Review Fix Exclusive: Gary Mahan Talks ‘Math Blaster’

July 26, 2015 Patrick Hickey Jr. Video Games 0

Review Fix chats with JumpStart producer, Gary Mahan who discusses the return of classic educational game “Math Blaster” to mobile platforms. Breaking down why the game still matters and what the newest and modern addition of the series has in store for new gamers, Mahan lets us know exactly why we should be playing it.

Review Fix: Why bring back “Math Blaster”?

Gary Mahan: So many people – particularly those in their late teens and early 20’s – have fond memories of Math Blaster from their computer lab days back in elementary school. We wanted to enable those people to re-live the fun from the ‘90s, while also providing an opportunity for them to introduce the learning-based game to a new generation.

Review Fix: How much has the online community played a role in bringing the game back?

Mahan: The online community has played some part, but also this version of Math Blaster is quite different from the old games.  This is a modern MMO adventure and has all the social conventions that game players expect today.  So we are trying to appeal to both the previous generation as well as the modern day gamer.

Review Fix: Why do you think the game has endured for so long?

Mahan: I think the Math Blaster characters and Universe continue to appeal to both young and old.

Review Fix: How has the game affected you?

Mahan: Well, I got into educational games because I believe in the power of teaching through gameplay—learning doesn’t have to be boring. So I guess I am proud that this game is in some way helping kids to learn.

Review Fix: What makes this version different?

Mahan: This is the first time the game (which started on floppy disc) has ever been available on mobile platforms, and this version also includes new features like improved graphics, MMO capabilities, and fun mini games. Math Blaster is currently the only comprehensive, 3D online world for kids that incorporates math-based education.

Review Fix: Any chances at seeing the game on a console like the PlayStation 4 or maybe the Ouiya?

Mahan: Stay tuned.

Review Fix: What’s next for the series?

Mahan: Math Blaster is one of JumpStart’s most recognized titles – and one that JumpStart plans to continue to expand across new and exciting platforms for players as it taps into the power of nostalgia for the beloved game.

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About Patrick Hickey Jr. 13872 Articles
Patrick Hickey Jr. is a full-time Assistant Professor of Communication & Performing Arts and Director of the Journalism program at Kingsborough Community College and is the chairman of the City University of New York Journalism Council. He is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of ReviewFix.com. He's also a former News Editor at NBC Local Integrated Media and National Video Games Writer at Examiner.com where his work was mentioned in National Ad campaigns by Disney, Nintendo and EA Sports. Hickey was also the Editor-In-Chief of two College Newspapers before he received his BA in Journalism from Brooklyn College. Hickey's work has been published in The New York Daily News, The New York Times, Complex, The Hockey Writers, Yahoo!, Broadway World, Examiner, NYSportScene Magazine, ProHockeyNews.com, GothamBaseball.com, The Syracuse Post-Standard, Scout.com and the official sites of the Brooklyn Aces and New York Islanders. His first book, The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult And Classic Video Game Developers was released in April 2018 and is chock full of interviews with legendary developers. His second book in the series, The Minds Behind Adventures Games, was released in December 2019. His third book, The Minds Behind Sports Games, was released in September 2020. His fourth book, The Minds Behind Shooter Games, was released in March 2021. The Minds Behind Sega Genesis Games and The Minds Behind PlayStation Games were released in 2022 and The Minds Behind PlayStation 2 was published in January 2023. Hickey is also a contracted comic book writer, currently penning his original series, "Condrey," as well as "The Job," "Brooklyn Bleeds" "Dem Gulls" and "KROOM" for Legacy Comix, where he serves as founder, owner and Editor-in-Chief. Hickey Jr. is also a voice actor, having starred in the 2018 indie hit and 2019 Switch, PS4 and Xbox One release, The Padre (also serving as English language Story Editor), from Shotgun With Glitters. The sequel, The Padre: One Shell Straight to Hell was released in February 2021- Hickey also served as a Story Editor and Lead Voiceover performer. He has also done narration and trailers for several other titles including The Kaiju Offensive, Relentless Rex and Roniu’s Tale. Hickey is also the lead voiceover performer on Mega Cat Studios’ upcoming title WrestleQuest, responsible for nearly 90 characters in the game, as well as Skybound's Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood, where he voices both Dracula and Renfield, as well as several other characters. He also stars in Ziggurat Interactive’s World Championship Boxing Manager 2, where he performs the VO of nearly every male character in the game. He also worked on the Atari VCS’s BPM Boy.

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