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This is a suite of three programs. The first, called Lander, is designed as a test of multiplication and division. The aim is to answer questions correctly, thereby boosting the lander higher into space. Your turn ends when the lander touches down and you are given a score. There are numerous options - multiply or divide, choice of tables used and speed of lander.

I found the sound obtrusive and the game unexciting, but it all worked smoothly enough. I'd be tempted to use pencil and paper for this kind of task.

Game three, Number Spin, is designed to test addition and subtraction and is based on a fruit machine. These devices with nudges and holds are a mystery to me, and I'm not sure we should encourage youngsters into using them. I would not use this part of the program at home or at school.

The tape's salvation is program two, which is designed to give practice in co-ordinates. The aim is to find objects hidden in a grid. You enter X and Y co-ordinates for your guess, and then an arrow points towards the object. Humour comes into the game, because the object, when located, could be a treasure but might equally be an old bone or an ugly mask. When you have found four objects, you get a score based on the value of your finds.

In 20 minutes on this program, my seven year old son improved his grasp of co-ordinates and also started to use binary chopping to locate his objects. He also got excited if he found a valuable treasure, which kept his interest.

At £6.95, I feel the co-ordinates program is worth it, but Lander and Number Spin are for me a waste of space.

Rog Frost