As its predecessor, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker the Music Game, the animation in this charming program of Mozart's Magic Flute is simple and quietly enchanting. Concentrating on one work from one composer, Music Games International again delivers a splendid effort.

It is the subject matter and the program's approach to it that earn The Magic Flute high praise. Don't expect whiz-bang graphics and fierce game play to dominate. Do expect the game play to be focused clearly on learning about music, Mozart, and the instruments that he used to perform his work.

Matching two sounds and recognizing which instruments are creating those sounds may appear basic in concept, but the musical jigsaw puzzle style is anything but. The exceptional sound quality is a bonus that puts game players in the orchestra seats.

The music trivia and animated musical encyclopedia may be standard for this company's game format, but they are anything but formulaic.