StarWars Pit Droids
Company: Lucas Entertainment
Estimated price: $29.99
http://www.pitdroids.com

Star Wars: Pit Droids is a very addictive puzzle game for players of all ages. I know, because I became an addict myself after only playing a demo copy. I was soon yelling "all I want for Christmas is a Pit Droid Game" and being the mother in the house, that's what I got!

The object of the game is simple: Guide the pit droids through mazes and puzzles to their final delivery place. Sound easy? Guess again. Not only do the droids have limited intelligence (a factor against you), but you must act fast or watch as they keep running into each other on some levels. What's more, there are pits, buildings, walls, and other obstacles you must circumvent to reach your goal of 48 successful droid deliveries. As you advance, the pit droids get a little smarter, but by then they have tools and different body and hat colors thrown in to complicate things further.

The music adds to the "work" atmosphere, but the little QuickTime movie at the end of a level makes finishing enchanting. I laugh each time I see them. I have a really hard time quitting this game. The little droid at the end takes my leaving as a personal rejection to him (or is it her?).

The game features: eight levels, each more challenging than the last; 300+ puzzles; six different environments; the ability to make your own puzzles; and an online puzzle exchange which should make this game virtually an endless source of fun.

Requirements and Installation

Mac OS version 7.6 or higher, G3 233MHz or faster processor (but I use a 8100/110), 32 MB RAM minimum ,4X CD-ROM drive minimum, 640x480 display with thousands of colors, a minimum of 5MB free hard disk space, and QuickTime 4.0.2 (included on the CD-ROM). (Note: Pit Droids is a dual platform program, Macintosh and Windows.)

Summary
Star Wars: Pit Droids is both fun and challenging, and I think a child (9+) would be able to play this game with just a little frustration in the beginning. It helps children (and adults) to develop problem solving skills as they try to navigate the sometimes complicated puzzles.

I use my "old" 8100/110 to play this game. I find that my cursor "drags" in some areas, but I've had no other problems with it. Remember that the publisher does recommend a G3 for best play, but those of you out there with "dinosaurs" like mine may still enjoy playing this game.

Pit Droids has its own web page, so visit them at http://www.pitdroids.com and take a look.

MacMice Rating: 4.5

Lyn Price
lyn@mymac.com