The Collection Chamber: QUARKY & QUAYSOO'S TURBO SCIENCE

LOOK OUT! You're Surrounded By Science!!

It's in your skateboard. It's in your lunch. It's in that gooey stuff that collects on your Nintari powerpad... And it's in this box!!

Learn why planes fly, lightbulbs glow, magnets attract, and wrecking balls bash as you compete in a laser-fast science race with Quarky & Quaysoo. Along the way, you'll discover facts about chemistry, machines, thermal energy, and more of that important science stuff that's EVERYWHERE!

Can't remember why you see lightning before thunder? Look up the answers in the "Turbo Research Guide" - a 150-page cartoon-packed, info-stacked reference book filled with thousands of ideas about the astonishing world of Physical Science.

PARENTS!
An entertaining, educational science game for kids, ages 9-14.
Created with the assistance of an award-winning team of educators.
Months of educational value with over 2,300 questions and experiments.
Develop research techniques with the irresistible "Turbo Research Guide."

~ from the back of the box

Out of all the companies that dipped their toes in educational software, no one could quite match Sierra On-Line for sheer effort and entertainment value. For three short years, the company put out a number of titles in their Discovery Series, many of which have become all-time classics (at least in my mind). The Collection Chamber has previously covered big hitters like the puzzling Castle of Dr. Brain and the adventurous EcoQuest games but their lesser-known efforts are equally worthy of a revisit. So let's do so with the 1992 release Quarky and Quaysoo's Turbo Science.

You begin by choosing one of two blobby alien things; the titular Quarky (he/him) and Quaysoo (she/her). Whoever you choose, they are to enter a cross-country race against one of three opponent teams. Their in-your-face 90s attitude have been given an unending number animations to earn a chuckle or two out of you, so whoever you choose you'll be in for a radical time. Once chosen, the race begins and you're taken to a world map with an empty bank balance. And you'll need cash if you want to get anywhere. There are a variety of modes of transport from slowly walking to hang gliding to a speedy helicopter, and each require an increasing amount of money to use. So, the first thing we need to do is earn some at our current location.

Use the thermometer from your arsenal of gizmos to answer which driver is the "hottest".
My money's on the topless gorilla lusting over a banana.

It is at these pit stops where the core concept of the game becomes apparent. It is ultimately a science-based trivia game where each correct answer earns you money. These locations showcase some well-drawn and detailed scenes that almost demand some time scouring all the little jokes and scenarios found within. Scuba-divers search for sunken treasure, punk-rockers put on a show, Frankenstein's creature comes alive... there are so many chaotic scenes to be found. You can answer as little or as many questions as you like in each one. As they come, the game will highlight points of interest that act as the answers to be clicked on. Some require real-world knowledge to answer, others require research. And you have quite the toolbelt to help you with both.

Using the scientific method, you may be asked to use gizmos to gauge an objects weight, brightness, volume or other units of measurement. If the question doesn't require this, you are given clues to physically research the answer using a hefty Research Guide that came with the program. This physical book is over 150 pages long and details facts in an easily digestible way for the age target audience. Hell, even I re-learned some forgotten science facts by just perusing its pages.

You can choose from a variety of transport methods to travel to each location.
Each one rewards you with a nicely animated scene.

This whole concept is exceptional to me. It encourages players to discover the answer and not just be told it. It teaches useful skills such as research and scientific testing in an entertaining way that's not just for budding scientists out there. I'm sure many youth who played it in the early 90s will know what investigation and experimentation can do for any research project. Even if you're way past the target audience, the way it's all programmed and implemented is incredibly amusing.

I'd only played a few of Sierra's Discovery Series before this, and I'm now determined to try all of them. If they keep up this high hit rate, it looks like I'll be in for a good time. Highly recommended.

To download the game, follow the link below. This custom installer exclusive to The Collection Chamber uses the DOSBox-X build of DOSBox to bring the game to modern systems. Manual, Research Guide, Sierra Discovery Series Leaflet and Sierra Quiz included. Read the ChamberNotes.txt for more detailed information. Tested on Windows 10.

File Size: 59.3 Mb. Install Size: 92.2 Mb. Need help? Consult the Collection Chamber FAQ

Download