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Overview

Number Builder is a puzzle and education-oriented video game developed by Applied Systems Knowledge Ltd. and was released in 1985. The game was designed to enhance mathematical skills by engaging players in a series of numerical challenges.

Gameplay

The core mechanics of the game revolve around constructing numbers through various operations and using them to solve progressively complex problems. Players must utilize addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to reach specified target numbers within a limited time frame, making it both a mental workout and a test of quick thinking.

Educational Value

Primarily targeted at younger audiences, this game served as an educational tool reinforcing basic arithmetic skills while also promoting logic and strategic planning. It strived to make learning numbers fun and interactive, breaking away from traditional classroom methods.

Historical Context

During the mid-1980s, educational video games were gaining popularity as computers became more common in homes and schools. Although Number Builder wasn’t a major commercial hit or a groundbreaker in the gaming industry, it contributed to the growing interest in educational software of that era.

Conclusion

While it might not hold a place among the classic titles of the 1980s, it represents an interesting chapter in the intersection of gaming and education. It showcases the early efforts of developers like Applied Systems Knowledge Ltd. in exploring the potential of video games as learning tools.

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