Although Clifford's Thinking Adventures is rated for children ages 4-6, my 3 1/2 has been playing with it, loving it, and learning (without knowing it!) since we received it from Amazon a week ago. There are three difficulty levels, and even on the Easy setting I have been impressed with the level of thinking my daughter has shown in figuring out the puzzles and also in the long term goal of getting Clifford to his birthday party.
When you play, you first choose 4 jewels for Clifford's collar, which show up along the way as you explore the game and work on the more difficult, multi-part tasks which must be completed before Clifford's birthday party may begin. These tasks involve your putting together various items you find in the game to solve problems. For instance, one of the tasks is for Clifford to get a bath and brush so he will look spiffy for the party. Fair enough, but this task cannot simply be accomplished by going to the dog groomer's shop (Clifford is too big to get through the door!). Later, as the game is played, you will find that the groomer, who previously closed his shop at the mere sight of the humongous Clifford, is taking a balloon ride in the park. What do you do when his balloon gets stuck in the tree and he can't get down? Think think think...how about using that rope ladder we saw earlier by the fire station? When the groomer gets down, he is so greatful that he gives Clifford a grooming kit he can use, if he can find enough water to bathe in. Where is there enough water? Think think think...was that a swimming pool I saw on the map??
There are plenty of games and puzzles along the way to the party as well. For instance, when Clifford accidentally knocks over the stand in front of the grocery store, you have to piece the broken sign back together (puzzle - spacial relationships) and put the grocery items back on the proper shelves in a certain order (following directions, counting).
I have noticed that the games and item locations can change from game to game for repeat playability. The game is also automatically saved wherever you happen to be, even if you do not close out of the game properly. This is a nice feature for small kids.
I have very few criticisms of the game. Actually moving Clifford around on the map in the game where you take people (and their cars) home according to their directions ("I live in the yellow house next to the three apple trees") can be a little bit tricky to master. Also, I first thought that it was a little annoying that the game does not give you a cursor to click until the characters in the scenes stop talking. I now think that this is a good idea, because it forces you to listen and to think about what the characters are saying instead of just clicking away as on an arcade game.
I changed my sound card a few nights ago, and went into Clifford to test it after my daughter had gone to bed. I ended up playing an entire game myself using one of the more difficult modes. About halfway through my wife walked in and started giving her suggestions over my shoulder. Yes, we really enjoyed Clifford too!
Clifford The Big Red Dog Thinking Adventures - PC/Mac
3.3 | 77 ratings
Price:
Last update: 10-16-2024
About this item
Before Clifford's birthday celebration can start, Emily Elizabeth has to plan out 18 different activities .
Everything from taking Clifford to the Dog Groomers to going to the Post Office
They'll have fun helping Emily find her missing jewelry while sorting, counting and matching
They'll also get to bake a cake, play a soccer game, and much more
Adjustable skill levels. Ages 4-8
Everything from taking Clifford to the Dog Groomers to going to the Post Office
They'll have fun helping Emily find her missing jewelry while sorting, counting and matching
They'll also get to bake a cake, play a soccer game, and much more
Adjustable skill levels. Ages 4-8
Top reviews from the United States
D. Scott
Woof Woof!! Excellent For Kids, Fun For Adults, Too!
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2001
Amber R. Lamb
WILL NOT WORK WITH MAC
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2011Deb Reese
can't get it to play
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2013Midaidai
OK but not WoW
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2010Austin Grandma
So far it's OK
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2011
MDmommy
Huge hit!
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2009Insider
Awesome Game
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2010Amy Manuel
Does NOT work on Mac
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2012