Rating: 
Summary: A disappointment. Try one of the other Thomas games first.
Review: Our kids have enjoyed all three of the previous Thomas software titles ("The Great Festival Adventure", "Trouble on the Tracks", and the "Railway Adventures Playset"), and we purchased this latest title a few weeks ago. This one seems very unimpressive in comparison. It might be an ok option if your child is 2-3, and/or if they like the idea of completing a game within 15 minutes; otherwise, you should probably choose one of the other Thomas titles.The game designers had a good idea -- design and build your own rail line -- but their execution of this idea is pretty dull and disappointing. You don't get much control over the design of the line, you just select one of 5 pre-designed layouts. All 5 layouts are small (one screen) in size, and they're all pretty similar to each other. You do some inconsequential decorating of the layout by placing a few trees and rocks here and there. After that, you run an engine around the line for as long as you like (it takes just a few seconds to drive a complete lap). Along the way you can complete a couple of dull and extremely simple activities, like load a stack of boxes from one spot and unload them another. It seems silly because you only carry the load for a few seconds before it requires you to unload it all! After that, you can clean and repair the engine (something that's part of every Thomas game), and lastly you "decorate" the engine, which means you get to choose from a few pre-selected decorations. It usually takes 15 minutes or less to complete the whole game. The game offers two different skill levels, but the ONLY difference between them occurs during the placing of tracks onto the track layout, and it's a really minor difference in difficulty -- my 2 1/2 year old can do the higher level. It's a disappoinment from Infogrames, the company that recently acquired both Hasbro Interactive (which made the previous Thomas titles) and Humongous Software (which produced a LONG list of great kids titles). I've seen a few of their other recent efforts (including "Dora's Backpack Adventure" and "Blues Clues Preschool"), and I have yet to see them produce anything that's on par with their predecessors.
Rating: 
Summary: Great entertainment for the kids!
Review: Trying to find things for my kids to do is always a challenge. That's why when Thomas the Tank Engine and Frainds have a software package like this one I had to get a copy. With 4 engines using 3 locations and 5 possible tracks, giving you 60 different layouts there is always soemthing different. I think if they release another version they should add more engines like Henry, Gordon, Toby and Duck. You'll find fun right around every turn including having George rip up the track and you have to replace it. You can help Cranky the Crane move boulders off the track and help the engines back on the track when they fall off. Also there is haybales, crates and oil drums you can spill to only have to clean up after. The only thing I didn't see is Thumper, but I sure he'll show up at some time. Ther are 2 levels a junior and senior engineer, giving you different things to do at each location. Overall this is a great experience for the kids to look and learn as well as build computer and mouse skills.
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