2nd place - Spybotics (Lego)

Here’s what the jury says:The game brings together a desk, a computer, and floor toys—that alone makes it extraordinary. What other children’s software combines a remote-controlled robot with a computer? But before the actual game begins, there’s the classic hands-on assembly: The robot has to be put together; the assembly instructions appear on the screen within a dramatic narrative framework that gets the kids in the mood to respond only to the name “Agent” from now on. The test kids dive into the tasks with loud enthusiasm, follow the “stories” with rapt attention—and then slowly drift away from the computer as they play. Obstacles are built for the little robot, which is now nothing more than a particularly agile remote-controlled car. The robot is integrated into a flow of play that actually has nothing to do with what’s on the computer screen anymore. After just under twenty minutes, Mom is instead treated to a demonstration of the robot’s and the operator’s skills in the living room. Was there ever a PC?
Spybotics cleverly combines the PC with physical play. The kids use the CD as inspiration, not as the centerpiece of the game. Instead of sitting rigidly in front of the computer for hours on end, the result is a lively back-and-forth that never gets boring—even after weeks.
The only drawback noted by the testers: You can’t take the thing outside.