Girls 5 and older who love Barbie (and even some who don’t) will have fun with the variety of games and activities found in Barbie’s Beach Vacation.

When starting out on the beach adventure the player may choose any one of the activities, or may play all the activities in sequential order to win extra items for the beach party.  The activities include water-skiing, surfing, dancing, a sand castle contest, underwater photo safari, and throwing a beach party.  Some of the games such as surfing and water-skiing are arcade action type games where the player has to maneuver Barbie through an obstacle coarse.  Each activity is begun by choosing an outfit for Barbie to wear and then ends with a nice video clip of Barbie that ties into the next activity.  While playing the various games, photos are taken automatically and the player can also take photos that can be later viewed in the photo album.   Because some of the games vary each time they are played (such as different sea animals in the underwater photo safari or different party items to be found), and because photos will keep accumulating in the photo album, girls will want to play again and again.

The graphics are nice, there is a variety of upbeat music throughout, and the games are easy and fun.  This is certain to be game that most girls will love.

Install: Easy
With just a few clicks of the mouse it’s ready to go.

Gameplay: 8
The various activities are straightforward and easy to follow with Barbie guiding the player every step of the way.  The activities can be chosen individually or played in sequential order.  Although a rather short game when played from beginning to end, variations in some of the activities make them fun to play over and over.

Graphics: 9 
The graphics are excellent and the animated video clips are well done.

Sound: 9
The sound quality is excellent and there is a lot of fun upbeat music.

Difficulty: 7.5
The difficulty level is fairly easy and age appropriate, making it fun and not frustrating to play.

Concept: 7 
Having a variety of games and activities centered on a beach theme make it a fun and different type of activity game for girls.

Multiplayer: N/A
 

Overall: 8.5
A collection of easy and fun games and activities that girls will really enjoy.