Play and Learn Value Collection Volume 1: 3 Great Adventures with Max

Rating:
Summary: games too short and too easy
Review: "Max and the Haunted Castle", "Max and the Secret Formula", and "Max and the Pirates"
The games were too easy for my 4 1/4 yr old. She finished finding the hidden items (12 socks in the Castle; 7 numbers in the Secret Formula) very quickly and then there was really nothing else (fun/educating) to do. The Max games have the potential to be much more popular with children if Tivola would add more things to do/more stories; make them more difficult/challenging. I gave it 2 stars because it does have potential (my daughter liked Max and his inventor Uncle, Pong). Tivola has a great thing here if they would just improve upon it. ...

Rating:
Summary: 3 Great Adventures, 1 Fantastic Value!
Review: First of all, this is a SUPER value! Three very charming, cute, and engaging games for half the price of one! Max is a lovable character, and these games, with their hand-painted, storybook quality are enchanting. I recommend these if you are looking for something that is not as fast-paced, violent, or tacky as many of the more commercial titles that seem to make up the majority of the children's market. These are beautiful and unique CD-ROMS that young kids will definitely enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Waste Your Money!!
Review: My 3-year-old daughter has discovered the computer recently, so I've been trying to find some inexpensive yet educationally fun software for her. While the price seemed right on this one, that was where the fun ended! Don't waste your money, even if it doesn't seem like much. True, you get 3 games, but they all stink. My daughter doesn't understand anything they say because of their thick accents, and the little movie clips go on FOREVER. By the time she can finally participate, she's totally lost interest. (I don't blame her....yawn!) The games come with absolutely no directions. All in all, these Max games are a waste of money and time. (She loves Dora the Explorer!)

Rating:
Summary: Don't Waste Your Money!!
Review: My 3-year-old daughter has discovered the computer recently, so I've been trying to find some inexpensive yet educationally fun software for her. While the price seemed right on this one, that was where the fun ended! Don't waste your money, even if it doesn't seem like much. True, you get 3 games, but they all stink. My daughter doesn't understand anything they say because of their thick accents, and the little movie clips go on FOREVER. By the time she can finally participate, she's totally lost interest. (I don't blame her....yawn!) The games come with absolutely no directions. All in all, these Max games are a waste of money and time. (She loves Dora the Explorer!)

Rating:
Summary: THESE GAMES ARE WONDERFUL
Review: These Games are a wonderful value. Diane is right, there is no immediate gratification, you do have to sit and listen to a story for a minute or two, (something preschoolers should be learning to do anyway to ready themselves for kindergarten.) THe stories are charming, and my young children ages three and five have absolutely no problem understanding the accents. We are from the midwest, where they do not often hear English accents, but they listen and are able to follow. The value here is spectacular. Three games for half the price of one game is right, and they are very special relaxing, and thoughtful adventures that my kids love. They are not "zombified" by these games, they laugh out loud and talk to each other, talk to Max, and Uncle Pong. They LOVE the surprises. These are not like other games they have played. They learn to use thier logical thinking, and deduction, they learn cause and effect. These games are spectacular. I don't know where the first reviewer is coming from, and it makes me sad to think that some kids will miss out on these fun and charming games after reading her thoughtless review.
I REALLY hope you don't listen to the first review, because these games are a terrific value and will become favorites for your kids!

Rating:
Summary: THESE GAMES ARE WONDERFUL
Review: These Games are a wonderful value. Diane is right, there is no immediate gratification, you do have to sit and listen to a story for a minute or two, (something preschoolers should be learning to do anyway to ready themselves for kindergarten.) THe stories are charming, and my young children ages three and five have absolutely no problem understanding the accents. We are from the midwest, where they do not often hear English accents, but they listen and are able to follow. The value here is spectacular. Three games for half the price of one game is right, and they are very special relaxing, and thoughtful adventures that my kids love. They are not "zombified" by these games, they laugh out loud and talk to each other, talk to Max, and Uncle Pong. They LOVE the surprises. These are not like other games they have played. They learn to use thier logical thinking, and deduction, they learn cause and effect. These games are spectacular. I don't know where the first reviewer is coming from, and it makes me sad to think that some kids will miss out on these fun and charming games after reading her thoughtless review.
I REALLY hope you don't listen to the first review, because these games are a terrific value and will become favorites for your kids!

Rating:
Summary: Tivola programs are great for my kids.
Review: Tivola's Max games are wonderful for my two boys. They are very funny and thought provoking. My kids have SO MANY pre-school games and educational cd's that are from here in the states. These are a welcome change from the lot of games that feature boldly colored circus goofs that quite frankly, bore the heck out of my kids and end up teaching them little. I got a Tivola demo with the Little Prince and popped it in for my 2 and 5 year olds. They were interested right away. The games are not dificult,and my children have no trouble with the accents. Tivola gets my applause for subtlety, and the non-commercial format. They make gentle games, which to my amazement, suit my two (very) rowdy boys.

Rating:
Summary: Tivola programs are great for my kids.
Review: Tivola's Max games are wonderful for my two boys. They are very funny and thought provoking. My kids have SO MANY pre-school games and educational cd's that are from here in the states. These are a welcome change from the lot of games that feature boldly colored circus goofs that quite frankly, bore the heck out of my kids and end up teaching them little. I got a Tivola demo with the Little Prince and popped it in for my 2 and 5 year olds. They were interested right away. The games are not dificult,and my children have no trouble with the accents. Tivola gets my applause for subtlety, and the non-commercial format. They make gentle games, which to my amazement, suit my two (very) rowdy boys.