Product Reviews

At some point in a youngster's life, perhaps while walking around some fusty museum, or watching a mind-numbing history programme on TV, they begin to wonder what history is all about and why we should investigate the past. How do we know what certain objects are? How do we find and investigate them? And what was it like to live in days gone by? History classes, particularly at primary level, can only provide certain answers for curious young minds - which is where Arcventure (aimed at 7-11 year olds) can step in to fill the gaps.

In this game, players take the role of a young archaeologist helping out Finn, a grown-up archaeologist, who is supervising a dig at Coppergate in modern-day York. You must dig the plot using the correct tools, just like a real archaeologist;

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otherwise you run the risk of breaking objects and losing their unique story forever. We found this out the hard way, having managed to break two objects along the way (though somehow managing to salvage Viking human excrement). Players then save up the objects and can examine them in more detail at the end of each day in the trench - they can even view reconstructions of these objects, and more information about them is stored on a database in the investigation hut. When you come across unknown objects, you're whisked back over 1,000 years to ancient Viking Jorvik (the Viking name for York). Here, wandering about and talking to the various townspeople offers simple, digestible facts about Viking trade, food, professions and culture, and loads more besides.

As a whole, the software is simple to use and fun. Although the tone of the accompanying notes suggests that Arcventure - The Vikings was designed for classroom use, we found it an absorbing, stimulating and enjoyable experience. A little more historical context might be appreciated by older children, but then that's what museums are for. As a basic introduction to archaeological endeavour and the fascinating stories of our past, this is difficult to fault. Just make sure you hide the garden spade and trowel from little Jimmy in case he has the sudden urge to dig up your daffodils!