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Code Hunter is a platform-style arcade game in which the player controls a Code Hunter intruder droid. It's designed to dismantle an alien battleship's defences by entering its computer network and placing bombs in the alien guards' path.

Some nodules bear symbols indicating specific functions which affect the droid's movement or diminish its status, as represented by an energy bar at the foot of the screen. When an alien collides with a bomb it's destroyed, leaving behind a coded data device. Collect all of these before the Code Hunter's energy is depleted and the next level is tackled. Once all of the sixteen levels are disabled, the battlestar is disarmed.

The bright graphics and unusual sound are an immediate pull when you load Code Hunter. All the sprites are large and well-animated and have a completely alien feel to them, though the Code Hunter droid itself is slightly disappointing.

The diagonally scrolling starfield is attractive, though it looks more like snow than anything else. The gameplay isn't overly original, but the difficulty level is very well graded, since the first levels are fairly easy to get into and later ones are extremely unforgiving.

If you're looking for something a little strange in the platform genre, try Code Hunter.

This is one of the most enjoyable games I've played this month! The graphics are very bright and cheerful, and create a strange atmosphere perfectly suited to the gameplay.

The sound effects are similarly alien, consisting of curious whines and groans. The gameplay is excellent.

Code Hunter makes the strategy required very arcade-oriented, and as a result it's very compelling: you just make enough progress to balance frustration against the urge to continue. I fully recognise it.

Presentation 68%
Useful instructions and clear on-screen presentation.

Graphics 87%
Bright, bold, colourful sprites and backgrounds, smooth parallax scrolling and a convincing 'alien' feel.

Sound 64%
Few effects, but completely appropriate to the atmosphere.

Hookability 88%
Unusual and bright graphics make it attractive, and it's very easy to get into.

Lastability 80%
Only sixteen levels, but these require a lot of thought and practice.

Overall 83%
An excellent and unusually-designed budget game which is both playable and compulsive.