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Snowman all set to melt the ice

THE SNOWMAN, for the 48K Spectrum, is a game based on the best-selling book of the same name by Raymond Briggs. It is based loosely on some of the action in the book but it centres on the building of the snowman. It should appeal to young children because of its non-violent nature.

To build the snowman you have to collect snow and avoid the flames which will chase you so that you can turn it back into water.

In some ways the game is like Jet-Pac, from Ultimate, as there is a drop site on the left of the screen which you must reach to mould the snowman's body and dress him.

There are four stages to each round. The first is to collect the snow, the second to put on the features, the third to dress the snowman and the fourth to collect ice cubes to prevent him melting. Once all of those phases have been completed you will move to round two and a different screen layout.

There are two ways of winning points. You could forget about building the snowman at the first stage and collect objects such as crackers, stockings and Christmas trees. That will boost your score considerably, so long as you do not fall from the ice structure. If you do, or your energy level is depleted too much, you will fall back into bed.

The alternative is to build the snowman but risk the wrath of the sleep monsters, which can only be combated using the special alarm clocks.

The game is attractive and is a change from the violence of Space Invaders and the like.

The Snowman, from Quicksilva, combines the best of many games already on the market.




SNOWMAN Memory: 48K Price: £6.95 Joystick: Kempston, Cursor Gilbert Factor: 8