Home Computing Weekly


A, B, C ... Lift Off!
By Longman
Spectrum 16K/48K

 
Published in Home Computing Weekly #25

A reading and language development game designed to introduce children to the alphabet. It will also help with the names and sounds of letters, as well as giving scope for picture and word recognition.

After an over-long loading sequence which includes (unnecessarily) a Longman/Micromega logo and a slightly animated title page, the first section begins with an upper case and lower case alphabet. Pressing any key starts. The screen displays a nicely drawn apple, the word apple in lower case, and a capital A.

A "next letter" banner invites the child to press the next letter.

At any time, pressing ENTER moves onto the second section, Lift Off! The screen shows a rocket ready, and a conveyor belt with crates. As each crate moves under, it opens to reveal one of the pictures in part 1. Simultaneously a word appears. If word and picture match pressing S (for snap) loads the cargo. When six pieces have been loaded, the rocket makes a spectacular lift-off.

A pair of programs for pre- and early school years well worth the money. Superb graphics, nicely laid out screen, and sound used to good effect.

R.F.