The Thinker

Crash

Use of Computer N/A

Graphics N/A

Playability 68%

Getting Started 69%

Addictive Qualities 85%

Value For Money 79%

Overall 79%

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Producer: Atlantis Memory Required: 48K Retail Price: £1.99 Language: Machine code The Thinker is a sliding block puzzle but comes complete with a warning from the publisher, 'If you value your sanity, don't buy this game it makes Rubik's Cube look simple'. Having failed to crack Rubik's Cube, my front door AND The Thinker, I really don't feel qualified to make comparisons. On loading, the user is asked to select a level of difficulty from 1 to 5. After you have answered the prompt, the game board is drawn. You are confronted with a large square outline, at the bottom of which there is a gap about two thirds the width of the square's side. The gap corresponds to the smaller red square positioned at the back of the box which in turn is surrounded by nine other blocks of different sizes and colours, each block being numbered. The object of the puzzle is to move the red block out to the front of the box, but to do this the other blocks have to be rearranged, within the confines of the box, to allow the red block free passage. Sounds easy. To move any of the blocks simply requires the user to input the number of the target block and then, by using the cursor keys, to show where you would like it moved to. Should you make an illegal move then you will receive the first of three warnings, persist and you are in for a nasty but witty shock. Should you fail to crack The Thinker then you will be able to write to the publishers for the solution. I can confidently predict that Atlantis will be getting some extra post. COMMENTS Control keys: cursors and zero to 9 (the red block number 10 is actually zero) Joystick: cursor type Keyboard play: simple enough and responsive Use of colour: very simple Graphics: very simple Sound: loads of entry beeps, etc Skill levels: 5

Getting the red square out from the back is the brain-teasing puzzle here.