by James Johnson

Created on: June 04, 2008   Last Updated: July 14, 2008

The Money Tree is a game from Mumbo Jumbo that is downloadable from the Internet via providers such "Big Fish". Downloading at 150kbs it takes just over five minutes to transfer the trial game to your computer and that gives one 60 minutes of free playing time, for more you will need to pay. For most adults, this will be more than enough because Money tree is a young children's game! For Junior, Daddy may become the "Money Tree"!

It starts off with a nice simple story using simple graphics. With their bright primary colors, these graphics will be appealing to many young children. The tale is an old one of boy meets girl and tries to impress her with his skills, farming in this game. It is easy to follow and so are the rules. This young man grows things on trees (though he has to put the leaves on them first): various fruits and, of course, money! The game operator has to try collecting all the stuff and the money. There are several levels and the game does get a bit more adventurous or complicated as caterpillars try to eat your trees and the weather changes. You have to kill those nasty bugs! You also have the option of buying accessories that will help your trees grow, plus make your garden look nicer for that special young lady, Elizabeth!

The game itself is excellent for getting youngsters interested and familiar with using the computer as well as providing basic farming information. Children learn that farmers not only have to worry about insects, but that plants need a proper balance of water and sunlight. It also has a several written sections, so will help develop reading skills. It has some very pleasing music that many will enjoy, the sound is much better than the screeching and explosions one usually associates with children's computer games. It will also help with motor skills, developing hand and eye coordination as well as creating familiarity with using the computer mouse.

Problems with the game include that when changing levels it seems to take forever for that rainbow to crawl across the sky. Also the graphics could be just a bit better, and then it could possibly be used by a bit more as parents wouldn't get bored as quickly!

Over all, the Money Tree has good graphics, nice sound and some educational value for small children, but may be just a bit simple. However it is very affordable and will provide hours of entertainment for a young child.

Would I buy this game, not at present as I no longer have young enough children. But I would have when they were around 4 or 5 to teach them about farming and about computers. On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate this one a 3.

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