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In the fifty years that Noddy has been driving around Toyland in his bright red and yellow car, he has become a British Institution, famous throughout the world. Enid Blyton's familiar little cheeky chappy is every bit as popular on TV and in print as Winnie The Pooh and the like, but his forays into the world of hi-octane gaming action have only just begun.

All your favourite characters are here in this new BBC game for the Game Boy Color - all ready and willing to help Noddy arrange a surprise birthday party for his good friend Big Ears, but for a price. The game itself is predictably simple - drive around Toy Town until you meet one of your friends. Each of them has a problem which you must solve by leaping around scrolling platform levels and collecting eggs, candles, and even shells for a measly four sixpence reward. All this goes into Noddy's piggy bank to save up for a big Birthday cake.

There is a little variety in the game, with flying levels and timed train races standing in the way of either jelly and ice-cream or an early bedtime. Well, they couldn't allow the little fellow to get killed by the Goblins, could they?

There's no denying that the tiniest Game Boy Color fans will enjoy this Noddy game, although the boys probably wouldn't admit to it. Even more experienced players can get something out of it as the hard setting can offer quite a challenge when you're flying around collecting balloons at high speed.

How popular this first Game Boy title from the BBC will be remains to be seen, but if you buy Noddy And The Birthday Party expecting fun, mischief and a teensy bit of a challenge, you won't be disappointed.

Loved by kids and grown-ups alike, the little fellow with the tinkly bell is no less adorable in this cute little platformer. As far as gameplay goes, though, this is definitely one for the younger generation.

Toyland isn't really a very big place and, though the challenges Noddy faces on his travels are entertaining, the seasoned gamer will romp through the entire thing with ease.

It's colourful, well animated and thoroughly endearing but not exactly a taxing test of skill. Still worth a look though, just to play with the horn on Noddy's car - parp parp.

Graphics 80%
Perfectly cute little sprites.

Sound 60%
A top adaptation of the TV theme.

Playability 60%
Patronising for real gamers.

Lastability 60%
The levels are fun to dip into.

Overall 72%
Only for Blyton freaks and kiddies!