Isaac Asimov's Science Adventure

Isaac Asimov's Science Adventure is an educational interactive CD-ROM. The game was later updated as Isaac Asimov's Science Adventure II. It is part of Knowledge Adventure's Adventure series.[1]

Production and content

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Isaac Asimov died in April 1992, and this collaboration between his works and the developers behind the program was one of his last projects before he passed.[2] The game's articles were based on Asimov's Chronology of Science and Discovery.[3] The game teaches topics ranging from roller coaster acceleration to planetary orbit to pulleys.[3]

The central hub of the program is a reference screen, which displays text panels, pictures, and timeline, and a globe.[3] The designers described the program as an educational software toy - a sort of intellectual playground, to encourage curiosity but with no agenda.[2] The virtual science museum has over 150 rooms, and over 1000 illustrated, interactive, and interlinked articles by Isaac Asimov.[4]

Critical reception

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PC Magazine included it in its list of the Top 100 CD-ROMS, commenting on its "spectacular computer graphics" and high quality articles.[3] The magazine recommended it as a holiday gift .[5] Compute magazine thought the title was well produced and impressive technically.[2] New Scientist felt the title had excellent graphics and interface.[1] The program was highly recommended by The New York Times.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Computer Games: Games for the players who like to think a little bit harder. You struggle to survive in the war, the ant colony or on your own world. Build incredible machines, adventure in space or sharpen up your psyche".
  2. ^ a b c Ferrell, Keith. "Isaac Asimov's Science Adventure". www.atarimagazines.com.
  3. ^ a b c d Davis, Ziff (13 September 1994). "PC Mag". Ziff Davis, Inc. – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Bekman, Stas. "6.1 Computer Software (Isaac Asimov)". stason.org.
  5. ^ Davis, Ziff (22 December 1992). "PC Mag". Ziff Davis, Inc. – via Google Books.
  6. ^ Lewis, Peter H. (8 December 1992). "PERSONAL COMPUTERS; Building Imaginary Railroads Under Real Trees". The New York Times.