SuperKids Software Review of Software for Girls, March 2000.

SuperKids Software Review - The Parent's and Teacher's Guide to Childrens' Software

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all reviews >>> software for girls

Software for Girls

"Software for girls? Why do girls need anything different?" Ever heard this comment before?

It turns out that there are lots of good reasons, ranging from the fact that girls make up half the population, to studies that show girls' computer usage dropping off at the age where many software programs' main characters change from androgenous animals to mortal combat seeking, intergalactic space blasters.

As part of our ongoing series looking at programs designed primarily for girls, SuperKids' reviewers checked out the latest in this category. Continuing a trend we've seen over the last two years, software developers are increasingly focusing on traditional, favorite girls characters.

Nancy Drew Stay Tuned for Danger [for ages 10 and up] from Her Interactive, is one of the too-rare, challenging titles for the post-Barbie age girl. Stay Tuned for Danger is an intricate masterpiece, filled with clues, twists, dead ends and pay dirt.
Detective Barbie 2: The Vacation Mystery [for ages 5 and up] from Mattel Media, is a fun challenge for Barbie enthusiasts. It may prove too difficult, however, for young girls, and is definitely not for those with short attention spans and/or in need of instant gratification.
Disney's Princess Fashion Boutique [for ages 5 and up] from Disney Interactive, a program that encourages girls to use imagination and creativity as they design and dress their princesses, was a hit with our young testers.
Barbie Digital Makeover [for ages 6 and up] from Mattel Media, lets girls choose models or import photos of themselves to make-up, dress, bedeck and photograph. Although not unique or strictly educational, this program is very enjoyable and got strong reviews from our young testers.

Can't find one that meet your needs? Check out other Girls programs SuperKids has reviewed.

SuperKids Ratings
Title Publisher	Education Value	Kid Appeal	Ease of Use	Buyers Guide (Price Survey)
Nancy Drew Stay Tuned for Danger Her Interactive	4.0	5.0	4.0	PC / Mac
Detective Barbie 2: The Vacation Mystery Mattel Media	3.5	4.0	4.0	PC / Mac
Disney's Princess Fashion Boutique Disney Interactive	3.5	4.8	4.0	PC / Mac
Barbie Digital Makeover Mattel Media	3.0	4.5	4.0	PC / Mac
Reviews of Other Software Programs for Girls