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Hot Dot Spotter is a very simple number game. The player has to count the number of dots on a dropping ball and press the corresponding number key. The game starts fairly slowly, using low numbers, and as the players' skill improves the game becomes faster and more difficult.

The scoring system is dependent on how quickly the correct key is pressed, and the notes tell us that 'seeing your score mount closer and closer to the High Score as you successfully catch each ball is a great thrill'. Unfortunately, my team of testers didn't seem to think so! I'm afraid I found this game to be educationally sterile. There was little motivation for the player, and the number skills involved could have been practised to greater effect with dice and bits of cardboard.

Educational Aim: number skills

Age Range: 4 - 8

Control Keys: number keys only

Use of Colour: limited

Graphics: very dull