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Computer games for kids
Magazine lets youngsters rate their favorites
August 29, 1996
Web posted at: 7:15 p.m. EDT(CNN) -- If you want to know what CD-ROMs and computer programs appeal to young people -- just ask them. That's the approach Home PC magazine took, letting children from from 3 to 18 test both lesser-known and new offerings and getting their feedback. The results will be in the magazine's September/October issue.
"What we really look for here is a program that kids will come back to again and again because they enjoy it," says Home PC's Carol Ellison, who watches and takes notes as children try out CD-ROM games.
First, it's pre-schoolers Lauren and Janine, who seem very interested in the new "Toy Story" CD. Then, 9-year-old Christopher gets to play. He gives thumbs up to the "Jungle Book" CD.
Later, teen-agers Diana and Courtney try out "Explore Yellowstone" and "Savage," two wildlife-oriented CD-ROMs. "Savage" is their preference because it's "more fun."
"You don't want to spend $40 on a program, bring it home and have the kids not play it," Ellison says.
But just because children can play with a computer game doesn't mean they will. On a recent visit to the Home PC magazine testing lab, Erin, 3, decided playing with a Mr. Potato Head stuffed toy was much more interesting than anything electronic.
Correspondent Dick Wilson contributed to this report.Related site:
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