Enid Blyton: Famous 5 Treasure Isla

• Platform:   Windows 98 / 95
• Media: CD-ROM
• Item Quantity: 1

Brothers Julian and Dick and their sister Ann are staying with their cousin George (Georgina really) and her faithful dog Timmy, and George's parents, Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny, at Kirrin Cottage. However, they are not alone: a mysterious, scheming professor has rented one of the rooms in the cottage. The children soon become suspicious of the professor, when they discover that he is interested in an old shipwreck which had sunk off Kirrin Island many years before. The scene is set, the story unfolds, then players must find the clues, disentangle the secrets, solve the puzzles and lead the Famous Five into a thrilling adventure involving caves, secret hiding places, rowing boats, castle ruins, dungeons and hidden treasure.

The installation process is comparatively simple, and is adequately explained in the accompanying information booklet. In the main it is easily followed, and should be read before commencing the game. However, in the section "helpful hints for trickier puzzles" in which five difficult puzzles are written in secret code, it would have been more helpful if the words had been more thoroughly checked before publication as several mistakes are made. It would also have been advantageous if reference had been made somewhere in the pamphlet to the help available via the start menu: clicking on Start then Programs then Famous Five then Helpful Hints unlocks this section, where varying degrees of help are offered.

The manufacturer's recommended age is 8-12--which seems accurate--but younger players may need assistance. Persistence is necessary, as the game is not easy, and it must be remembered that only the tip of the cursor is used, when combing things together or using things.

All in all, the game is intelligent, interactive and challenging, with superb graphics. The game really brings the characters of the Famous Five to life. Also available: Silver Tower and Kidnapped. --Susan Naylor

Manufacturer's Description
The Famous Five have been favourites with generations of children, and now you can immerse yourself in the their adventures on PC. In Enid Blyton: Famous Five Treasure Island, join Julian, Dick, George, Anne and, of course, Timmy the dog, on a trail of mystery and adventure that leads The Five into castles and onto cliffs, searching through caves and discovering missing maps. They will have to work quickly though, to clear their names from a slanderous charge of petty theft. Take on the role of one of The Five and lead them through the game, solving puzzles and discovering clues which eventually lead our intrepid heroes to a startling discovery.

• Software > Budget Software
• Software > Children's Fun & Learning > Activities & Interests > Printing & Painting
• Software > Children's Fun & Learning > Ages 11-14
• Software > Children's Fun & Learning > Ages 5-8
• Software > Children's Fun & Learning > Ages 9-11
• Software > Children's Fun & Learning > Characters & Brands > Enid Blyton
• Software > Software under £10