CD-ROM Roundup is a regular KidScreen feature that profiles CD-ROMs aimed at children anywhere from preschool to late teen that will be hitting retail stores in the coming months. By Andrea Haman (416-408-2300 (phone), 416-408-0870 (fax) or haman@brunico.com)

– Name, Publisher & Developer: Space Station Alpha: The Encounter

TeraMedia, Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the Young Astronaut Council, Washington, D.C.

Release Date & Markets: September, U.S., Canada, Asia, U.K., Benelux and Scandinavian countries

Storyline: Players complete a top-secret assignment in orbit, and explore space while navigating their own spacecraft. An on-line tie-in allows children to communicate with astronauts and Space Station Alpha pen pals. This is the second title in TeraMedia’s time-traveling adventures series Time Blazers.

Platforms: Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Macintosh

Target Audience: 8 to 12

Promotion: -affinity programs with the Young Astronaut Council (YAC) -activities on the Time Blazers Web site (www.timeblazers.com) -media and promotional tours, as well as regular on-line chats, featuring astronauts -mall tours, with a sweepstakes contest that asks ‘If you could blaze through time, where would you go?’ -educational materials for teachers and YAC chapter leaders

Partial List of Retail Outlets & Estimated Price (US$): CompUSA,, Electronics Boutique, Noodle Kidoodle, Zany Brainy, Media Play, Borders, $54.95

– Name, Publisher & Developer: My Cool Diner, Byron Preiss Multimedia Company, New York, New York

Release Date & Markets: October, U.S., Canada

Storyline: Seven interactive games teach players the value of money and other skills as they run an out-of-control diner. The edutainment title offers three levels of difficulty, as well as a link to a Web site. The release falls under Byron Preiss Multimedia Company’s Crayon Multimedia line of children’s products.

Platforms: Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Macintosh

Target Audience: 6-plus

Promotion: not available

Partial List of Retail Outlets & Estimated Price (US$): not available, $19.95

– Name, Publisher & Developer:Cosmo’s Rocket, Class6 Interactive, Hollywood, California

Release Date & Markets: November, U.S.

Storyline: In this adventure game, a boy named Cosmo and his friends attempt to build a rocket for the school science fair while avoiding or stopping Eugene, the local bully. Actress Susan Sarandon narrates this second release from the newly formed interactive publisher and developer.

Platforms: Windows 95

Target Audience: 10-plus

Promotion: -a media tour with Susan Sarandon -co-op ads with all major retailers -public relations -is considering advertising

Partial List of Retail Outlets & Estimated Price (US$): CompUSA, , Computer City, Egghead Software, Best Buy, Electronics Boutique, $39.95