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Once again, Sue Townsend's interpretation of a neurotic adolescent's diary appears in computer game form with this release, the second in the Adrian Mole series. In this companion to The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole, we follow Adrian as he perseveres through more school turmoil, and wade through his turbulent family life at home in Laurel Close, Leicester.

The adventure unfolds as a series of descriptive scenes followed by multiple choice questions, with the answers enabling you to guide Adrian through each new crisis. Each separate event in Adrian's life is illustrated by a small drawing which takes up the top part of the screen, while the text scrolls up from the bottom.

The plot takes you through a year and a half of Adrian's life, during which time you amass a percentage rating based on Adrian's relationships with the other characters - the more popular he becomes, the higher your rating.

The scenario sticks quite closely to the novel, and all of the familiar characters are included. Previous knowledge of the book will not help in the choice of actions however, as many of the situations have been altered to involve new twists.

There are four separately loaded levels. A score is given on completion of each, along with the option to replay the last section.

Adrian Mole is enjoyable from the outset - it's simple to understand, well presented and often humorous. However, after the sequence of events have been played through a few times and all the responses given, it won't provide much lasting interest.

Unlike other adventures you don't need to solve a particular problem before progressing any further - your score simply alters according to your actions. This is quite helpful as you're never stuck with one problem for hours at a time - but again, this reduces the lasting interest.

The graphics are reasonable - being of a similar abstract kind as in the first Adrian Mole game, but the absence of sound is a let down as it might have added a bit more sparkle to an otherwise average game.

Ten out of ten for humour... but unfortunately Adrian Mole is neither a game or an adventure. Playing it is very similar to reading a book, although, to be fair, you do get the chance to prod a key once every few minutes and get a score at the end.

The big problem, however, is that once you've read through the text there's no compulsion ever to return, regardless of score. If you've read the books forget it - if you haven't, buy them and use the change to purchase a couple of budget games.

Having enjoyed both of the Adrian Mole books, I was intrigued to see how this second adventure would turn out - especially as I had missed the first.

Sadly, I am not very impressed. The content of the game is good, and even quite humorous at times, but the multiple choice directions tend to distance you from the action.

Also, the small series of options presented seriously limits the gameplay, and doesn't drastically alter the course of the action. Consequently, it is more like reading an interactive novel than actually taking part in an adventure.

It took me about an hour and a half to finish all four sections, and I doubt if I'll ever be returning to it.

Presentation 51%
Adequate instructions, and the lack of options is due to the program's style.

Graphics 31%
Rapidly drawn and neat enough, but superfluous, as they don't add anything to the atmosphere.

Hookability 83%
The multiple choice method is simplicity itself to get to grips with...

Lastability 40%
...but this seriously limits the scope of the game.

Value For Money 38%
Expensive - especially when you consider that you can buy both novels for much less.

Overall 52%
Humorous, but not enough interaction or gameplay to enthuse.