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For those that have enjoyed the television programs Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister, the computer game of the latter by Mosaic Publishing is a must.

Game operation is in some ways similar to Killed Until Dead, with the flow of events decided by multiple choice questions. Joystick control or single key entry makes for ease of play with little or no interruption to interfere with the weighty decisions to be taken at Number 10.

The graphics are not exactly awe inspiring, consisting of a general view of the PM's office. A movable cursor is directed to various items around the room and on the desk to initiate the different actions to be taken by PM Hacker. Look at the diary to check the day's appointments, zero in on the teleprinter, telephone or intercom to receive messages. Check the safe to get your latest popularity ratings.

Point to the door to leave the office, either for a pre-arranged appointment or to hasten to the offices of Bernard 'Private Secretary' or Sir Humphrey (Cabinet Secretary), to solve the latest crisis. There is even a suggestion box on the wall that warrants a regular looking into. The main aim of the game, apart from just enjoying the repartee, is to last out one week in the high office of PM and finish with a higher popularity rating than when you started.

Although there is said to be some randomness in what happens - so enhancing replays of the game, I cannot say I noticed any great changes in the major topics that arose throughout my weekly stints as the Right Honorable James Hacker. On the other hand, there are so many multiple choice decisions to make, additional weeks in Downing Street were still enjoyable.

Using the disc version, I found a week passed in just over an hour. You may save the game position after each day's labour but unless you are desperately striving to get maximum popularity, this facility did seem a little unnecessary. Each day is a separate program and must be loaded in as you proceed.

Yes Prime Minister is available for both CPC and PCW Amstrads (cassette and disc). The playing format runs along the same lines as Mosaic's The Archers and Adrian Mole, games but I think the characterisation and atmosphere of the TV program is more accurately reproduced (as are the digitised pictures of the main characters).

I thoroughly enjoyed playing Yes Prime Minister, but I do wonder about its staying power in comparison with the average adventure's much greater playing time.