The Manhole: CD-ROM Masterpiece Edition is an outstanding CD-ROM version of The Manhole, the Miller brothers' classic educatainment title first released in 1988. Like the 1988 original, TMCME is a masterpiece program that exemplifies the saying "the journey is the reward". There are no goals, no puzzles, and no endings. But there are many things to find along the way, some very obvious, while others hidden from view. Colorful cartoon characters including a sailor walrus, an Indian elephant, and a hurried rabbit are brought to life better than ever before with SVGA graphics and full speech. The interface, like the Miller's blockbuster Myst series, is simplicity itself. Just point the mouse cursor at what you want to explore or interact with, and left-click. Every click brings up new surprises, and kids will learn a vast range of subjects, from the alphabet to some simple French and how to tell the time – without realizing they are learning something. Like Through the Looking Glass and Winnie the Pooh, TMCME is that rarest of edutainment titles: a program that appeals to both the child in your home, as well as the child in your heart. Definitely a must-have for anyone looking for a magical, fantastical, whimsical world that you can revisit again and again to find new surprises. Highly recommended, and a proud entrant into our Hall of Belated Fame. Reviewed by: Underdogs |