Link 4 Plus is a computer version of the family game 'Connect Four'. Players take turns to drop counters into one of seven columns. A maximum of six counters may occupy each column. They pile up as they are dropped and the aim is to be the first player to get four of your counters in a row, horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

An entertaining title page introduces Link 4 Plus to the player. These graphics and sounds are the most exciting in the entire package and the main game is tidily and clearly presented. Once the instructions have been shown, the tape is started again and the game program is automatically loaded in their place.

Link 4 Plus follows the rules of the family game. It will act as a games board for two players, automatically detecting when the game has been won and highlighting the winning line. Alternatively, the computer will play against one person, or even against itself. There are four skill levels, and the computer plays a good game on all except the first. Response time is fast - usually less than ten seconds even at the highest level - and moves are simply entered by pressing the digit key which corresponds to the appropriate column. Unfortunately it is easy to make an accidental move by pressing a key twice.

The main program is written in Basic, and is about 4K long. It is possible to examine the code, but the program is not very clearly written. There are however, two minor bugs. The program does not check that names are less than 15 characters long, which means that a long name can ruin the graphic display. It also ignores answers such as 'y' or 'n' if they are typed in lower case, although the instructions do mention that.

Link 4 Plus is an entertaining program. If you haven't the time for more complex games like chess, it is a challenging substitute. The rules are simple, but moves can involve considerable thought. The computer plays well and the graphics, while not stunning, are quite acceptable.