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Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Strategy
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 06 Nov 07
User Rating
9.2 (4 votes)- Preview
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- Leaning a new language does not have to be a burden, as this edutainment title show the fun way to learn Spanish. Great choice for beginners.
Overview
I have always wanted to be bilingual. Back in High School so many years ago I took a few years of Spanish, and that helped about as much as watching thirty minutes of Telemundo. However I have in the past also tried software, mostly PC, that was supposed to help teach Spanish and that really didn't do the trick either. So when Ubisoft announced that they were releasing some software for the DS to help learn Spanish, I was game. So today we are checking out My Spanish Coach for the DS to see if this game has what it takes to really teach you Spanish. Read our full review to find out!
Gameplay
So the game doesn't have any monsters to slay, no princesses to rescue, and no big bad boss battle at the end. No My Spanish Coach is an educational game, or edutainment, through and through. So you start off with a placement test, the sort of thing that you take in college to see what Math and English to start you at. However in this case it is to see how much Spanish you know. I of course started at the very beginning remembering very little Spanish and needing a lot of help. Once you get placed into a category you're off to the races, well sort of speak.
My Spanish Coach doesn't try to be evil, I mean it isn't trying to make you feel like you're back in your High School Spanish class. For one, My Spanish Coach has about eight different activities that you will be going through to get to learn Spanish. One of the strongest features in the game is the ability to listen to the language in its native tongue, have you then say it and then compare. Wow was that a wake up call. I really was butchering the Spanish language, so for all of those who speak Spanish, I apologize.
Your progress is recorded and the main idea is to just learn the basics of the language. This isn't the type of game that is going to have you able to go to Mexico and mingle with everyone, but instead hold your own, understand the majority of what someone says and at least be able to respond with a simple phrase. More than many other games, this game succeeds because it actually is enjoyable. Most of the activities are rather engaging, and I actually did feel like I was learning something throughout.
Overall the gameplay doesn't revolutionize the way you view educational games, but at the same time it does enough to really make learning Spanish enjoyable.
Graphics
All I can say is that the visuals in this game are bland. This was not the game's primary focus, that is obvious, and it does weigh down a bit on the experience. Sometimes a game being a bit flashy also makes it a bit more enjoyable. My Spanish Coach keeps things really, really simple, and it works, but I would think a bit more flair could have went a long way.
Fun Factor
Although I wouldn't say My Spanish Coach is the next Mario game, it actually is a lot of fun, especially when you start to see your progress. This however is a game that you will have to stick with. It's not a miracle worker, it takes time, dedication, and daily use to really get the full use out of it. My Spanish Coach for what its worth however does everything you would want it to do, to be enjoyable, and in that case it succeeds.
Overall
Overall I have to say that My Spanish Coach was actually a pleasant surprise. It doesn't re-invent the wheel per-say, but it does make for a very good and educational experience. If you have any desire to learn Spanish I would highly recommend this as a good way to go. It will at least give you the basis for really learning the language.
- Gameplay
8.0 - Graphics
6.0 - Fun Factor
8.0 - Overall
8.0
