You'd better watch out, you'd better beware, 'cos Santa Claus is comin' to town! The Official Father Christmas is Alternative's do-goody Xmas release, all profits relating to the sale of the game being handed over to the Save The Children Charity.

The game sees the fat, bearded one attempt to deliver Christmas presents to the children of the World. First of all he has to assemble his sledge from the the MFI self-assembly sleigh kit, though. Those mischievous little elves have hidden the parts all around his grotto and Santa has to run around trying to retrieve them before setting out on his rounds.

Father X then has to collect all those pressies, ready to deliver them to all the ungrateful little brats that inhabit the globe. Once airborne, there's a busy night ahead, as our plump pal must drop all those parcels down chimneys in four continents before retiring for another year.

There's not an awful lot to be said about the game itself. It's very simplistic, the first section only having six locations, and it's only a matter of time before you get all the bits you need.

This goes for the whole game, in fact - you're bound to complete all the tasks because it's so easy - and the time limit is nothing if not generous. The game is really designed for the younger kiddie - anyone over the age of eight won't find it much of a challenge.

The Official Father Christmas isn't going to win any awards for programming innovation. Buy it instead as a Chrimbo pressie for your little brother or sister. It'll keep them quiet whilst you get on with the serious business of celebrating the festivities.

You'll also be giving a little something to less fortunate children as well.

A novelty game, for a worthy cause.

Complete the game - first attempt!

Santa can be seen in green.

Graphics 50% P. Sprites are OK in the first level... N. ...but deteriate rapidly from then on.

Sonics 50% P. A reasonable rendition of Xmas jingles. N. Not a blip in the game.

Grab Factor 65% P. Interesting theme... N. ...For the first go.

Staying Power 63% P. Three different sections. N. Very easy to finish, even for a youngster.

Overall 60% All in a good cause, but you'll need to be young to enjoy this one.

Adam Waring