Reader Rabbit (video game): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|1984 video game}} |
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{{Infobox video game |
{{Infobox video game |
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| title = Reader Rabbit |
| title = Reader Rabbit |
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| image = Reader_Rabbit_Cover_art.png |
| image = Reader_Rabbit_Cover_art.png |
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| caption = |
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| image_size = 250px |
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| caption = C64/Atari Cover art |
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| publisher = The Learning Company |
| publisher = The Learning Company |
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| series = [[Reader Rabbit]] |
| series = ''[[Reader Rabbit]]'' |
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| platform ='''Original |
| platform = '''Original'''<br/>[[Apple II]], [[Apple IIGS]], [[Atari 8-bit]], [[Commodore 64]], [[MS-DOS]], [[Mac (computer)|Mac]]<br/> |
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'''Talking |
'''Talking'''<br/>Apple IIGS<br/> |
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'''Reader Rabbit 1 |
'''Reader Rabbit 1'''<br/>MS-DOS<br/> |
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'''Deluxe |
'''Deluxe'''<br/>MS-DOS, [[Windows 3.x]], Mac<br/> |
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'''Reader Rabbit's Reading 1 |
'''Reader Rabbit's Reading 1'''<br/>Windows, Mac |
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| released = |
| released = 1984 (Original)<br/>1989 (Talking)<br/>1991 (Reader Rabbit 1)<br/>1994 (Deluxe)<br/>1997 (Reading 1) |
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| genre = |
| genre = [[Educational video game|Educational]] |
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| modes = [[Single-player]] |
| modes = [[Single-player]] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''''Reader Rabbit''''' (fully titled "Reader Rabbit and the Fabulous Word Factory" or alternatively known as "Reader Rabbit Builds Early Learning & Thinking"<ref name="RRWF-Allgame">{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=16000 |title=''Reader Rabbit'' - Review - allgame |author=Brett Alan Weiss |publisher=[[Allgame]] |access-date= March 5, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115010301/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34825 |archive-date=November 15, 2014}}</ref>) is a [[ |
'''''Reader Rabbit''''' (fully titled "Reader Rabbit and the Fabulous Word Factory" or alternatively known as "Reader Rabbit Builds Early Learning & Thinking"<ref name="RRWF-Allgame">{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=16000 |title=''Reader Rabbit'' - Review - allgame |author=Brett Alan Weiss |publisher=[[Allgame]] |access-date= March 5, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115010301/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34825 |archive-date=November 15, 2014}}</ref>) is a 1984 [[educational video game]] and the first of the long-running ''[[Reader Rabbit]]'' edutainment series. It was made by [[The Learning Company]] for [[Apple II]] and later for other computers. It supports the [[KoalaPad]] graphics tablet.<ref>{{cite book|date=1984 |title="Reader Rabbit and the Fabulous Word Factory" Manual |url=https://archive.org/stream/A2_Reader_Rabbit_manual/Reader%20Rabbit%20manual#page/n13 |publisher=[[The Learning Company]] |page=11 |access-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref> The Connelley Group helped with the [[Atari 8-bit computers]] conversion in 1984.<ref name="RRAtari"/> A Talking version was developed for the [[Apple IIGS]] in 1989. An enhanced version was released for [[MS-DOS]] -n 1991. A Deluxe version was released in 1994 for Mac and Windows 3.x. In 1997, the game was remade for Windows and Macintosh under the title "Reader Rabbit's Reading 1". |
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⚫ | ''Reader Rabbit'' was originally conceived by the Grimm sisters; Leslie authored the game while Corinne and Cindy contributed the art. Version 1.0 of ''Reader Rabbit'', titled ''Reader Rabbit and the Fabulous Word Factory'', was released in |
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⚫ | In 1988, the first "talking" version of ''Reader Rabbit'' was released for the Apple IIGS and [[Tandy 1000]] computers.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=1988-01-10|title=Educational software now receiving higher marks|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3864462.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207112711/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3864462.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-02-07}}</ref> The game was remade as an enhanced version for [[DOS]] in 1991 to incorporate the 256-color [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]] mode, [[sound card]] option and mouse compatibility.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fb-NRK57wIAC&pg=PT474|title=Reader Rabbit Redux|newspaper=PCMAG|date=31 December 1991|access-date=2018-01-31|language=en}}</ref> Another remake was done as a deluxe version along with its two sequels and implemented digitized speech.<ref>{{cite web | title=Reader Rabbit 1 Features | url=http://store.softkey.com/product/readerrabbit1/features.html | publisher=The Learning Company | access-date=February 1, 2018 | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970225011505/http://store.softkey.com/product/readerrabbit1/features.html | archive-date=February 25, 1997}}</ref> |
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==Gameplay== |
==Gameplay== |
