Alice good for game design class?

Hi all!

I will be teaching a game design class for middle schoolers at an arts center this summer. I am wondering if Alice is a good choice for game design?

I really like the 3D object browser and the fact that the world is 3D which I think will really appeal to them, I also like the context sensitive drop & drag coding.
I'm looking at a few packages right now, deciding what to use for the class. I'm really hoping Alice is it, but I'll put it to the experts... what do you think?

Remember, the games would be really simple - ie, moving a character around, collecting some items, avoiding obstacles, etc.