Summary
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Big Action Garage is a scavenger-hunt style program for children interested in cars and adventure. Children travel with Tommy Treads as he helps repair his broken-down friend, K.C. Coupe, before the Tow Truck takes K.C. away. Children play games and activities with Tommy's zany auto pals, who help him earn parts to fix K.C. It's full of 3-D movies, music and animation.
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Educational
Value
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Enjoy this program for its entertainment value, not education. While it involves some problem solving and mouse manipulation, the real purpose is to have fun.
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Fun Factor
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Big Action Garage is fun and entertaining--young children will delight in this cartoon ride with Tommy Treads. It starts in Auto Land, where the player can decide where Tommy should go. Children click on one of seven fun locations, and Tommy drives there. At each location, children can play activities and win parts for K.C. Although recommended for ages 4-7, my eight-year-old son enjoyed it!
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Lasting Value
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There are several different ways to obtain the parts necessary to fix K.C., so each time a child plays can be a new experience. It's not imperative that all parts be obtained since just playing is fun in itself. Children can design a wacky car, then print it out. But for those who know the program well, it's unfortunate that some conversations and instructions aren't interruptible.
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Quality
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The animations are cute, although they don't seem to flow as smoothly as they could. But children will be entertained as they hunt for spare parts, and they'll even learn the basics of car mechanics, such as performing an oil change and replacing the battery. |
Start your engine and strap on your seat belt. It's time to take an exciting trip through Auto Land…a make-believe world full of four-wheeled fun! There are seven locations in Auto Land with various activities, including Race Track Challenge, Cliff's Quick Lube where the car gets a tune-up, and Spooky Goorage where players Grease the Ghosts. Wheelie's Body Shop has a paint and detail activity the children seem to enjoy.
If your child likes Big Action Garage, then she/he will be sure to like Big Action Construction.
