Disney Pixar Monsters, INC. Play & Print - PC Games

Disney and Rey have together produced a package that will allow your children to create, personalise and print documents using their favourites from the film. There are six themed craft projects, 3-D creations and a creative crafts corner where designs of your own invention can come to life. Make table decorations, get ready for a party, produce items for home décor, create playing cards, hats and other fun items, design writing materials, such as invitations, envelopes, postcards and much more.

To help in all this there are more than 150 images to choose from, all of which replicate the on-screen characters beautifully, and there are also wonderful colours and artistic effects--you can even scan in and use your own photographs. The actions and movements are easy to control, via on-screen icons (which make fun noises when clicked on) and the help pages can be accessed at any point. These are simple, clear and well laid-out, and cover all the important aspects of a project, from where to select images and text, to which paper is suitable when you print it out. What really stands out about this package is the quality--though it is highly graphical, you move from screen to screen with ease, and without "sticking" or pixellation.

The CD-ROM is attractively boxed, and is accompanied by 30 sheets of special craft paper in different shapes, patterns and colours--all you need for your printing. It is also possible to buy further supplies, either on the High Street or by calling the after-sales number provided, and other standard papers can also be used. Accompanying the package is a 16-page pamphlet, but this only contains information relating to installation (which is very quick and easy) in a number of languages. It is therefore recommended that adults consult the "Parents Guide" on the CD-ROM to get more information before beginning. The manufacturers recommend the software as being suitable for children aged four years and above, but help will obviously be needed at this young age. All in all, this is a lovely, simple but highly effective print package that Monsters Inc. fans, as well as generally creative and craft-loving children, will love.--Susan Naylor