REVIEWS



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fast looks

Each month, "Fast Looks" offers up snapshots of some of the most interesting, unusual, or important software and hardware for the Amiga, Apple II, Atari ST, Commodore 64/128, IBM PC, and Macintosh lines of personal computers. Get the last word on what's new-here, fast, first.


Rebus Writer

It seems children learn language by magic; anyone who's learned a foreign language must envy their success. But it isn't magic-it's a complex trial-and error method that leads children to fluency and language comprehension. Rebus Writer gives them the chance to experiment with sounds and language while solving or creating a rebus.
    A rebus is a word, phrase, or sentence puzzle composed of pictures and symbols as well as letters or words. In Rebus Writer, players try to figure out what the rebus represents. Usually the solution is a famous saying, a common expression, a movie or book title, the name of a popular TV show, or the name of a celebrated personality.
    Rebus Writer features more than 350 puzzles, divided into five levels of difficulty. Solving a puzzle requires that players type in the correct answer, encouraging the use of a dictionary or thesaurus. Players can also use the program's pictionary, which features 250 illustrations, to create their own puzzles. Other drawing tools let you clear, undo, erase, or add contrast to your rebus.
    If your children are intrigued by puzzle solving, then Rebus Writer might be just the tool for enhancing word usage, association skills, and imagination. The kids might even let you sit at the computer long enough to design your own rebus.

Apple II-$49.95
Mindscape
3444 Dundee Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
(312) 480-7667


Police Quest
Drugs have infested the small town of Lytton (population 28,83 1), along with the attendant unpleasantries of theft and murder. At the heart of this rot is the notorious Death Angel. Somebody has to track down this dope monger and bring him to heel. That somebody is you-it's your job.
    Police Quest: In Pursuit of the Death Angel goes beyond the usual adventure game. Written with the counsel of Jim Walls, a former police officer with 15 years experience on the force, this game puts you in the real world. You aren't Dirty Harry, grinding scofflaws into the dust. You're a genuine police officer, and you go by the book. That means learning radio codes, police procedure, and the daily routine. Throw out the book, and the courts may void your arrests and the department may send you into early retirement.
    The game's excellent 3-D animation abounds with delightful scenes. You'll find yourself playing poker, taking a shower, drinking a beer, and even operating an onscreen computer. The multiple solutions and variable scoring mean you'll be playing it over and over. But hey-be careful out there.
- DM

Apple IIGS with 512K-$49.95
Atari ST-$49.95
IBM PC and compatibles-$49.95
Macintosh-$49.95

Sierra On-Line
P.O. Box 485
Coarsegold, CA 93614
(209) 683-4468

Contributing to "Fast Looks" this month were Dan McNeill and Carol S. Holzberg.