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The game takes place in the titular Word Factory, which teaches reading and spelling in four different activities and has over 200 three-letter words and more than 70 pictures for learning.<ref name="RRWF-Allgame"/><ref name="RR-CES">{{cite magazine|last=Staples |first=Betsy |title=Getting educated at CES; educational software crowds the show floor |url=https://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v10n4/154_Getting_educated_at_CES_.php |magazine=[[Creative Computing (magazine)|Creative Computing]] |volume=10 |issue=4 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=April 1984 |page=154}}</ref> The following four activities are: |
The game takes place in the titular Word Factory, which teaches reading and spelling in four different activities and has over 200 three-letter words and more than 70 pictures for learning.<ref name="RRWF-Allgame"/><ref name="RR-CES">{{cite magazine|last=Staples |first=Betsy |title=Getting educated at CES; educational software crowds the show floor |url=https://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v10n4/154_Getting_educated_at_CES_.php |magazine=[[Creative Computing (magazine)|Creative Computing]] |volume=10 |issue=4 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=April 1984 |page=154}}</ref> The following four activities are: |
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*'''1. Sorter''' - |
*'''1. Sorter''' - the player is required to pick words that start with a chosen letter and discard the rest. |
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*'''2. Labeler''' - |
*'''2. Labeler''' - out of a number of mixed up letters, the player must use those letters to spell words that match three objects on the screen. |
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*'''3. Word Train''' - |
*'''3. Word Train''' - the player needs to select a word that slightly differs from the first. |
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*'''4. Matchup Games''' - |
*'''4. Matchup Games''' - the player must match picture cards with corresponding word cards. |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | ''Reader Rabbit'' was originally conceived by the Grimm sisters; Leslie authored the game while Corinne and Cindy contributed the art. Version 1.0 of ''Reader Rabbit'', titled ''Reader Rabbit and the Fabulous Word Factory'', was released in early 1984<ref>{{Citation|last=Leslie Grimm|title=Reader Rabbit 1.1|date=1984-01-01|url=https://archive.org/details/ReaderRabbit11Ivyrea|publisher=The Learning Company|access-date=2017-02-06}}</ref> (and featured in the 1983 holiday special for ''[[Computer Chronicles]]''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/11/28/tech_nostalgia_1983_episode_of_the_computer_chronicles_offers_black_friday.html|title=Tech Time Capsule|last=Bradley|first=Laura|date=2014-11-28|newspaper=Slate|access-date=2017-02-06|language=en-US|issn=1091-2339}}</ref>), while versions 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 were released in 1984.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gi4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40|magazine=InfoWorld|last1=Mace|first=Scott|last2=Caruso|first2=Denise|date=February 13, 1984|publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.|language=en|title=TLC shows off additions to firm's educational line|page=40}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Reader Rabbit 1.3 (4am crack)|date=2015-07-14|url=https://archive.org/details/ReaderRabbit134amCrack|access-date=2017-02-06}}</ref> Development for an updated 2.0 version began at the start of 1984. By this time, Leslie Grimm had suffered a disc fracture but was able to develop the game while bedridden, thanks to a detachable keyboard provided by her colleague Pete Rowe.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=January 1984|title=Softalk, Volume 4|url=https://archive.org/stream/softalkv4n05jan1984#page/64|magazine=[[Softalk]]|page=65|access-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> Many critics and gaming historians erroneously assert that the ''Reader Rabbit'' series officially began in 1986.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/293124/10-educational-pc-games-of-the-1980s/2|title=10 Educational PC Games of the 1980s|newspaper=PCMAG|access-date=2017-02-15|language=en|archive-date=2017-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207113328/http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/293124/10-educational-pc-games-of-the-1980s/2|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In 1988, the first "talking" version of ''Reader Rabbit'' was released for the Apple IIGS and [[Tandy 1000]] computers.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=1988-01-10|title=Educational software now receiving higher marks|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3864462.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207112711/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3864462.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-02-07}}</ref> The game was remade as an enhanced version for [[DOS]] in 1991 to incorporate the 256-color [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]] mode, [[sound card]] option and mouse compatibility.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fb-NRK57wIAC&pg=PT474|title=Reader Rabbit Redux|newspaper=PCMAG|date=31 December 1991|access-date=2018-01-31|language=en}}</ref> Another remake was done as a deluxe version along with its two sequels and implemented digitized speech.<ref>{{cite web | title=Reader Rabbit 1 Features | url=http://store.softkey.com/product/readerrabbit1/features.html | publisher=The Learning Company | access-date=February 1, 2018 | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970225011505/http://store.softkey.com/product/readerrabbit1/features.html | archive-date=February 25, 1997}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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<!-- Awards --> |
<!-- Awards --> |
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| award1Pub = [[Newsweek]] |
| award1Pub = [[Newsweek]] |
