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Charm school

Every now and again, I come across a piece of educational software so charming that the review session lasts far longer than strictly necessary. The most recent example is Max and the Magician (Windows/Mac, CD Rom, Tivola, 19.99) in which the little dog Max solicits your help in releasing Mervin the magician from an evil spell that has been cast on him. Poor Mervin has been turned into a toilet brush, in which guise he accompanies Max throughout his adventures. Max has to search Mervin's extraordinary house for the hidden pieces of a magic formula needed to restore the magician to his former shape.
Every now and again, I come across a piece of educational software so charming that the review session lasts far longer than strictly necessary. The most recent example is Max and the Magician (Windows/Mac, CD Rom, Tivola, Pounds 19.99) in which the little dog Max solicits your help in releasing Mervin the magician from an evil spell that has been cast on him.

Poor Mervin has been turned into a toilet brush, in which guise he accompanies Max throughout his adventures. Max has to search Mervin's extraordinary house for the hidden pieces of a magic formula needed to restore the magician to his former shape.

Max moves from room to room, examining all Mervin's paraphernalia, while a narrator reads an introduction to each scene and the text appears on the screen. Pictures come to life, birds fly out of lampshades and shoes dance by themselves.

There are six spaces to explore, including a sorcerer's study, a bathroom with a bath in the shape of a teacup and a giant magic book.

In each space, one of the animated objects conceals a part of the missing formula - click in the right place, and the fragment flutters out (the hiding place changes for each new player). When all six pieces have been revealed, you have to jigsaw them together before Max can pronounce the spell.

The hardest challenge of all follows Mervin's restoration. Mervin and Max climb aboard the magician's broomstick to fly to Hagabelle the witch's house. You guide them over obstacles and under the brooms of passing witches using the arrow keys. Once at Hagabelle's, Mervin and Max make sure she can never turn anyone into a toilet brush again.

Designed for three-to seven-year-olds, this programme teaches its lessons (literacy, logic, mouse control, spatial awareness) with wit and originality, while allowing every child to play at her own pace.