HOLMES INVESTIGATES

Paul Holmes inspects a number of new software packages for the ZX Spectrum.

This is one of the most original ideas for a piece of software I have seen yet. It is designed to launch the user into the world of 'Computer Movies'; well, that is what they claim, though I would describe these as 'Animated stories' than anything else.

It comes complete with a well written manual and demonstration 'Movie'. Though the graphics are not up to the latest arcade standard, the package is not designed to be the latest video game. It is a 'fun' idea that I found quite entertaining to use and, on the whole, the program does the task very well.

The sequences are built up using a selection of commands. The most common command is the 'Cast' command which allows you to call up any member of the 'cast' (includes men, women, a dog, a bird, a helicopter and many others) and make it move around or across the screen. It also has a number of other commands allowing the 'Director' to build up objects such as houses, or to display their standard sun, or a horizon. An interesting feature is that the 'movie maker' can store tunes and play them back at key points in the story. There is a command which allows text to be printed on the screen, which is useful for representing speech by the characters. On the whole, the program is very versatile and I found it an entertaining change from the usual 'shoot-em up' game.

The cassette is produced by 'Pinehurst data studios' (sounds suspiciously like Pinewood film studios doesn't it?) and sells for £7. Good value, with lasting appeal.