Zurk's Rainforest Lab

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Zurk's Rainforest Lab
Zurk's Rainforest Lab video game cover.jpg
Developer Soleil Software
Publisher Soleil Software
Platforms Windows
Macintosh
Release1994 [1] [2]

Zurk's Rainforest Lab is a 1994 educational video game from Soleil Software. The game is for ages 5 to 9. [3] [4]

Contents

Gameplay

In Zurk's Rainforest Lab, children ages 5 to 9 explore an illustrated jungle environment brought to life with watercolor visuals, ambient jungle sounds, and Brazilian jazz. Guided by the friendly character Zurk, players engage in interactive activities that teach life science and math concepts. A gameplay element involves classifying animals into categories—mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or insects—encouraging critical thinking skills. [4]

Development

The game was developed by Soleil Software, a company founded in 1992. [5]

Reception

CNET said "Other makers of educational software should take a lesson from Zurk's Rainforest Lab's book, using facts about an interesting topic to stimulate creative writing and critical thinking. On the other hand, the richness of the computer as a learning medium can certainly be put to better use than it is in this program" [8]

Games Domain said "Zurk's Rainforest Lab is an older game and seems dated when compared to newer programs about the rainforest, but will still educate and entertain" [9]

The game was given an Excellence Award by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. [10] [11]

References

  1. ↑ Mills, Joshua (April 6, 1995). "As Software Multiplies, So Do Problem". The New York Times . Archived from the original on May 26, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  2. ↑ Grech, Christine (October 1994). "Zurk's Excellent Adventure". Electronic Entertainment. p. 17. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Soleil Products". Soleil Software. Archived from the original on March 3, 1997. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Zurk's Rainforest Lab". The Boston Globe . November 20, 1994. p. 94. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ "Corporate Background". Soleil Software. Archived from the original on January 19, 2000. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Zurk's Rainforest Lab". All Game Guide . Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Zurk's Rainforest Lab". Quad-City Times . September 10, 1995. p. 37. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ Atelsek, Jean. "Zurk's Rainforest Lab". CNET . Archived from the original on December 22, 1996. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  9. ↑ Hollingshead, Anise. "Zurk's Rainforest Lab". Games Domain . Archived from the original on December 7, 1998. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Awards". Soleil Software. Archived from the original on March 3, 1997. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Resources". The Kansas City Star . September 30, 1995. p. 49. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
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