Average Rating:

.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: 2K Games

September 22, 2008
This is a product that screams inadequate beta testing or lack of real thought into some design aspects. It may become a good game after several patches but probably not possible.

As a preface, I am a long-time Civ player, but never played the prior version of Civ3 Colonization, so I am essentially a Colonization 'virgin'.

Some aspects of poor design to me include the following:
1) Recruiting of new colonists from Europe. The random selection of volunteer colonists is poor. These units can be 'rushed' but often cost as much as 5 times what it would cost to simply purchase the unit. This seems silly at best.
2) Inability to recruit 'regular' colonists who are not specialists, the rarity and inability to recruit ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Quicken Deluxe 2009

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Intuit, Inc.

September 09, 2008
The only reason I gave this only 4 stars is because I found it a bit difficult to use right out of the box. I used Money for so many years that I found Quicken a bit confusing a first. Made many errors in the beginning. Quicken help desk is great which I would give them 5 stars.

Average Rating:

.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 [OLD VERSION]

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Adobe

October 05, 2007
Great product. Purchasing was easy and quick. Bought from a new vendor, but very pleased. If you buy Elements 6 there is a book called "Teach yourself visually" by Mike Wooldridge that is really simple to follow.

Average Rating:

.

Rock Throne Drum Stool

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Icon

May 01, 2008
There's nothing super-dee-duper about this (hence kept to a 4-star rating), but it works great. No complaints for such a good price. I actually got a chance to try my buddy's throne after I got mine, and his was a bit more expensive, and I thought that his throne's butt-pad wasn't as comfortable as mine.

Average Rating:

.

The Sims 2 Seasons Expansion Pack

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Electronic Arts

February 27, 2007
This expansion pack is pretty good. I almost didn't get it but am glad I did. The only downside is the game kinda implies there are holidays but there aren't. Definately a good buy.

Average Rating:

.

SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Electronic Arts

September 22, 2003
I really like the game, though there needs to be a real sequel. Also need to ditch the squares. They can be used as guidelines, but being able to draw property lines would make it more interesting. Just an idea. I will continue to like this game, but Maxis should get the title back and make a better scalable involvement one for those of us who wouldn't mind micromanaging, but keeping the bigger picture for those who just like watching cities grow.

Average Rating:

.

Apple iWork '08

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Apple

August 11, 2007
I can't speak about the other programs, but "Pages" is a joke. It is a program for amateurs, not professionals. One example of its shortcomings is the following: if you want to cut or copy a body of text, and you have your heart set on the pasted text having the same font /font size / style, you have to pull down a special command called "Paste and match style." This is comical. Why didn't they make the cutting and pasting work properly in the first place? That's like saying "Here is your new dishwasher. It cleans beautifully, But if you want to turn it on, you'll have to push a special button in the back."
Not to mention that if there is an underlined word in the text you cut or copied, the underlining won't come out in the pasted text.

Apple has put professional writers in a ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe DVD

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Microsoft

October 17, 2006
Great Flight Sim, so many choices, great variety of planes and geography. I really am enjoying the flights.

Average Rating:

.

SpongeBob Squarepants Typing 2008

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: Encore Software

March 20, 2007
My oldest three kids love this (12, 10 & 7). Cool game for the price.

Average Rating:

.

McAfee Total Protection 2009 3-User

Childrens Toy Shop > Software > Software
from: McAfee

September 07, 2008
Amazon had this for $29.99 in a gold box special and it isn't even worth that. If you want the most bang for your buck in virus protection, stick with Norton. McAfee can't hold a candle to it.