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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.

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.

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