The ZX81 presents a picture, and the child is asked to spell either the name of the object, or the part of it indicated by a flashing question mark.
The graphics are good and very clear (animals, butterflies, everyday objects such as telephones or cookers, for example).
The child has two tries at each word, and is rewarded with a large 'yes' or 'no' after each attempt. After the second 'no', the correct word is displayed.
There are 40 different pictures, and 100 spellings which, according to the makers, get progressively more difficult.
There are 40 different pictures, and 100 spellings which, according to the makers, get progressively more difficult. A hundred is not a great many, but then with a ZX81, space is necessarily limited.
Nor are all the words exactly vital for a child to learn, but then without speech you have to choose words which can be graphically illustrated.
A score is kept and given at the end of ten words, together with an animated display and comment. If the child just wants to enjoy the pictures, this can be done by entering J.
Two programs are offered, easy and hard, one on each side of the cassette. All instructions are presented on screen. Although somewhat limited, Spelling Bee is well-produced and visually pleasing.
18th October 1983
