Previous Next

A mental arithmetic test, in which scoring is done by little men running across the top of the screen. It's hardly a marathon - if the figures are to scale the distance can't be more than a hundred metres!

It's written for two people, or one person and the computer. Two identical 3x3 arrays of numbers are shown, with a cursor in the middle of each. When a sum appears you have to move your cursor with a joystick to cover the correct answer, then press fire. The fastest right answer wins. If you're playing alone, you win if you get it right before time runs out.

You can choose addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or a mixture. Whichever you choose, every fifth question is a "multiple" - you are given a number, and have to press the button when a multiple of it appears. This part went haywire when I was playing. The multiples appeared, but not the original number.

Skill level determines the time allowed, not the difficulty. At higher levels it's more a test of reactions than ability.

Not bad, compared with the other educational programs currently available.

M.N.