PokéROMs
Business card-sized mini CDs are being put to practical use in a series of 10 PokéROMs, launched by Mattel Interactive's TLC (The Learning Company) for Windows PCs and Apple Macintoshes. The idea is to divert kids into doing something of educational value by making them solve maths puzzles to free their chosen character. The mini CDs also have a database of more than 200 questions on English, maths, and science for children aged five and above. The main appeal to parents is that they cost only £4.99 each.
Arresting idea
The Driver-2 website will soon let you send someone an arrest warrant. You can already use it to send 120-character SMS messages to mobile phones, and add a Driver-2 logo to a Nokia phone. See www.driver-2.com/uk/flash/ukindex.html
Mical returns
Industry veteran RJ Mical has resurfaced at Red Jade, a Silicon Valley start-up that is building a wireless entertainment device with funding from Ericsson, Sweden's mobile phone manufacturer. Mical is best known for developing the Intuition interface for the Commodore Amiga home computer. After that he co-created the Handy portable games console (sold as the Atari Lynx) and the CD-based 3DO REAL games console. All three were years ahead of their time. However, the last two flopped, and the Amiga is as good as dead.
Freeloading
The Freeloader website is launching a string of old games in the run-up to Christmas. The latest title offered for free download is GTA London 1969. Due soon are Supercross Kings, Magic & Mayhem, a role-playing game, Virgin Interactive's Viva Football and Empire's Pro Pinball. Meanwhile, episode three of Freeloader's original episodic game, Halcyon Sun, is available with a free speech-pack. See www.freeloader.com
Heavy metal
Robot Wars, BBC 2's most popular programme, is about to give birth to a Game Boy Color cartridge. Robot Wars: Metal Mayhem lets you design your own robot and battle rivals or work through the whole competition. BBC Multimedia will be selling the £24.99 cartridge online at www.bbcmultimedia.com or on 01795-414 715 from December 8.
