We've covered quite a few books for the Beeb over the last few months, but this is one of the better ones around so we thought it would still be worth including.

Although it is presented as a programmer's compendium, it is mainly a collection of game programs and as there are thirty-two all told, plus a sprinkling of educational programs and utilities, it represents pretty good value for money.

The programs in this collection are far better documented than in most are are therefore actually quite useful to people trying to learn Basic. Each game is preceded by quite a long introduction that sets the scene and gives operating instructions. This is followed by a proper documentation section that lists the variables used in the program and gives a breakdown by section of the various modules, showing how they work.

Finally comes the listing in nice clear print which has not been reduced to an almost unreadable size as in so many listings books.

The selection, as always, is hardly original, featuring old stalwarts such as Golf, Battleships, Jet Fighter and so on. However, there are a few new ones, such as one about a threatened little penguin and another that involves a complicated trip round the squares in a pyramid.

I like the author's tone as they guide you round moon craters, up and down ladders, and across busy main roads: their cynical sense of humour is refreshing and injects some originality into a book that is already well above average.

Even jaded Beeb gamers might find this worth having.