Review of Thomas and Friends: Building the New Line

Happy New Year! (Well almost--as I write this it is still Dec. 31 where I live). This week I bring you a review of Thomas and Friends Building the New Line by Infogames.

This is the first Mac compatible Thomas the Tank title. Since I have a big train fan at home, I made certain Santa got this software under the tree.

It is a very simple little program. After signing in, the child selects either the Jr. Engineer or the Sr. Engineer level. At the Jr. Engineer level only mouse skills are needed to build the track. The Sr. Engineer level requires the child to select the correct pieces for the track, like putting together a puzzle. Other than this, the levels are the same.

The child has many choices. Which engine? Edward, James, Thomas, or Percy? Which setting? Farm, quarry, or seashore? Which layout? Simple or lots of twists and turns? After the track is built, the child chooses a cargo for the train to carry, and then uses trees, rocks, tunnels and other items to landscape the layout.

When all this is done the child clicks on the GO button and goes into Play Mode. Now the little engineer can watch the train go around the track. Watch out! The track might break or something might fall, and the child will need to fix the problem. In Play Mode, the child can also pick up and drop off cargo, switch tracks, and control the speed of the train. There are many clickables to explore in this activity also.

After leaving Play Mode, it's time to clean up the engine at The Works. This is my son's favorite part. Here he cleans the engine by moving the mouse back and forth, tightens the wheel bolts, and adds a whistle and lamp.

Now that the engine is all spruced up it's time for the Grand Opening Celebration. The child scrolls through a selection of balloons, banners, and flags to decorate the station. But the decorating isn't finished yet. The engine also needs to be decked out in his finest for the big party.

At the Grand Opening Celebration the child is given a printable postcard of the new line he or she has built. Now the child may choose whether to go back to the sign up screen and begin again, or return to Play Mode.

This program is more entertaining than educational. No academic subjects are covered, but the child has a chance to think, plan, and practice mouse skills while building the new railroad line. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more to this program. My son hasn't played with it as much as I thought he would. If I had it to buy over again, I would probably look for it on sale.

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