Ernie's Magic Shapes

Ernie's Magic shapes was a computer game released by CBS Electronics for various platforms featuring Ernie from Sesame Street. Games were known to be released for the Commodore,Atari, and IBM PCjr. These games were all released in cartridge (rather than floppy disk) form. It is unknown whether other versions were also released. Ernie's Magic Shapes was also later released as a part of the Sesame Street's ABC & 123 - Four games in one 1988 release.

The basic idea of the game is as follows: With a wave of his magic wand, Ernie the Magician makes a shape float over his head. Another wave, and a second shape appears on a table nearby. The child now and decides whether or not the two shapes match. If so, and the child agrees, Ernie nods and the two shapes float together before disappearing. If not, Ernie waves his wand, and a new shape appears on the table.

Ernie's Magic Shapes has six levels of play. At the lower levels, the child compares one shape to another or the colors of two similar shapes. Levels four and five require greater visual discrimination since the target object is made up of several shapes and each one has to be matched individually. At the highest level, there is a complex mixture of both shapes and colors.

The program is well designed, with neither the animation nor the program design becoming more important than the skills being developed. The shapes are clear and easily recognizable. Because of the increasing difficulty of the levels, the program will continue to challenge and teach your child as your child's capabilities increase--the program will grow with your child.