MIRRORSOFT produced a number of games which help with basic skills, but if you have not already bought one of those then Ancient Quests is a must.

King Tut's Treasure is a game concerning matching shapes, matching fractions with names and decimals. This bold statement makes it sound like one big yawn, but the game is so cleverly designed as to overcome that problem, inherent in many educational games.

As Professor Diggins you have to search for the treasure over several screens. Having only a metal detector you must depend on the screen indicators as to the position of the treasure. When you are very 'hot' you can dig, and may find the matching shape or name. However there are hazards to avoid and played at the top speed the game can be very exciting.

In The Count you are in a castle and have to answer a number of questions on counting, or a choice of any mathematical operation. When that is done you go to the library, answer some more questions and, if correct, sunlight will pour in.

Both games are smooth in operation and have good graphics, and a choice of keyboard or joystick control. As a variety of skill levels is offered it will appeal to the 5-10 age group. It represents good value and the mixture 1 of arcade action with content is just about right.