????!,  Tuesday, 11 March 2008 This program does not require much interaction to witness the full range of the program. It is a simple click to continue style piece of software. Upon starting the software, you are given the option of choosing part one or two, with the simple click of the left or right mouse button. It then progress through a selection of greetings and basic questions that could be used to allow some simple dialogue between you and a Japanese speaking person.

This program is very basic, with only a select few statements and questions. This is only volume one, as so with other volumes, the number of things you would be able to say would increase. This program would be useful if just starting a Japanese course, as it would allow the proper pronunciation of the words to be heard.

There are also some visual aids which help in the description of when these greetings or sentences may be used, but at times, these pictures do not really help. These sentences are also very restrictive as there is no vocabulary included, so the simple questions could not be altered to suit your circumstances.

Overall, this program would be useful if used in conjunction with a Japanese course, but it could not be used as your sole Japanese educational source.

 Dodge!,  Saturday, 21 July 2007 Another side scroller shoot em up, blow away the aliens and so on. What makes this game different? The graphics and the music. What else? the rate of fire. What else? That's about it.

Graphics: The graphics are quite nice, there is a range of colours, which add to the depth of the backgrounds. They are nicely designed and are quite interesting. Another strong point of this game is the type of enemies that are faced. They are strange, random and unexpected.

Sound: The strongest point of this game. The music is excellent and gives this game an out of this world feel. Very nice electronic beats. The explosions contained within the game are as expected.

Gameplay: This is the only area in which this game is let down. Unless this is supposed to be an extremely difficult game, the two main areas of concern are the rate of fire and the bosses. The rate of the fire is extremely slow, which means death is extremely possible. This also contributes to the difficulty of the bosses. The fact that the boss' bullets can follow you, it makes it difficult to attack the boss.

Lifespan: This game is good, but the slowness of the bullets and movement makes it hard. If you like a challenge, then this game will suit you quite well. The reward for playing this game is that the power ups are excellent. The number of upgrades that can be obtained is not limited to one power up at a time, but is limited to the number of power ups that are available per level.

Overall: There are many strengths to this game, but the two weaknesses make this game less enjoyable. If you have the skills for this style of game, then this will be an enjoyable game, otherwise, stick to Deluxe Galaga.

 Once again - Haaaaaa Ya!,  Monday, 16 July 2007 Another Karate style game. This one is different from the others as it is more closely aligned with competition style karate. Your objective is to score two and a half points to progress to the next round. To do so, you must strike your opponent, resulting in them making contact with the ground.

Graphics: The graphics are average, it looks as if it has been drawn in Paint. Nevertheless, it is quite different from other games and adds some charm to the game. The strong point is the changing backgrounds. The colours used are quite vibrant, although it looks quite cartoonish.

Sound: The sound seems as if it has been ripped from IK+, the yells are the same and so are the thuds when you hit the ground. There is no music and so it seems very still and lifeless whilst you are playing.

Gameplay: The controls are easy to master, but it seems that while you are close to your opponent, your strikes do not hit the opponent. The game also includes a little side game which resembles "Simon says". There is a character which performs a "kata" which you must imitate to successfully complete the task.

Lifespan: This game has a variety of levels and as you progress, so does the difficulty level of the opponents. The letdown is that you do not progress in belt rankings.

Overall: This game is average, but it is different from others that are out there. Slightly less exciting, but requires planning, as one hit knocks you down. IK+ is more suited for this style of game, but still this game is good for a two player match.

 Push over is no push over!,  Monday, 16 July 2007 This is a strange little game. You control an ant and your objective is to complete the puzzles contained on each level by pushing over all the blocks. It seems simple enough, but there are enough twists and turns to keep you pulling your hair out. To complete the levels, you must be able to arrange the blocks so that with one swift push, they all fall to their demise.

Graphics: The graphics are done well within this game. It has a side on view, and allows you to see each level clearly. The lively backgrounds make this game visually pleasing. Your character is drawn well with a distinctive cartoon style being the artistic style.

Sound: There is a nice song that is included in this game, which happily plays in the background as you try and complete each level. The explosions, falling blocks and yells of your character are all implemented skillfully into the game.

Gameplay: The controls are easy to master, but the real concern of the game is the puzzle solving. The puzzles begin simple, but increase in difficulty as the game wears on. The only trouble you would encounter playing this game is being unable to see the solution!

Lifespan: This game is good fun and definately unbeatable on your first few attempts. The graphics don't age and the fun is always rekindled with the quick dropping of a block or fall from a platform. The variety in the levels and block types will keep you guessing!

Overall: An excellent puzzle game, sure to test out your lateral thinking. Good fun if played solo or in the company of others. Match your wits with others and see who can finish levels the fastest or team up and try to finish the game! Good fun for all ages.

 A little bit of IK+ anyone?,  Monday, 16 July 2007 This is a little gem of a game. Quite similar in style to IK+, but it expands upon it in many ways. The movements and controls are similar and should take no time to master. The game is similar, defeat your opponent - in this case there is only one. There are also training levels, these are reached by defeat your opponent to progress to the next screen. Here, you can choose which discipline to focus upon, at times having the feel of Mortal Kombat.

Graphics: These graphics are quite nice, the levels are drawn with great detail, even the texture upon the bricks in the background can be seen. The backgrounds for the intermission screens are excellent, alive with marbleized colour.

Sound: The music that is present in the menus is excellent, and the sound effect in game are also good. The music ties in well with the game.

Gameplay: This section would score higher, although, in game there are occasions where you are standing right next to your opponent but are unable to inflict damage upon them. The controls at times seem sticky, but apart from that the game plays smoothly. There are many different training regimes to experience and so there is a nice depth to the game.

Lifespan: This game is a good catch, not only does it have a variety of opponents, but it also incorporates a two player mode. This allows you to battle your friends to determine who is the better master.

Overall: The quality of the graphics and sound allow this game to excel. If the controls were slightly smoother, this game would be an all out winner.