The Treehouse Reviews (DOS)

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From a telescope to view stars to a chalkboard with colored chalk for drawing, from pictures that talk to a synthesizer that simulates orchestral instruments, it's all just a point-and-click away. Players may choose a male or female on-screen character to explore this rich, full environment. Excellent sound effects.

Every child will find at least one thing to enjoy in this game and maybe even more than one.

This title is the seventh one in the Active Minds Series from Broderbund. This is a series of programs that are designed to help motivate children to develop their educational skills while having a positive experience in a non-threatening environment. Learning while having fun is, in my opinion, the best way to learn. This program accomplishes that goal in very fine form. It goes a long way in helping young minds increase their knowledge. It goes a long way because it is a good program.

The documentation is clear and easy to understand. It should be gone over by parents and kids together at first. Then, once kids get the hang of the game's interface, they should need little help. No reading skills are necessary in order to play the game. Frankly, although it is recommended especially for ages six to 10, younger children who have been exposed to computer games as well as older players (particularly those with an interest in music) may be equally interested. The Treehouse comes with a kids' guide and song book full of supplementary information and ideas for things to do like "Science in the backyard" and "Homemade instruments." There is even a cassette tape of that toe-tapping Treehouse theme for kids' listening and dancing pleasure. The designers have created a full package of fun here that should serve as a valuable source of education and entertainment.