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weakest of the three Caillou software titles

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 10 / 10
Date: February 07, 2003
Author: Amazon User

We own the other two Caillou software titles and have enjoyed them both, but we are disappointed with Four Seasons of Fun, to a great extent because the potential is here for a really fun game; that potential is not realized, however, due to rigid and sometimes confusing navigation, bugs and less interesting activities.

Whereas the two earlier Caillou games involved wandering around Caillou's house, this title starts inside but spends the rest of the game outside moving around the neighborhood. The look of the area and the activities change according to the season initially selected by the player. So far, so good. However, our iMac freezes about 25% of the time during the dressing segment and, like other reviewers, we find this section confusing -- it's not often apparent, for instance, what specific shirt or coat a child should choose.

Unlike the earlier titles, there is less freedom of navigation. Players proceed in a rigid, linear progression between activities, and game play is not always smooth. Some of the activities are: (1) Race-along, an obstacle course that Caillou must navigate on his skateboard. Your child has to decide whether Caillou should jump over, duck under, or go around various objects. This segment is compelling for preschoolers, but Caillou moves VERY slowly, and if the player doesn't press the appropriate key at precisely the right time, Caillou will have risen from his crouch or come down from his jump too early. At the same time, feedback is not really salient; our little one doesn't recognize that Caillou's "spinning" is a bad thing, and since the player must continue until 7 objects are successfully navigated, this can go on and on. (2) Caillou rakes his way through a letter maze. Tedious. (3) Bouncing ball rhyming. Unimaginative. (4) Snowman Builder, in which the player copies another snowman. First of all, why stifle creativity? Also, when we are in the "Fall" and click on the rake, the narrator still says "Snowman Builder" even though that's not the activity that will follow. Was this beta tested?

All-in-all, we were predisposed to enjoy this game but were ultimately disappointed with it. We will certainly not rush to buy another Caillou title. Better bets for your preschooler are Reader Rabbit, Little Bear, Franklin or Winnie the Pooh offerings. Interestingly, we have found the same inconsistent quality with Zoboomafoo software, another PBS franchise. What gives?

Pros: familiar, beloved characters; interesting premise in a promising setting; seamless cutscenes; multiple levels of difficulty; simple navigation

Cons: rigid, sometimes confusing, navigation; no written instructions; no keyboard volume control; fewer, and less interesting, activities; less stability

Poorly Designed

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: December 01, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I bought this software for my 4 year old grandson & I to have fun with--we are both computer savy and usually have no problems with software, the internet, graphic programs, etc. The description on the box looked like it would be fun, have appropriate activities for his age, and be something he easily could do. I thought the instructions were vague, very hard to find certain activities (especially the ones we wanted to do the most), and overall, we found it too frustrating and wished we could return it. Right off the bat I was amazed at how poorly the first activity for each season was set up: before Caillou goes outside to play, you are to pick the appropriate clothes for that season. Living in the Midwest we are well acquainted with differences in seasons and clothes you wear for each. I found there was no distinction among the choices of coats or pants for Caillou to wear. If I, an adult, couldn't see any differences, how could a small child? My recommendation is this: save your money on this software and buy the Caillou activity books for ...and have a less frustrating time.

Rediculously slow on my new Macintosh

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: October 20, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This title runs rediculously slow on my new Macintosh. Some of the mini-games take 10 minutes or more to complete (race-a-long, for example)!!! Stay away from this dog.

This game is fun.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: January 10, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game for my three and five year old, both of whom love Caillou, and they have not let me near the computer since. I have to limit their computer time because they want to play the game constantly.

My three year old had a little trouble with the interface at first, but the five year old was able to walk her through it. And now she's a pro.

The games are easy enough for the 3 year old to play at level 1 and challenging for the five year old at level 3. They really like the Run and Jump game and the Ball Bouncer rhyming game.

Get this game for your preschoolers!

Season Sensation!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: September 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

While there are some valid points to the earlier criticsm of Caillou Seasons this is really a fun program that offers kids tons of choices. I bought this for my neice and ended up being the hero of the birthday party. The game is really cute and held her attention as well as bringing about lots of discussion about the various seasons, her likes and dislikes about them and plans for the upcoming fall. It looks like it will be Caillou for Christmas if I want to keep my prefered uncle status going. Just hope my brother and his wife can cope with the theme song that gets stuck in your head.

My child loves this program

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: December 02, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Perfect for his age and with his favorite character. He is playing and learning for hours. I am going to buy the other ones

Love the Seasons

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: July 19, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I agree with the reviews that Four Seasons is a little tight, that you're not sure which clothes go with which season(coordinate by color), and when Caillou spins (in the racing game) it's suppose to be a bad thing; however, my son and I LOVE this CD. He is 5, and we love discussing the seasons of the year and learning the exciting characteristics of each. I haven't seen any other software that teaches this. See-saw, build a snowman, rake leaves, ice skate, and roller blade thru the year. As you work thru the activities you collect items for your "Nature Book." When you've completed a season you can print the nature book, staple, and color. My son loves Four Seasons, and I reminisce about going through the seasons in my own childhood. Educational, fun, sweet - you can't miss!

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