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| award1 = Editors' Choice Award, 1995 <small>'''(Deluxe)'''</small><ref name="RR1Awards">{{cite web | title=Reader Rabbit 1 Awards | url=http://store.softkey.com/product/readerrabbit1/awards.html | publisher=The Learning Company | access-date=February 1, 2018 | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970225011535/http://store.softkey.com/product/readerrabbit1/awards.html | archive-date=February 25, 1997 |
| award1 = Editors' Choice Award, 1995 <small>'''(Deluxe)'''</small><ref name="RR1Awards">{{cite web | title=Reader Rabbit 1 Awards | url=http://store.softkey.com/product/readerrabbit1/awards.html | publisher=The Learning Company | access-date=February 1, 2018 | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970225011535/http://store.softkey.com/product/readerrabbit1/awards.html | archive-date=February 25, 1997}}</ref> |
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| award2Pub = Gold Medal |
| award2Pub = Gold Medal |
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| award2 = National Association of Parenting Publications, 1994 <small>'''(Deluxe)'''</small><ref name="RR1Awards"/> |
| award2 = National Association of Parenting Publications, 1994 <small>'''(Deluxe)'''</small><ref name="RR1Awards"/> |
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}} |
}} |
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The Learning Company showcased the game alongside Number Stamper, Word Spinner, Addition Magician and Colorasaurus in the 1984 Winter [[Consumer Electronics Show]].<ref name="RR-CES"/> Dr. Ann Piestrup praised the game for its ability to aid young learners in overcoming the difficulties of reading and its word recognition.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Mace |last2=Caruso |first1=Scott |first2=Denise |title=TLC shows off additions to firm's educational line |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gi4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40 |magazine=[[InfoWorld]] |issue=13 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=February 13, 1984 |page=40}}</ref> |
The Learning Company showcased the game alongside ''Number Stamper'', ''Word Spinner'', ''Addition Magician'' and ''Colorasaurus'' in the 1984 Winter [[Consumer Electronics Show]].<ref name="RR-CES"/> Dr. Ann Piestrup praised the game for its ability to aid young learners in overcoming the difficulties of reading and its word recognition.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Mace |last2=Caruso |first1=Scott |first2=Denise |title=TLC shows off additions to firm's educational line |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gi4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40 |magazine=[[InfoWorld]] |issue=13 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=February 13, 1984 |page=40}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*{{moby game|id=/reader-rabbit}} |
* {{moby game|id=/reader-rabbit}} |
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*{{moby game|id=/reader-rabbits-reading-1|name=''Reader Rabbit's Reading 1''}} |
* {{moby game|id=/reader-rabbits-reading-1|name=''Reader Rabbit's Reading 1''}} |
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{{Reader Rabbit}} |
{{Reader Rabbit}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:1984 video games]] |
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[[Category:1990 video games]] |
[[Category:1990 video games]] |
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[[Category:1991 video games]] |
[[Category:1991 video games]] |
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[[Category:1994 video games]] |
[[Category:1994 video games]] |
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[[Category:1997 video games]] |
[[Category:1997 video games]] |
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[[Category:Apple II games]] |
[[Category:Apple II games]] |
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[[Category:Apple IIGS games]] |
[[Category:Apple IIGS games]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Atari 8-bit computer games]] |
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[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]] |
[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Commodore 64 games]] |
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[[Category:The Learning Company games]] |
[[Category:The Learning Company games]] |
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[[Category:Video games about rabbits and hares]] |
[[Category:Video games about rabbits and hares]] |
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[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]] |
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Windows games]] |
Latest revision as of 15:31, 23 August 2024
Reader Rabbit | |
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Developer(s) | The Learning Company The Connelley Group (Atari 8-bit)[1] |
Publisher(s) | The Learning Company |
Series | Reader Rabbit |
Platform(s) | Original Apple II, Apple IIGS, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, Mac Talking Windows, Mac |
Release | 1984 (Original) 1989 (Talking) 1991 (Reader Rabbit 1) 1994 (Deluxe) 1997 (Reading 1) |
Genre(s) | Educational |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Reader Rabbit (fully titled "Reader Rabbit and the Fabulous Word Factory" or alternatively known as "Reader Rabbit Builds Early Learning & Thinking"[2]) is a 1984 educational video game and the first of the long-running Reader Rabbit edutainment series. It was made by The Learning Company for Apple II and later for other computers. It supports the KoalaPad graphics tablet.[3] The Connelley Group helped with the Atari 8-bit computers conversion in 1984.[1] A Talking version was developed for the Apple IIGS in 1989. An enhanced version was released for MS-DOS -n 1991. A Deluxe version was released in 1994 for Mac and Windows 3.x. In 1997, the game was remade for Windows and Macintosh under the title "Reader Rabbit's Reading 1".
