Review by: Brian Clair

Let me begin by stating that this is an edutainment title – not a full fledged game. Furthermore, it’s for young children (around 8 years old) so if you’re not looking for something like that, I won’t be disappointed if you bail on me now. Now, for those of you who are sticking around to finish reading this, Virgil Reality is a very good introduction to science and history for young children. Much of the information in this program is stuff your child will probably not learn in school but which is interesting and important to know.

The game begins with an introduction by Professor Virgil Reality, a cartoon character who’s universe you are visiting. Along with his friends Cube (a computer cube that shows you movies, images, and provides info), Bitz (the music playing cat), and Factoid, a silent creature who lets you bounce around the universe, you begin down a very entertaining road of science and history. The game is literally packed with information ranging from explanations of everyday items like flashlights, lightbulbs, and telephones to things like the solar system and Apollo 13. Information is presented as both pictures and as movies which are explained by either a narrator, Prof. Reality, or Cube. Some of the information is presented in a bit greater depth than I think an 8 year old may be able to understand but the program also comes with a built in encyclopedia so you can look up information on all the terms and items in the game.

Besides providing lots of information on science and history (including famous inventors and scientists like Edison, Einstein, and Marconi), there is also a activity center. In the activity center, the program gives you step by step instructions on how to make many items from basic household material – complete with pictures. Don’t be surprised to see your child building electromagnets or flashlights if you buy them this CD. The game also comes with several songs which explain topics like biology in an entertaining way (don’t worry, nothing explicit – just the 7 things that make something alive). You’ll find just about everything that a young child can grasp in Virgil Reality and it’s all presented in a very clear, fun way that kids should love.