Tonka Construction

Tonka Construction is an older game designed for children ages 2-5. The game is centered around trucks, and the many things you can do with them. Players can explore several different areas and use different trucks to complete tasks in them. The areas vary in difficulty with simple tasks for younger children, and more complex tasks for older children.

This 1996 offering was extremely popular with children and features a cute storyline with a helpful character named Joe, as well as the trucks.

Older Graphics

This game was made on a fairly cheap budget over two decades ago. The graphics reflect that. Animation is spotty with visible gaps between movement, and while the artwork is fine, it’s clearly not as well developed as more modern pieces. Most kids aren’t going to care about this of course, but it’s noticeable to those looking back on this amazing game.

Needs Help to Run

Before you dash off to get a copy of this CD for your child, be aware that it won’t simply run on PC anymore. This game was designed for very early windows and will need to be run through some other programs first before it will work. You may be able to do so through Windows Compatibility mode, or you may need to download a program that mimics the original OS.

Perfect for Kids

Beyond these details, this is a wonderful game for kids and even parents who played the game as children. The game is easy to understand and for the most part frustration free. Adults in various zones teach you how each truck works, and then kids can spend time pointing and clicking through the game to operate the vehicles.

The game was so popular that in 1999 they made a new game very similar to the original, Tonka Construction 2. Tonka Construction 2 has almost the same theme, but allows you to save your game for later and has other more modern features.

Most kids love Tonka Construction, though smaller children may need help with mouse control. There are also some scenes that may frighten children, such as digging up a T-rex in the quarry. The player is advised to run in case they get eaten, which may be frightening for very young kids. Although there are small elements of fear like this, most of the game is very wholesome. Once kids get used to the play style, they can likely play on their own without supervision from adults.

Despite being extremely old, this is still a great choice for children. The game has a strong plotline, lots to do, and simple enough instructions even a very young child can perform the tasks. If you remember playing this game as a child and want to offer your kids that same joy, you can still get this game for PC.

Pros:

• Wholesome entertainment
• Frustration free
• Perfect for kids

Cons:

• Difficult to play on modern PCs