A&B Computing


Ollie Octopus' Sketchpad

Author: Dave Reeder
Publisher: Storm
Machine: BBC Model B

 
Published in A&B Computing 1.07

Ollie Octopus' Sketchpad

Screen drawing programs are becoming almost as popular as regular a feature of a software house's catalogue as space games but this is a little unusual in that it is aimed at children and meant for them to use. This would be great if the program was, indeed, easy to use but it isn't!

As an example of its deficiencies, there is no way to move the 'paintbrush' (cursor) from one position to another without changing to background colour so that it doesn't leave a trail. This means, of course, that it leaves a trail over the foreground unless you change to that colour at the appropriate moment. There are other commisions too, there is no abstract or non-regular area fill facility only the filling of circles, squares and triangles is possible.

The enlarge and contract facility is however very well done with good 'rubber-banding' on screen. The colour change system is also neat and easy to use. There is a screen save facility (taking four and a half minutes) if anyone should want to use it but no screen dumping command for hard copy. There is a demonstration of its facilities (also used for the cover illustration) which seems impressive until you analyse the way the picture is built up. There is no way that a child can think in such a complex manner. Whilst it may be a good idea to have simple drawing programs for children I'm sure that the lack of features in this one make it a non-starter and this is a case where a more complex program would actually be easier to use.

Dave Reeder

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