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The Forest is a computer simulation of the sport of orienteering. The user of the program becomes the competitor and is able to tackle all the navigational problems encountered by orienteers without the necessity for physical fitness. With the tape, you are supplied with a detailed map of pre-set routes marked out with the course you must take. To participate in the game you will need to have a ruler graduated in millimetres and a geometry protractor for measuring angles.

A book is provided with the tape which explains the principles of orienteering and also how to use all the commands and the cursor keys to move you along. It is essential to study the book carefully before commencing the race or you will waste valuable time looking up commands.

You can quit the game at any time and there is incorporated a facility for cheating to get you out of tight spots, but if the latter is used then this will be reported and held against your score at the finish.

As well as the two courses provided, there is an option which allows you to plan your own course and save it on tape and an extra map is available separately.

As you travel along your route, what you will see normally on the screen is what you would be seeing if actually orienteering out in the open, for instance trees, houses and other land features.

When you have mastered the art of map reading and operating the controls, The Forest provides a very accurate representation of the difficulties encountered in orienteering, and would provide valuable experience for anyone wishing to take up the sport.

It can also be a lot of fun for those who already participate and have previous experience in orienteering.