‘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 | Mr. Potato Head Activity Pack | Byzantine: The Betrayal |
| Publisher | Hasbro Interactive, Beverly, Massachusetts | Discovery Channel Multimedia, Bethesda, Maryland |
| Developer | ImageBuilder, Portland, Oregon | Stormfront Studios, San Rafael, California |
| Release Date & Markets | fall 1997 U.S., Canada | fall 1997 worldwide |
| Storyline | The CD-ROM is filled with a series of games and creative activities that extend from the Mr. Potato Head toy. Animated graphics and sound effects, with a new Mr. Potato Head theme song, accompany creative play opportunities, including painting, puzzles and printing. The activities are hosted by Mr. Potato Head. The play patterns are connected to the Mr. Potato Head toy through such means as personally designed outfits and costumes that can be printed for the toy. | Using original filmed footage, this mystery/thriller six-CD-ROM game is the biggest-budget title ever for Discovery. The story is set in present-day Turkey. The player is a journalist who, caught in a web of intrigue, must learn to navigate Istanbul’s palaces, mosques and bazaars. All roads lead to an enigmatic central character, Klivo. The player can explore some 120 originally photographed and 3-D rendered locations. Integrated puzzles that help the player solve clues draw on the historical and cultural background of Turkey. |
| Platforms | Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Macintosh | Windows 95 |
| Target Audience | Preschoolers, 3-plus | kids and adults |
| Promotion | <* major national promotion planned leading up to Christmas that ties in to the Mr. Potato Head toy | * United Airlines is offering a US$25 certificate for a flight of US$200 or more by April 30, 1998 * Discovery Channel television show Intrigue in Istanbul – A Planet Explorer Special premiered in mid-October * Retail tie-ins at Discovery Channel Destination stores featuring Turkish and Middle Eastern products |
| Partial List of Retail Outlets | CompUSA, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Toys ‘R’ Us, Price Club, Costco | not available |
| Estimated Street Price (US$) | $19.95 | $49.95 |
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