91 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

For anyone learning Spanish, this program is a must., September 22, 2002

This program was a dream to use. I admit, I too was very skeptical about paying
So much for any piece of language software, but now after moving through the program, I see just how powerful the technique is. ... ... The Rosetta Stone software is much different, they guarantee your unconditional success, and if you don't achieve it, you return the software. That was enough to sell me. Also, if you need more proof, it's the same software the U.S. State department uses, as well as many other language schools throughout the world, with great customer service.
The most unique and most baffling aspect of the program is the fact that there's no grammar. For most who have tried venturing into a new language, doing so without grammar seems way too good to be true, but I'm living proof, it does work. More times than not, I felt frustrated that no translation was provided, but this forced me to pay attention more to the slight differences, and I think helped me pick up the language quicker. I used to think that was a terrible idea, it was indeed very frustrating, but since there's only four pictures to choose from, it won't take too much time for you to figure things out, repetition it a must, and your new vocabulary will stay with you for a long time. Also a plus, the program is simple to use, and very basic, no reading a long technical manual here. Recommend
As you can see, I strongly believe the program excels on all levels, but now, on to the things that weren't so great. The lack of a grammar book of some sort could be a major set back for those who get frustrated easily. Like I said before, the program is very simple and easy to use. This is also a drawback, yes, I like being able to understand the interface but, where were the sides games, I felt like the program was missing something in that area. Also, I feel the whole issue about the pronunciation meter is a little strange. In this program, you can talk to it through a microphone and it will tell you how fluent you sound. Seems fair enough but, there are many different ways to pronounce Spanish. There's the way they speak in Spain, in Latin America, (Mexico standing out as well) and different in southern America. The differences sometimes might seem subtle, but why not have the program address this with different speakers for different regions? Also, as a male, I found it difficult to pronounce words like the female orator. I don't know why they didn't record a male and a female version from which I could choose for everything.
This program is wonderful, with its minor faults. The most important thing I could say is, it is the best you'll find out there for now. No book, tutor, or [less expensive] software even comes close. I advise you buy the software and dedicate yourself to it for at least 30 minutes for ten days. The more you put into it, the more you will get out. If at that point you feel it's not working, send it back. I promise you'll be glad you tried it. I hope you achieve your language learning goals. ...