Books of games listings for micros always appear to be much of a muchness. The games seem to be the same, the listings are usually poor and the standard of explanation low. Happily none of the above applies to 21 Games For The Electron.

As you might expect, the old favourite games are there, supplying the Space Invader and Downhill Racer type of arcade action. Others have titles which sound familiar but are in fact new versions of old favourites.

Along with these come the Electron varities of parlour games such as noughts and crosses and a version of the old sliding tile puzzle.

However it's not just the range of the games that is pleasing. It is also the way they are presented.

Each listing has a full description along with a screen picture showing you what to expect when you've typed it in. You also get hints on how to enter the program and warnings of possible errors and how to remedy them.

This in itself is unusual but what is even more uncommon and valuable is that each listing comes with a description of how it does what it does and ways you can improve it.

The idea is that you don't just passively type in the games but learn how they work and be encouraged to alter them.

This takes it beyond the normal range of games recipe books and makes it something that can also be read for both pleasure and learning.

Given this, the variety of the games, and the fact that the listings are clear and easy to enter, the book is good value for money and well worth consideration.

One minor point to watch out for is that the book is a translation of one for the BBC Micro, and I've found a small error. At one point Mode 7 is used, which is a pity because the Electron doesn't have it!

Still, this is easily remedied and it's no bad thing to instil a little caution into the user. Nor does it detract from a book of games listings which sets the standard for similar books.

Trevor Roberts