Software:Math Blaster Jr.

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Math Blaster Jr.
Math Blaster Jr Cover art.gif
"Math Blaster Jr." cover art
Developer(s)Davidson & Associates
Publisher(s)Davidson & Associates
SeriesBlaster Learning System
Platform(s)Windows, Macintosh
Release1996
Genre(s)Educational (mathematics)
Mode(s)Single-player

Math Blaster Jr. is a 1996 educational video game, aimed at ages 4–8. The game was re-released as Math Blaster: Ages 4 - 6 in 1997.[1]

Production

The game was officially announced by Davidson & Associates in February 1996 as a spin-off to the 1982 title Math Blaster! intended to "introduce young learners to essential math skills and build math confidence"; at the time of the announcement, the game was expected to be released on the second quarter 1996.[2] The game was eventually released that year.

Jan Davidson, president and founder of Davidson & Associates, explained that once players master this game, they are expected to graduate to Math Blaster 1, which is the narrative successor.[2]

Gameplay

The game sees the Blaster Pal characters head to the Plusto galaxy in outer space to solve maths problems. By solving addition and subtraction problems, they earn printable certificates.[3] The game contains a number of activities, puzzles, and songs. The game is intended to encourage "math readiness".[4]

Critical reception

Reception
Review score
PublicationScore
MacAddictSpiff[5]

PC Mag praised the game for effortlessly introducing maths concepts with humour, 3D graphics, and age appropriate music, noting that it would appeal to adults as well as children.[6] Black Enterprise recommended the game as a perfect preschool gift for the holiday season, along with Nick Jr. Play Math (Viacom New Media), JumpStart Preschool (Knowledge Adventure), Schoolhouse Rock: Grammar Rock (Creative Wonders), School Zone's Alphabet Express (School Zone Publishing), Reading Blaster Jr. (Davidson & Associates), Money Town (Davidson & Associates), Kid Pack 2 Deluxe (WizardWorks), and Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 1-4 (The Learning Company).[7]

References