| Developer: | Davidson & Associates |
| Publisher: | Davidson & Associates |
| Released: | 1984 |
| Platforms: | Apple II, Atari 8-bit,[1] Commodore 64, MS-DOS |
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.
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.
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]