I didn't get chance to post about this last week, but wanted to get a mention in somewhere. Learndirect, the government-backed adult education service, has just released its own free online game. The Legula Adventure is designed to be played by a child and one parent, and involves solving simple word and number puzzles as you travel through a 3D virtual environment, looking for three powerful crystals.

It's sort of a gently educational version of Myst, with movement controlled by selecting directions via a on-screen menu. The visuals are nicely designed, reminding me a little of Katamari's flat-shaded cartoon-ish beauty. "The Legula Adventure provides an engaging way to get the family learning," says Kirstie Donnelly, LearnDirect's Director of Products and Marketing. "Simple instructions make working through the puzzles and games fun for gamers of all skill levels, and the colourful and unusual characters really bring the story to life."

It's a nice idea. I've played through lord knows how many Cbeebies games with my son, but usually find myself yawning through the drudgery. With its narrative thrust, fun script and stylised environments, I was actually quite engaged by this.