Writing and Calculating is the first DK title that has failed to live up to my expectations.

Despite neat and tidy graphics and content that appears fundamentally sound, this dreary educational software just does not make the grade.

The user interface is clunky and boring to navigate. DK insists minimal adult supervision is required. It is very easy to use but also irritatingly dull and uninspired.

Much is made of "virtual rewards" to help to build confidence and skills. A virtual reward is no reward in my book.

This software comes across as a cheap and rather tacky imitation of the earlier and wholly excellent DK titles.

My favourite gripe concerns the sound effects. DK describes them as "encouraging" but fails to say what they might encourage a user to do. They encouraged me to hit the exit button!

Price: £9.99 Contact: 0207 8365411 Feelgood factor:

2 out of 10 Spidey catches you in his web Wall-crawling, web-slinging, wise-cracking Spiderman is without a doubt one of the coolest superheros on the block.

Fans of Spidey will be proud to know his turn on the PlayStation is a highly enjoyable and completely immersive game experience.

As soon as the disc is inserted, the player will be making the kind of noise usually reserved for Homer Simpson when he has spotted a donut.

From the opening theme tune, Spiderman: The Game simply oozes class.

The animation is fluid and totally glitch-free.

Featuring the voice of Spiderman creator Stan Lee and the voices from the animated series as well as some semi-banging music, this exercise fares well on the ears as well as the eyes.

Criticisms, if any, are that the game may be slightly on the short side, although the hidden extras and extra costumes ensure repeat playing is high on the agenda.

Price: £29.99 Contact: 01895 456700 Feelgood factor: 9 out of 10