Frequently referred to as electronic heroin or invisible killers, China's on-line games sometimes redeem themselves when historical education becomes popular among hundreds of thousands of youngsters.

A new game, "Learning from Comrade Lei Feng," claims that its most distinguishing departure from its peers lies in a theme which encourages players to live a thrifty life and offer help when needed, rather than promoting sheer killing and bloodshed.

 Lei Feng, who was just 22 when he died in an accident in 1962, inspired the whole nation then after Mao called on people to "Learn from Comrade Lei Feng," and show the "Lei Feng Spirit".

He was immortalized by the late Chinese leader Chairman Mao Zedong as a selfless and model citizen serving the people heart and soul.

In the game, the players play the role of a young pioneer. One of the most classic backgrounds is a crossroad, where there are vehicles, traffic lights and streams of people.

Pedestrians may say dirty words, trample upon grass, spit or litter on the road or break traffic rules and the players' tasks are to stop these bad habits or deeds while helping old men cross the street.

If players accomplish their tasks, they are rewarded with bonus points, which, if sufficiently high, earn them a red star as an extra prize, said Jiao Jian, a 12-year-old pupil of a primary school in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

"When the four points, fame and loyalty rise to a set standard, we have a chance to see Chairman Mao at magnificent Tian'anmen Square." Jiao said he is still working very hard so as to acquire Mao's autograph as soon as possible.

Created by China's Internet game giant, Shanda Entertainment, "Learning from Comrade Lei Feng" is China's first educational on-line game.

A company senior official said the game was developed to "have youngsters feel the content and happiness gained from helping others."

This sort of game combines entertainment with education, which is more acceptable for children, said Dong Bo, an official from the publicity department of the Jilin Youth League committee.