Gameplay
[edit]The game takes place in the titular Word Factory, which teaches reading and spelling in four different activities and has over 200 three-letter words and more than 70 pictures for learning.[2][4] The following four activities are:
- 1. Sorter - the player is required to pick words that start with a chosen letter and discard the rest.
- 2. Labeler - out of a number of mixed up letters, the player must use those letters to spell words that match three objects on the screen.
- 3. Word Train - the player needs to select a word that slightly differs from the first.
- 4. Matchup Games - the player must match picture cards with corresponding word cards.
Development
[edit]Reader Rabbit was originally conceived by the Grimm sisters; Leslie authored the game while Corinne and Cindy contributed the art. Version 1.0 of Reader Rabbit, titled Reader Rabbit and the Fabulous Word Factory, was released in early 1984[5] (and featured in the 1983 holiday special for Computer Chronicles[6]), while versions 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 were released in 1984.[7][8] Development for an updated 2.0 version began at the start of 1984. By this time, Leslie Grimm had suffered a disc fracture but was able to develop the game while bedridden, thanks to a detachable keyboard provided by her colleague Pete Rowe.[9] Many critics and gaming historians erroneously assert that the Reader Rabbit series officially began in 1986.[10]
In 1988, the first "talking" version of Reader Rabbit was released for the Apple IIGS and Tandy 1000 computers.[11] The game was remade as an enhanced version for DOS in 1991 to incorporate the 256-color VGA mode, sound card option and mouse compatibility.[12] Another remake was done as a deluxe version along with its two sequels and implemented digitized speech.[13]
Reception
[edit]Publication | Award |
---|---|
Newsweek | Editors' Choice Award, 1995 (Deluxe)[14] |
Gold Medal | National Association of Parenting Publications, 1994 (Deluxe)[14] |
Reseller Management | "Best to Sell" Software Product - Education, 1992 (Reader Rabbit 1)[14] |
Program of the Decade | Language Arts, Technology & Learning, 1991 (Reader Rabbit 1)[14] |
Parents' Choice | Best Software of the Year, 1987 (Original)[14] |
Family Computing | Critics' Choice Award, 1985 (Original)[14] |
The Learning Company showcased the game alongside Number Stamper, Word Spinner, Addition Magician and Colorasaurus in the 1984 Winter Consumer Electronics Show.[4] Dr. Ann Piestrup praised the game for its ability to aid young learners in overcoming the difficulties of reading and its word recognition.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Atari Mania - Reader Rabbit". Retrieved March 5, 2017.
- ^ a b Brett Alan Weiss. "Reader Rabbit - Review - allgame". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved March 5, 2017.
- ^ "Reader Rabbit and the Fabulous Word Factory" Manual. The Learning Company. 1984. p. 11. Retrieved March 5, 2017.
- ^ a b Staples, Betsy (April 1984). "Getting educated at CES; educational software crowds the show floor". Creative Computing. Vol. 10, no. 4. Ziff Davis. p. 154.
- ^ Leslie Grimm (1984-01-01), Reader Rabbit 1.1, The Learning Company, retrieved 2017-02-06
- ^ Bradley, Laura (2014-11-28). "Tech Time Capsule". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 2017-02-06.
- ^ Mace, Scott; Caruso, Denise (February 13, 1984). "TLC shows off additions to firm's educational line". InfoWorld. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 40.
- ^ Reader Rabbit 1.3 (4am crack), 2015-07-14, retrieved 2017-02-06
- ^ "Softalk, Volume 4". Softalk. January 1984. p. 65. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- ^ "10 Educational PC Games of the 1980s". PCMAG. Archived from the original on 2017-02-07. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
- ^ "Educational software now receiving higher marks". 1988-01-10. Archived from the original on 2017-02-07.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - ^ "Reader Rabbit Redux". PCMAG. 31 December 1991. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
- ^ "Reader Rabbit 1 Features". The Learning Company. Archived from the original on February 25, 1997. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ a b c d e f "Reader Rabbit 1 Awards". The Learning Company. Archived from the original on February 25, 1997. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ Mace, Scott; Caruso, Denise (February 13, 1984). "TLC shows off additions to firm's educational line". InfoWorld. No. 13. IDG. p. 40.
External links
[edit]- 1984 video games
- 1990 video games
- 1991 video games
- 1994 video games
- 1997 video games
- Apple II games
- Apple IIGS games
- Atari 8-bit computer games
- Children's educational video games
- Classic Mac OS games
- Commodore 64 games
- DOS games
- The Learning Company games
- Reader Rabbit
- Single-player video games
- Video games about rabbits and hares
- Video games developed in the United States
- Windows games