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Software Picks For Holiday Gift Giving, Part I By Pam Gleichman Tribune Media Services The winter holiday buying season has commenced; once again, buyers have many new software titles, video games and peripherals to choose from. Below are my top software picks for gift giving in 1999. Next week I will highlight software under $10, video games and peripherals for the entire family. Please remember to check the system requirements before purchasing. Happy Holidays! PRESCHOOL Thomas & Friends "The Great Festival Adventure" by Hasbro Interactive, (800) 683-5847, http://www.hasbro-interactive.com , ages 2 and up, $19.99, Win 95/98. Based on the television and book series, kids join Thomas, Sir Topham, Henry, Percy and others in a virtual journey around the Island of Sodor. I Spy Junior, Scholastic, (800) 724-4718, http://www.scholastic.com , ages 3 to 5 $29.99, Win 95/98/MAC CD-ROM. This program contains six categories of beautiful puzzles, giving young children opportunities to use logic and problem-solving skills. Star Wars Jar Jar�s Journey by Lucas Learning, (888) 887-7909, http://www.lucaslearning.com , ages 4 and up, $29.95, Win 95/98/MAC CD-ROM. This animated storybook includes six enjoyable Star War�s activities, including mazes, a concentration game, patterns and more. Monopoly Junior by Hasbro Interactive, (800) 683-5847, http://www.hasbro-interactive.com , ages 5 and up, $19.95, Win 95/98 CD-ROM. The popular board game comes to life on this CD. Great graphics and game play. Miss Spider�s Tea Party by Simon & Schuster Interactive, (800) 223-2336 http://www.simonsays.com ages 3 to 6, $19.95, Win 95/98/MAC CD-ROM. Children assist their favorite arachnid in throwing a tea party via eight fun-filled games. Great for the lower end of the age group. EARLY ELEMENTARY I Spy Spooky Mansion by Scholastic, (800) 724-4718, http://www.scholastic.com , ages 6 to 10, $29.99, Win 95/98/MAC CD-ROM. There are 10 rooms to explore, while completing puzzles and collecting pieces of the secret puzzle. Solve the secret puzzle to find a way out of the haunted house. Backyard Football by Humongous Entertainment, (800) 499-8386, http://www.jrsn.com , ages to 10, $29.99, Win/Mac CD-ROM. Children can create their own football teams using NFL players and neighborhood kids, each with his own personality and skill level. Lego Racers by Lego Media, (860) 763-6899, http://www.legomedia.com , ages 6 and up, $39.99, Win 98, PlayStation, N64. Children create a driver and a Lego car to race around one of 12 racetracks, which displays the Lego theme. Reading Blaster & Math Blaster Grade Based Series by Knowledge Adventure, (800) 542-4240, http://www.knowledgeadventure.com , ages 4 to 7, $24.99, Win 95/98/MAC CD-ROM. A set of programs that focus on Math and Reading with an engaging playing format. My First Amazing Diary by DK Multimedia, (888) 342-5357, http://www.dk.com , ages 5 to 8, $19.95, Win 95/98/MAC CD-ROM. This program encourages young children to create their own diary by answering questions about themselves. Pokemon Project Blue Version and Pokemon Project Red Version by the Learning Company, (800) 716-8506, http://www.learningco.com , ages 6 to 12, $24.99, Win 95/98. Children can create Pokemon cards, jewelry, key chains, masks, invitations, stickers and more using their favorite Pokemon creatures. UPPER ELEMENTARY & FAMILY GAMES Virtual Serengeti by Grolier Interactive, (800) 217-1495, http://www.gi.grolier.com , ages 9 and up, $29.95, Win 95/98/MAC CD-ROM. This interactive photo safari adventure contains over 150 beautiful animal videos, 60 animal entries in a handy field guide, and 50 360-degree panoramic environments of the Serengeti Plain in Africa. Roller Coaster Tycoon by Hasbro Interactive, (800) 683-5847, http://www.hasbro-interactive.com , ages 10 to adult, $24.99, Windows 95/98. Build and manage your own amusement park with this fantastic simulation. Hoyle Word Games by Sierra Attractions, (800) 757-7707, http://www.sierra.com , ages 8 and up, $29.95, Win 95/98/MAC OS. A great set of engaging word puzzles sure to please everyone. After Dark Games by Berkeley Systems, (510) 540-5535, http://www.berksys.com , ages 8 to adult, $19.99. Win 95/98/MAC OS CD-ROM. This is a fun collection of word games, logic and strategy arcade games featuring the characters from the After Dark Screen Savers. Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite 2000 by Microsoft, (800) 426-9400, http://www.encarta.msn.com , ages 10 to adult, $99.99, Win 95, NT 4.0, DVD or CD-ROM. This awesome collection of information includes The Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe, The Encarta Interactive World Atlas, The Encarta World English Dictionary, and a one-year subscription to Encarta Online Deluxe 3-D Ultra Lionel Traintown by Sierra-On-Line, (800) 757-7707, http://www.sierra.com , ages 8 and up, $19.99, Win 95/98 or NT 4.0. A very realistic train simulation that lets you design and build your own train set complete with scenery. There are also preset scenes with challenges to solve. RATING KEY : ***** � Outstanding; **** � Very Good; *** � Good; ** � Fair; * � Not Worth Purchasing. Pam Gleichman welcomes questions/comments from readers. Write to Pam at Tribune Media Services, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, Ill. 60611. Send e-mail to [email protected] . © 1999 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Techno file index Mail Tribune Copyright © The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA