See also the Summary Rating Table for comparisons with other Music software titles, and the SuperKids Buyers Guide for current market prices of PC-only title.
Pentium166 with 24MB and 12XCD
Description
SimTunes is one of those wonderful programs that grows with the user. In essence,
it is a paint program that doubles as a musical composition program--or vice versa.
The user begins with a blank screen, or canvas and a variety of tools, paints, and
patterns with which to decorate said canvas. The twist is that each colored dot applied
to the design represents a musical note--from low C to high C. Now add 4 adorable
little "bugz" to the painting. The bugz march across the screen much like Pacman.
But instead of munching, these bugz make music when they contact a dot.
Each bug is a caricature of the musical
instrument it plays. There are a dozen bugz in each of 4 different categories to
choose from--some play standard instruments, like pianos and guitars; some play unusual
instruments, like steel drums or cymbals; some play chords or riffs, some make sound effects,
and some rival Scatman Caruthers in verbosity. The user chooses one bug from each
group to create a quirky quartet.
At this point the creative mind is let loose. Some users choose to create non-drawings
which sound like actual tunes, known or newly composed. Others choose to create
intricate drawings that, when "played" by the bugz result in utter cacophony. With
dedication, the user can even create the perfect marriage of art and music. Examples
of previous SimTunes users' masterpieces can be found in the "Gallery". The possibilities
are endless, and as with any artistic endeavor, beauty is in the eye, or in this
case the computer, of the beholder!
Ease of Install / Use
SimTunes
installs easily on Windows 95.
The manual, or "bugmaster's guide" is extremely complete and recommended reading to
get the most out of the program. It not only details tools that the user might not
discover unaided, but it also explains the specifics of creating a familiar tune
(complete with accompaniment), thus allowing the user to more easily move ahead to advanced
musical composition.
On-screen "help" provides pop-up captions that name the note that each color represents.
This is very helpful when painting a known composition.
Educational Value
This program has little standard "school" educational value. It doesn't help a child
master his or her times tables or decipher Shakespearean prose. It does encourage
the child to explore, experiment, discover and create. It may spark musical ability
or simply musical appreciation in the child. It will let the child express his or herself,
and create something that is unique--something to be proud of.
Kid Appeal
SimTunes
appeals to a child in the most delightful ways. Zany bugz elicit giggles and guffaws;
fun tunes starts the toes-a-tapping; bright colors and 'mod' designs draw and hold
the attention of young and old. Each successful new-tune attempt leaves the user
wanting more. Move over kids, would-be parent-musicians will vie for time with this
program.
Best for / Bottom-Line
SimTunes
adds a delightful new face to the world of music. It is not meant to teach serious
music notation nor is it an instrument tutorial. It combines music, art and fun,
and the result is dynamite!
See also the Summary Rating Table for comparisons with other music software titles, and the SuperKids Buyers Guide for current market prices of this PC-only title.
PC |
Macintosh |
|
| Operating System | Windows 3.1; Win95 | not available |
| CPU Type and Speed | 486/66 or faster | |
| Hard Drive Space | <1 MB | |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 MB | |
| Graphics | SVGA 640x480x256 colors | |
| CD-ROM Speed | 2X | |
| Audio | Windows compatible 16-bit sound card | |
| Other Needs | mouse |
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