This adventure is neither textual nor an arcade quest. Mystery Of The Java Star is a set of four programs, each of which is a puzzle. The puzzles must be solved in order, the accumulating solutions leading you on to the final discovery.

The purpose is to find the wreck of the Sea Witch which sank in 1767. Much gold and a mysterious ruby, the Java Star, were on board. You must locate the wreck and claim the treasure.

The first two parts involve gathering information. Part one has you trying to reassemble a log entry and a map which have been shredded. You reassemble documents by swapping around the pieces. The game has a help facility but there's a catch. You begin with £12,000 - every time you ask for help, your new-found wealth diminishes.

Part two has you selecting various locations from a menu. Part three confronts you with a map, any area of which can be searched. Once you've plumped for a location, you explore it, looking for something that will point you to the right island.

The last part has you diving (in real time) in search of, and if you've been clever enough finding and exploring, the wreck itself. Very much out of the ordinary, Java Star is certainly engaging.

Graphically it is quite simple but the attraction and entertainment lie in the puzzles. Sound effects help create a salty atmosphere. The levels of difficulty plus a random element ensure the family will get its money's worth.