learning a new language, as you always have a reference between pictures, the written, and the spoken words. My only criticism is that I would prefer some grammatical explanations, especially for chinese and japanese.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular Value - Easy Language Learning
Review: The Rosetta Stone, with Spanish, French, German, English, Dutch, Russian and Chinese basic language instruction, all on one CD, is a lot of learning in one small package. Putting all the languages together inspires a very intuitive interface. Learning, grouped by categories such as food, numbers, actions, etc., is at your own pace. You can practice to your heart's content. Besides a stand alone tool, it's a great supplement for regular language instruction. As you can tell, I find it quite helpful. But make sure you have your own dictionary for reference when using the program.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular Value - Easy Language Learning
Review: The Rosetta Stone, with Spanish, French, German, English, Dutch, Russian and Chinese basic language instruction, all on one CD, is a lot of learning in one small package. Putting all the languages together inspires a very intuitive interface. Learning, grouped by categories such as food, numbers, actions, etc., is at your own pace. You can practice to your heart's content. Besides a stand alone tool, it's a great supplement for regular language instruction. As you can tell, I find it quite helpful. But make sure you have your own dictionary for reference when using the program.
Rating:
Summary: A great way to try the best language learning software
Review: This is by far the best language learning software out there for the DIY language learner. It uses total immersion without any English (this is a good thing). I own the full length courses for both Russian and German 1 and 2, and while it was no small investment, it was definitely worth it. The Rosetta Stone software is like the Pimsleur tapes in that it's the best of its kind and you get what you pay for. I bought this program to try it and passed it on to a friend when I bought my full courses. The "powerpac" is a good investment if at least two of the languages out of the seven on the disc are ones you want to learn. If not, you're better off choosing the specific explorer program for your selected language as single language explorer programs are half the price. Again, this is great software but you won't acheive any level of fluency with the abbreviated programs. But since the larger programs are extremely expensive, it's a good way to see if you like the system before you take the big plunge and spend the bucks on the full courses.
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