Home Computing Weekly


Alien Planet
By Honeyfold
BBC Model B

 
Published in Home Computing Weekly #68

This Book and Tape Learning Course is part one of a trilogy subtitled Basic Adventures in Space and is aimed at young people who want to learn programming from scratch.

The book subdivides into the story section which includes several programs in the adventure and the second section for reference use.

The story part is fairly good although heavily contrived. It should hold the interest of an under-12 very well. The bonus programs on the cassette try to make things clearer too.

It is here that I become less enthusiastic, however, as I am worried about the poor programming style which the book could encourage. I have seen the results of many self-taught programmers' efforts and they usually show bad structure and lack of logical thought. There is little mention in this book of planned programming and 'top down design'. Whether you are teaching adults or children, you should encourage good habits and this book falls short in this respect.

D.C.

Other BBC Model B Game Reviews By D.C.


  • Viper Front Cover
    Viper
  • Wordsworth Front Cover
    Wordsworth
  • Mr. Ee Front Cover
    Mr. Ee
  • Wizard's Challenge Front Cover
    Wizard's Challenge
  • Pirate Front Cover
    Pirate
  • Zarm Front Cover
    Zarm
  • Demolator Front Cover
    Demolator
  • Omega Probe Front Cover
    Omega Probe
  • Aces High Front Cover
    Aces High
  • The Music Box Front Cover
    The Music Box