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Word Attack!

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Word Attack!
Developer(s)Davidson & Associates
Publisher(s)Davidson & Associates
Platform(s)Apple II, Atari 8-bit,[1] Commodore 64, MS-DOS
Release1984

Word Attack! is a 1984 educational video game from Davidson & Associates for the Apple II and Atari 8-bit computers. An updated version was released as Word Attack! Plus.

Gameplay

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The game consists of a series of language-based drill-and-practice minigames and exercises. In one, the arrow keys tare used to fire at correct answer "targets". The nine programs are aimed at grades 4-12.

Reception

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By October 13, 1984, the game had sustained an 11-week streak on the Billboard Charts for Top Educational Computer Software.[2] It re-entered the charts on November 3, 1984 at #9,[3] and again on November 24, 1984 at #7.[4] By June 15, 1985, the game had stayed on the list for a total of 44 weeks, and was currently at #8.[5]

The Computer in Reading and Language Arts criticised the gameplay mechanic of shooting the correct multiple choice answers, finding the graphics out of place for an educational title.[6] InfoWorld deemed it well-organised and flexible, adding that it is an effective teaching tool.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Word Attack!". Atari Mania.
  2. ^ Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1984-10-13). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  3. ^ Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1984-11-03). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1984-11-24). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1985-06-15). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ Blanchard, Jay S.; Mason, George E. (1987-01-01). The Computer in Reading and Language Arts. Psychology Press. ISBN 9780866566674.
  7. ^ Inc, InfoWorld Media Group (1983-10-17). InfoWorld. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)