CD-ROM Roundup is a regular KidScreen feature that profiles CD-ROMs aimed at children anywhere from preschool to late teen that will be hitting retail stores in the coming months. By Andrea Haman (416-408-2300 (phone), 416-408-0870 (fax) or haman@brunico.com)

Name, Publisher & Developer: Major League Math 2nd Edition

Sanctuary Woods Multimedia, San Mateo, California

Release Date & Markets: April, U.S., Canada

Storyline: Players field up to 4,000 math questions that use Major League Baseball information and statistics. As part of a licensing deal with Major League Baseball Properties, the title features the team names and logos of the 28 Major League teams. Up to 28,000 questions on a second CD bundled with the release can be unlocked at a cost of US$9.95 per 1,000 problems.

Platforms: Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Macintosh

Target Audience: 8 to 12

Promotion:

-print advertising in HomePC and Sports Illustrated for Kids

-direct mail to 200,000 households offering a free baseball with purchase

-free baseball cards with purchase in some retail outlets

Partial List of Retail Outlets & Estimated Street Price (US$): Best Buy, CompUSA, Egghead Software, Fry’s Electronics, Electronics Boutique $29.99

Name, Publisher & Developer: Scientific American Library: The Universe and Scientific American Library: The Planets; Byron Preiss Multimedia Company, New York, New York, and Simon & Schuster Interactive, New York, New York, Byron Preiss Multimedia

Release Date & Markets: April; U.S., Canada

Storyline: This two-disc package takes science buffs on a tour of the universe and enables them to conduct experiments in particle physics, planetary astrology and cosmology inside virtual laboratories. The titles are based on three books in the Scientific American Library series.

Platforms: Windows 95, Macintosh

Target Audience: 12-plus

Promotion

-advertising in Scientific American magazine

-public relations

Partial List of Retail Outlets & Estimated Street Price (US$): CompUSA, Computer City, Barnes & Noble, Babbage’s, Electronics Boutique, Zany Brainy $39.95

Name, Publisher & Developer: Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus Explores the Rainforest

Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington; co-developed by Microsoft, Music Pen, New York, New York, and Scholastic Inc., New York, New York

Release Date & Markets: May; U.S., Canada

Storyline: Kids join Ms. Frizzle and her students from the popular television show as they travel through a Costa Rican rainforest. This sixth title in the science-adventure series includes 14 activities and new features that enhance exploration, such as a magnifying glass and microphone.

Platforms: Windows 95

Target Audience: 6 to 10

Promotion:

-product giveaway for Earth Day to selected schools participating in KidCast for Peace

-two additional games can be downloaded from Microsoft’s Web site (www.microsoft.com/kids)

Partial List of Retail Outlets & Estimated Street Price (US$): Egghead Software, Zany Brainy, CompUSA, Computer City $34.95

Name, Publisher & Developer: PANDEMONIUM!; Crystal Dynamics, Menlo Park, California

Release Date & Markets: May; U.S., Canada and European countries

Storyline: After launching on Sony PlayStation, Nikki, Fargus and his sidekick Sid combine speed, acrobatics and magic to maneuver through this action-adventure game for the PC.

Platforms: Windows 95

Target Audience: 8-plus

Promotion:

-downloadable demo on its Web site (www.crystald.com)

-public relations

Partial List of Retail Outlets & Estimated Street Price (US$): not available $39.99

Name, Publisher & Developer: Putt-Putt Travels Through Time; Humongous Entertainment, Woodinville, Washington

Release Date & Markets: June U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia (English edition), with French, Dutch, German and other versions to follow

Storyline: In his fourth Junior Adventure title, the purple car cruises through Mr. Firebird’s time machine back to the age of the dinosaur, medieval times, the Old West and into the future in search of his buddy Pep and his missing school supplies.

Platforms: Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Macintosh

Target Audience: 3 to 8

Promotion:

-nationwide radio and print advertising in the U.S.

-product demonstrations in retail outlets

-3-D point-of-purchase materials

-on-line contests

-tie-ins with the company’s Club Humongous kids newsletter

-public relations

Partial List of Retail Outlets & Estimated Street Price (US$): CompUSA, Best Buy, Computer City, Toys ‘R’ Us, Egghead Software; $39.95