And now for something completely different. Yes, full marks for originality in this new game(?) from Ross Reuter Research. The disc boots into the first of a linked sequence of Basic programs. Each presents you with a problem to solve and the name of the next program. The company are offering prizes of £150, £75 and £50 for the first three full solutions received.

The first set of programs all require some knowledge of how Basic programs are stored and run on the BBC Micro and how the machine uses memory. You do not, however, need to use or understand machine code programming to solve the puzzles. Having spent an enjoyable few hours cracking puzzles of this sort in the first nine programs on the disc, I then discovered a distinct shift in the nature of the problem solving required. The programs from here on require skill in the breaking of codes and cyphers.

Well, I solved the first cypher, but got stuck on the second which marks the limit of my progress at the time of review. I have made sufficient progress to feel that the solution to the latest problem is within grasp - like a good adventure game such puzzles should be fair but hard.

So is it worth parting with your cash for Cabalist? The answer is definitely yes for the right type of customer. You need to be a fairly skilled Basic programmer with reasonable knowledge of the workings of the BBC Micro. To achieve ultimate success you must also enjoy applying your programming skills to the problems of code breaking. I am not sure how many of you out there fit this description (There's a challenge if ever I heard one - Ed) but, for those that do, Cabalist is definitely your game!

Jonathan Evans