System Requirements

OS: Windows 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP, MacOS 8.1 CPU: 233mhz AMD/Intel processor RAM: 64 MB HDD: 120 MB CD-ROM: 8X VIDEO: 32 bit SOUND: 16 bit compatible sound card Ages: Everyone

Evil robots are pumping deadly gas and germs to kill intruders in Bioscopia. A young adventurous scientist finds herself trapped. Robots are on guard and you must save her! In order to rescue her you will have to take a crash course into the world of Biology! I classify this type of game as edutainment. It\'s a pretty fun way to learn. The game play is Myst like. There are lots puzzles that you will have to figure out. Fortunately there is a walk through on the CD in case you get stuck. Trust me you will, I have no idea on how kids will be able to figure out half the puzzles. Either case, many of the quests will quiz you on various Biology topics such as: * Human Biology * Cell Biology * Genetics * Zoology * Botany

Game Play

You\'re on a rescue mission. You will be looking for clues and a way to save the young scientist. Collect any items you can, you will surely be needing them later. You will find access cards and other key mechanisms. The key cards have to be charged. In order to do so, you have to answer Biology questions correctly. The questions will vary from the size of the biggest snake to the blood sugar level of a human. If you don\'t know the answers, you can find a Big Brain computer and watch learning videos. Read journals, as they often contain combinations and other codes for accessing various areas. If you see a diagram, remember it or jot it down, or it will come back to haunt you! Pay attention to all details, and good luck!

Appropriate?

This is a great learning game for any age group. I did not find any objectionable content. *Spoiler* Though the ending is a little odd...

Final Thoughts

The game comes on two CD\'s. The game runs off the second disc. It\'s Macromedia based so the interface is fairly easy to use. There were times in the game where if you don\'t click just right, you won\'t get access to a key area. For example there was a double door and only one side was a hot spot. My other complaint is the screen resolution. The game requires 800x600 resolution, however you must manually set it. Those of us with big monitors prefer games to adjust the resolutions and change it back when done. The graphics are typical to the genre, most of the game is still images. However there are some nifty movie scenes. The sound effects are appropriate. There are noises for any movement you do and any object you interact with. There are even sound puzzles in this game. I now know what an eagle, frog, and lion sound waves look like! There is no background music or anything snazzy like that. I was a little disappointed with the stability of the game. I am running Windows 2000 and several times this game crashed to my desktop. Usually after I completed a significant puzzle. :( You will learn to save early and often! Other than that if you like Biology (or know a kid who does), puzzle games, or Myst style games, I am sure you\'ll be happy with this game. It\'s $19.95.