English Learning Computer Games

[NguuMuu]

I've been searching around for some computer games to aid in learning English. Probably around beginner to intermediate level.

Actually, the games don't even have to be specifically for learning English, just something that is basic enough that a beginner could play and get something beneficial from it. For example in the two listed below, the first is specifically for learning English while the second, and more useful (IMHO), is not directed towards English at all.

I have used Bookworm Adventures quite a bit and it works out OK, but I don't find the users get much out of it. Basically this is a game where you have to spell words from a set of letter tiles to kill monsters...the longer the word the more damage it does, with bonuses, etc. I found it's not so useful for beginners, though, because they just search through the dictionary to find long words without getting any meaning or pronounciation of the word so it's completely forgotten seconds later.

Mysteryville is another one I use that works a bit better. It's a 'detective' game where you find items hidden in a cluttered room or spot differences between two pictures, with a very easy to follow plot. Very similar to some of those games you may find at a bar or pub on one of those touch-screens that have a large variety of games. This is good because if you don't know the word you have to look it up in the dictionary, then find it on the screen. But to avoid being too tedious, some of the levels don't require any English at all...just spot the differences or match an object with its shadow.

Anybody have recommendations for other games that might be fun and helpful? Computer games of any type would be fine. Children's games would probably be good as well since they would have very basic English. Anyone know of any good ones?

[Asiacat]

I use the Rossetta Stone Language series to supplement my material whe teaching one to one.

I have the level 1 + 2 CD-ROM. Not much of a game more of a learning/testing device but interactive enough generate some enthusiasm after I have presented the information via more traditional methods.

[PeaceBlondie]

First, in Texas, I bought the Oxford American English Picture Dictionary. In Thailand, I found that it's available as an interactive video game where you score points for guessing words. You can compete with another player, or with yourself, and it has audio. Not very exciting, but it's educational for building vocabulary.

[snowflake]

This might not be what you want to hear but all the rolegames where you have to give instructions will teach you English. A good example si RAGNAROK, my students learn vocabualry such as Archer, Archery- I told my students to give a presentation about something that they liked and all the BAD boys came with lots of good vocab like this. I was really impressed.

Beeing a non native English speaker myself I will have to say that I remeber the long nights at home trying to get Larry Laid. Games help, all games where you use English helps...

But that is just my idea, you can dissagree if you want to...

[NguuMuu]

Snowflake, games like you mentioned are great except still a bit to complicated. English level is still a bit too high, but more importantly the game play is too complex. I am familiar with both ragnarok and leisure suit larry....know of anything a little more basic?

Peaceblondie, I'll have to find that interactive picture dictionary. I think I'll get the Thai version of typing tutor as well.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Murf]

Beeing a non native English speaker myself I will have to say that I remeber the long nights at home trying to get Larry Laid. Games help, all games where you use English helps...

Leisure Suit Larry... 555+

Remember it well

[Loaded]

First, in Texas, I bought the Oxford American English Picture Dictionary. In Thailand, I found that it's available as an interactive video game where you score points for guessing words. You can compete with another player, or with yourself, and it has audio. Not very exciting, but it's educational for building vocabulary.

Hi PB,

Do you remember where you can buy? And how much?

Cheers.

[PeaceBlondie]

First, in Texas, I bought the Oxford American English Picture Dictionary. In Thailand, I found that it's available as an interactive video game where you score points for guessing words. You can compete with another player, or with yourself, and it has audio. Not very exciting, but it's educational for building vocabulary.

Hi PB,

Do you remember where you can buy? And how much?

Cheers.

Sorry, but the CD was bought at an internet shop in Hua Hin, and probably wasn't the fully licensed copy. It might be packaged together, the book and the CD, available from the usual outlets such as D-K, at full price. It would be far cheaper to buy the CD separately, if available. I bought a cheap Thai English picture dictionary at D-K for only 160 baht, but there's no video game with it.