For years, HyperStudio and KidPix have been the two main artistic design programs for kids, used primarily in school settings for slide-show projects and other kid-designed creations. These programs are fabulous tools for kids, and are still wonderful programs for their artistic content and ease of use in the classroom. However, there is always room for more great kids' programs, and now there is a new kid on the block with Dassault's innovative 3D graphics design tool, Cosmic Blobs.

This is not a program that teaches computer programming, but is rather a tool that lets kids jump right into designing graphical images with automated design tools. The versatility of this program is incredible; objects can be manipulated in almost every imaginable way, and then animated.

To begin, users will choose a basic shape, that does look like a "blob," hence the name. Then users can stretch, rotate and add to their blob to design a unique picture. Stamps can be added for additional features. Animation is a snap, with pre-programmed motions available for choreographing the object's movement. Adding features by "stretching" a portion of the object is really cool, and appendages can be added effortlessly with this tool, and manipulated easily into the desired look.

Each object can be animated and all creations can be saved and printed, but I'm not sure if the images can be used on web pages. The images save as .bmp files, but a conversion program could save them as .jpg or .gif files. I'm not sure if they would still be animated, though, as I'm not that knowledgeable on computer graphics. The game documentation and Web site doesn't mention anywhere, that I could find, about the subject of Web pages; they just describe screen savers and slide shows. If users could utilize these graphics for Web design, then I would think a lot of adults would be interested in this program for its ease of use.

The graphics are incredible, and kids used to the digital look of animation these days will really like them. The only drawback that I could see is that most of the images that kids create will look similar to each other, due to the same basic shapes that each drawing will start with, as most kids won't change them all that much from the original blob.

Even though this is a very intuitive and easy to use graphics tool, kids will need some guidance and help in the beginning, as the term "easy-to-use" is a relative expression used to compare this program with other, professional design programs. Although the command buttons are logically placed, there are just so many of them that it will be confusing at first, but once the basic functions are understood, kids will be able to use them effortlessly. Help files and tutorials are available on the CD, and also online at their web site.

The price tag is a little high, as this is primarily targeted towards schools, but is comparable to other programs of this type. I've been very impressed with this program, and believe that it's a great tool for home or school use.

Gameplay: 8.0
A really cool "paint" program, that goes far beyond the typical paint tools for kids. While its primary use will probably be for school projects, kids will have fun just messing around with it, too.

Graphics: 9.0
Wonderful graphics! Really beautiful.

Sound: 7.0
There's no sound going on, per se, but sound isn't necessary. Still, it would have been nice to have more sound effects, and also some pleasant music to listen to while designing.

Difficulty: Medium
The program is difficult at first to use, as there are just so many commands, but once sorted out, the intuitive nature of the button design makes everything comparatively easy to use.

Concept: 8.0
A great concept!

Overall: 8.5
A truly impressive art/design program for kids!