What do you get when you cross the fun of a space shooter with an English Literature class focused on the great bard himself? You get 'Speare, a computer game by ApolloGames.ca aimed at teaching children about the works of William Shakespeare by using a futuristic space shooter.

It sounds crazy but it just might work. The game is your standard flash shmup in which you have to collect the text of Shakespeare's plays from enemy ships, periodically scanning items to reveal information about his works, which you will be quizzed on later. You can even pick from different ships with names like Juliet's Dagger, Baited Bear, Star Crossed, and the Guardian Globe.

Here's some text from the intro to give you an idea of how they're working this:

Peace reigned in the galaxy until a civil war broke out in the Verona System between planets Montagor and Capulon, who were entrusted with guarding Shakespeare's ancient text Romeo and Juliet. Distracted by their squabbles, the Verona System is left open to invasion by the ever-encroaching drones of the power hungry Insidian Army.

There is a flash demo available to try out at the ApolloGames.ca website, with the full version available for purchase for $20. Give it a look see, and let every eye negotiate for itself. Michael Fahey

'Speare Download and Demo Page [ApolloGames.ca via CTV]

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