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Backstreet Boys Puzzles in Motion By Pam Gleichman Tribune Media Services Backstreet Boys Puzzles in Motion features the pop group, The Backstreet Boys. The program highlights video clips of the group�s popular songs and music videos, including their recent hits "We�ve Got it Going On," "Anywhere for You," "I�ll Never Break Your Heart", "Everybody (Backstreet�s Back)," "All I Have to Give" and "I Wanna Be With You". The music video is cut into little square pieces. Each square is scrambled, rotated or even mirrored. Each clip plays six seconds in a continuous loop, challenging players to put the video puzzle back together while the video plays against a running clock. Each of the 12 videos offers three puzzle variations with three levels of difficulty. After you complete 12 puzzles (in one level) the program offers a "Super Puzzle Challenge". You can post your results online at http://www.puzzle-in-motion.com to share and brag about your best scores. The Backstreet Boys Puzzles in Motion gives a new twist to puzzle solving. Children who were big fans of the Backstreet Boys got very excited about this program. They loved listening to the music, as they worked to solve the moving puzzles. Some of the children even sang along with them. Even at the lowest level, the puzzles are quite challenging. When the puzzle is complete, children receive a point score and the time it took to complete. This motivated children to do the puzzle over in order to better their score. Children, who were not fans of the group, had no interest in even trying the program. In conclusion, it is a good program for those who enjoy a challenge and the music of the Backstreet Boys. Publisher : Ravensburger Interactive Media GmbH, Germany Determined Productions, Inc., http://www.puzzles-in-motion.com . Category : Puzzles, music and video. Age : 9 and up. Installation : The installation process froze our computers. We had to restart and reinstall the program. Use : Easy to use, but the puzzles are quite a challenge to complete. Graphics : Very good. Written Materials : Written materials are included on the CD jacket, although you will be able to get started without them. System Requirements : Windows 3.1 or Windows 95/98, 486 processor, 66 MHz, 8 MB RAM, sound card, 42 MB free hard disk space, 256 colors, 640 x 480 resolution. Macintosh 7.5, 68040 processor, 66 MHz, 9 MB RAM, 42 MB free hard disk space, 256 colors, 640 X 480 resolution. Tested Version : Windows 3.1/95/98/Macintosh CD-ROM. Cost : $29.95. Rating : Three stars. Backstreet Boys Puzzles in Motion is a good program for those who enjoy solving challenging puzzles and the music of the Backstreet Boys. REVIEWER�S NOTE: �N Sync will be featured on the next Puzzle in Motion. DEAR PAM : I have a 4-year-old daughter who has just begun to show an interest in the computer. We have Jumpstart Preschool and a couple electronic storybooks. Could you please give me a couple of suggestions? DEAR READER : Little Bear Rainy Day Activities by The Learning Company (see full review next week) is an adorable new program with many engaging activities. Reader Rabbit�s Thinking Games is another new program from The Learning Company. It has many good learning games and activities. WEB SITE OF THE WEEK HALLOWEEN ON THE WEB http://www.halloween.com This is your complete guide to Halloween on the Web. There are links to the history and customs of Halloween, scary stories, pumpkin carving, ghosts, haunted houses, Halloween carols, folk and fairy tales, Halloween jokes and costume and party ideas. 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