Instant Immersion Japanese

Rating:
Summary: Some hits; some misses
Review: ...this is one of the best Japanese software programs I've ever seen. It's better than some I've pated [much more] for, and it's well woth it to anyone who wants to learn to speak Japanese.

Rating:
Summary: A very helpful and [inexpensive] product
Review: ...this is one of the best Japanese software programs I've ever seen. It's better than some I've pated [much more] for, and it's well woth it to anyone who wants to learn to speak Japanese.

Rating:
Summary: This is so awesome and it is helping me learn Japanese!
Review: I didn't buy this off of Amazon, but at the discount aisle at Fry's Electronics. I thought it was alright. I gave these a confusion level. 5 is the most, 0 is the least.

The first CD, Talk Now, was awesome. It teaches some basic words and phrases, along with colors, food, numbers, and a few other things. When you think you're ready to play the quiz game, you can get printable awards depending on how you did.
Confusion Level: 0

The second CD, World Talk, confused me so much. Just...no. I'm sorry if they meant well, but they sure as sugar DIDN'T do well on this one.
Confusion Level: 48,592,703,271,623,028

The third CD is Human Japanese. It's nice to know that it's not textbook Japanese and I actually learned grammar. You get writing lessons, grammar lessons, and how to pronounce the words correctly. I loved it and it's still one of my favorite Japanese programs. Every once in a while it all seems a bit overwhelming, though.
Confusion Level: 1.5

The fourth one, JquickTrans, is like a dictionary. You type in a word and it gives you the word in Japanese and some related words. It's kind of confusing at first, so play around with it until you're comfortable. It can find pretty much any word you type in, even rare-ish words that you don't hear in everyday conversation, like "phantasm."
Confusion Level: 2.5

Overall, I think it's a good bit of software and if you are just starting out, I suggest getting this one.

Rating:
Summary: Human Japanese (Disc 3)
Review: I have read several other reviews of this software. Apparently, I have a different version or something. I have read comments from "XP bugs" to "doesn't teach anything." I have had no problems with XP, and if you actually buy the four disc set, disc three has a very useful piece of software ("Human Japanese") that is a wonderful teacher. Not only is it thorough, the author used excellent teaching techniques to help you understand the content. The only thing it really doesn't hit on is Kanji. If you want to start learning Japanese, I cannot urge you enough to try this software.

The other CDs are useful as well, but are only programs to test how much you know; not teach you (there is also a good translator program on disc 4, JQuickTrans).

Rating:
Summary: A Winner
Review: If you're starting to learn Japanese, a feat to be applauded in itself, this is an amazing package. It's fun, interactive, and educational. Don't even think about trying to get a foot in the door without this. Books are great but to be able to see people pronounce the words with enthusiasm in correlation to the picture of the word is SO helpful and helps it stick amazingly well too. Another commenter posted that the games were worthless but they're only useless if your not focused on learning. This makes it so simple AND enjoyable, something I've never found with any other software out there. I was at first hesitant by the low price wondering how it could possibly deliver. BUY this as it's a steal and for the dedicated learner, a great way to start.

Rating:
Summary: Save your Money
Review: NOT VERY GOOD AT ALL! there are four discs, the only useful one is the first disc. it starts out by teaching you basic vocab...how to say bathroom, silverware, fruits, food items, how to tell time, colors, numbers and stuff like that. but then u put in the second disc and its speaking ENTIRELY in Japanese and it's impossible to understand whats going on or what youre supposed to do by just what you learned on the first disc. also there are interactive games to help u learn and remember, but the games are easy and repetitive and get boring fast! Not a good tool for learning Japanese...disappointing =(

Rating:
Summary: A very good CD
Review: This CD has a lot to know. If you take your time you usually learn pretty well. I myself am only on the first CD. I am learning the words before the symbols (personally, I think that works the best). Overall, it's good. But I need to spend a lot of time on it. The second CD has just Japanese, so if I were you I'd spend a lot of time and get the required 1800 points.

Rating:
Summary: Some hits; some misses
Review: This product consists of 4 CDs. This product is far from perfect but overall it is a good value and an excellent supplement if you have other learning tools at your disposal.

#1: Talk Now (rating: 5 stars): This is a fun CD for building a simple vocabulary of words and phrases. It makes learning easy by associating the words and phrases with the actual object or action instead of over-emphasizing the English translation. This helps you to start thinking in Japanese instead of thinking of an object in English then attempting to translate that word into Japanese. The games and quizzes are entertaining and keep your interest.

#2: World Talk (rating: 0 stars): This CD is practically impossible for a beginning student to understand. It is not a logical progression from the first CD. The help button gives you some clues as to what the lesson is attempting to teach, but it is very inadequate and confusing. There is also a section for transcription. There is a control to adjust the rate at which the sentences are read, however, it actually only adjusts the amount of time BETWEEN sentences, not adjusting the speed at which the words are spoken. Most people have a difficult time transcribing their own spoken language at normal spoken rate, so to transcribe a foreign language is incredibly difficult.

#3: Human Japanese (rating: 4 stars): This is an online textbook that covers grammar, vocabulary, writing hiragana and katakana, and even a little culture, too. It is written in a very readable, easy-to-understand manner that's not sterile like a typical textbook. New vocabulary is introduced in an accessible manner. The instruction for learning hiragana and katakana is excellent.

#4: JQuickTrans (rating: 3.25 stars): This is a nice translator. The interface is a little bit confusing, even for people who are very comfortable using computer applications. You should definitely read the Quick Start Guide to get a better feel for how to use this program.

Rating:
Summary: Terrible.
Review: Your money would be better spent on a book that teaches you grammar AND vocabulary. This set comes with no directions, just a bunch of CDs in a box. Using the software isnt explained, the games are useless as you can win just by clicking all over, you dont have to learn anything.

Learning phrases isnt helpful for any language if you dont know how to take vocabulary and form your own phrases.

Honestly this is a waste of cash. Get a book. If you need pronunciation help buy a book with an audio disc included.