I remember playing this game for years, just within the perfect 5-8 range. Users were delighted with the new array of sounds from SoundBlaster, although nowadays it is difficult to adapt that program to modern computers. Regardless, a variety and fun and games await for anyone young enough to enjoy The Treehouse, one only has to look around and not be afraid to just "click!".
A young adventurer begins with choosing a playmate and climbing rugs to the Treehouse. The plethora of games to follow are designed to help teach basic skills in math, reading, music and even creativity.
To a more callous observer, this ulterior motive may seem sneaky, but that still doesn't limit the fun of taking a peak at the surfing, boogieing bird through the Treehouse telescope. Moreover, just exploring the room itself can entertain for hours - from drawing on the chalkboard, feeding your playmate food, giving the mother bird a worm for her young, or dropping peanuts out the window. You can even explore enough outside to get a wink from the sun or perhaps pop in on the neighboring squirrel!
However, the original sounds could use some improvement - the possum playmate opens his or her mouth but no words come out. In addition, other sentences that are not read aloud could prove challenging to one having trouble
or unable to read. These faults were corrected in the SoundBlaster sound version - suddenly, instead of staring at mouth flaps, one can finally hear their playmate talk back! However, for those who cannot use that sound system, it will either be up to the imagination (which this game provides wide berth for, both intentionally and accidentally) or nostalgic memory. "Thank you for the apple!" will continue to remain a rehearsed mime.
For the competitors, the possum playmates can either play against a computer-run Robot or Alien character or two players can compete with themselves. These two marauders can be found throughout the entire game, either on the opposite end of the playing field or simply making a quick appearance. However, despite their friendliness, you may still found yourself cursing after losing 135 chips to Robot after a traffic accident or paying gas money.
Overall, The Treehouse is a great learning experience for young children as well as growing adults that want to enjoy a look back at the games of their childhood. Don't be afraid to explore - throw the teddy bear out the window, click on the spiders web, create a play - the creators made it so nearly anything can be done throughout the game, so once again, it just has to start with that "click!"
