Both products were well received by my testers, my son and daughter . I used a system that was very close to the minimum requirements for the game.

Min Requirements for both games:

496/66 or Higher (Pentium recommended), Microsoft Windows 3.1, or higher, or Windows 95; 256 color display (640x480); 8 MB RAM; mouse; double speed CD-ROM drive; 1 MB hard disk space; sound card, speakers; microphone (optional).

Message in a fossil was very easy to install. The program is a role playing simulation in which the participants go through a Workshop and learn all about what paleontologist go through while discovering the past. The Workshop was very informative on the steps required to get dinosaur bones to the museum. The steps include; (1) Viewing Fossil Park; (2) Taking the Fossil Park Tour; (3) Observing a dig site in progress; (4) Digging for fossils; (5) Get information about fossils; (6) Make a dioramas in the museum; (7) Keep track of your process; and (8) Choose a level of difficulty.

When we were going through the steps to be come a paleontologist my kids loved the digging tools the best. The game allows you to name your dig sight, like "Dinosaur Den" or "Jurassic Meadow". The diggers tools allowed for use of the pick, brush and sieve. The activity on this part of the dig was very rewarding for the players.

The museum part of the game was also rewarding. Trying to put the bones that you have found into an actual dinosaur was fun for the kids. Even though the program has recommend for children 8 years of age, my 5 and 7 year olds enjoyed the game.

Go West!, The Homesteader's Challenge

This game was very easy to install and was fun for the kids to go through. The game was recommended for 8 years of age, and was not as interesting to my 5 and 7 year old. I think that this game will be one that they will like in the years to come.

This role play places the child in a homesteaders simulation. The program opens in 1880 and the player gets to determine who you will be in the game. This impacts what job, or duties that you will need to play. The key strength of the game is the ability to print a book showing your progress through homesteading.

The activities are; (1) Setting goals; (2) Staking a claim; (3) Keeping a logbook; (4) Maintain a family album; (5) Gather information; (6) Answer Trivia Questions; (7) Save your work; and listen to your neighbors' advice. The people that you have a choice of role playing would include; the Farm Worker; The Loan Officer; the Farmer's daughter; the Farmer's older son; the Farmer's Younger son.

Click image to enlarge

For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here