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This is a good version of an unusual game which I have seen only rarely in arcades, but which is most enjoyable to play, and uses the BBC sound effects to the full.

You are a small nondescript figure in the centre of a grid of blue squares, populated by skulls, bonus flags and ticking time bombs.

The object is to defuse these bombs by running over them, while avoiding the lethal skulls. Should a bomb blow up before you reach it, a life is lost.

Sounds easy? Here's the catch. You can only step on a square once, and it disappears, leaving a space which cannot be passed. You must use the slide control, which moves an entire row of squares sideways and creates new pathways.

The flags can be run over for bonus points, and at the end of each 'phase', you get the chance of more bonus points by dropping your man onto a special flag surrounded by skulls.

After this the game speeds up until you have only seconds to defuse bombs. Also available as an option are 'stamping boots' which chase you round the grid, and you can alter the time delay on the bombs.

I particularly liked the sound on this game, and the range of optional features, but I suspect that the novelty would eventually wear off after a few long sessions.

D.A.