Game Sources for Kids: Learning + Fun + Free *

• A free one-campaign trial of Age of Empires 1.0 can be downloaded from Microsoft.
          The challenge of this game is to teach your troops how to takeover and destroy your opponent. Not just a simple shoot-em-up.
• Dave's Video Game Classics is a free way to play the simple games I grew up on. -- TG
• Half-Life from Sierra Online (developed by Valve Software) Note: The storyline by horror novelist Marc Laidlaw may be unsuitable for younger children.
          This game combines the ". . .  action of legendary action games like Doom with great storytelling in the tradition of Stephen King. [The game was awarded] 'Best PC Game' in the Best of E3 Show Awards from Unified Gamers . . .  Players need to think smart to survive. . . ." --- quote from GamesNet Review
• Lander from Psygnosis isn't really a learning development game, but it has an intriguing story line.
"When you are hired to undertake a supposedly scientific expedition to an ancient Mayan site on Earth, . . . an [extraterrestrial] artifact is discovered . . . and the key to it's origin seems to lay among the outer reaches of our planets. Powerful corporations want the secret,  . . . millions are at stake, and each faction will stop at nothing to discover the key to the universe." --- quote from GamesNet Review
• Lavamind makes it fun to learn economics and business principles. (Honest!)
          Elko schools use Gadzillionaire (free and playable through this link) to reinforce economic principles and business sense in middle school students. Economics and business is about money; loosing this game means going bankrupt. You learn (and win) by correctly applying business and economic principles (whether you realize it or not). -- TG
• Pro Pilot 99  from Sierra  (Demo Download)
". . . was designed to enhance the novice pilot's experience and is an excellent preparation and exercise utility for flight enthusiasts, aviation students and professional aviators. The program allows beginners to become familiar with aviation procedures, flight maneuvers, cross-country flight planning and Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications." --- quote from GamesNet Review
• Rollercoaster Tycoon  from Microprose (Note: this demo will only allow 15 minutes of game play before returning to the main menu.)
          "Design and build the biggest, best and scariest rides ever seen in any theme park! Create over 50 designs from the traditional Wooden Rollercoaster to the high-tech Steel Corkscrew and the terrifying Reverse Freefall -- all featuring accurately simulated motion dynamics.  Fund the research and you'll get the greatest rides current technology is capable -- and then charge top prices to your visitors."
          "But it's not just about building rollercoasters - you've got to look after all your guests . . . by providing a complete range of "family" entertainment . . . [or]  you'll get no takers and no profit." -- quote from GamesNet Review
          The best part about this game is that it holds interest while teaching about the balance of neds that must be considered in building a succesful busines or project -- TG
• Vangers: One for the Road from Interactive Magic Games
 ". . . journey through a world of constant peril, learning when to fight and when to flee for your life . . . . Trade for profit, buy equipment and vehicles, and outfit yourself to do battle . . ., because only the fittest will survive . . . ." -- quote from GamesNet Review
• Worms Armageddon, from micropose, is a slightly wacky strategy game.
It doesn't glory in mayhem, like many other popular strategy games. It seems to poke fun at it. Players design teams of cartoon worms that use odd devices to wipe out either their opponent or computer opponents. My son (using the full CD version) can play this for hours; he also beats me soundly. --TG
• War-Zone 2100 multiplayer demo from Pumkin Studios
". . . a real-time action and strategy game set on Earth in the 21st Century.  [The thought challenge is to] . . . conduct research, design and manufacture vehicles, build new structures and prepare plans for your own global conquest. -- quote from GamesNet Review

*	This list of dowloadable games is posted for my son and nephews, not assayers. With the exception of Video Games Classics, listings limit to games that are free (at least as demos), fun, and contain elements that build skill in analytical thinking, design, or planning.

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