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The year is 1999. In a bid to revive flagging ratings, popular eighties TV show "Just Amazing" makes an unprecedented return to the air-waves, with ageing light entertainers, Barry Sheen, Kenny Lynch and Suzanne Danielle, returning to their old jobs as hosts. With its unbeatable formula of ordinary people performing extraordinary stunts, the show is a massive hit. There's the man who unicycles across a tight-rope suspended above the Grand Canyon. Without a safety net! There's even Mr. Mange-Tout, literally translated as the man who eats all. And boy, does he eat all. From plates and cutlery to planes and even the Eiffel Tower.

However, one day whilst on air, a feat more incredible than any other is performed. Kenny Lynch sheds his human form and reveals his true identity as Baal, Lord of the Flies. Calling on his mighty legions of hellspawn the one time chirpy singer and comedian strides forth to inherit the Earth. His Mazin War has begun.

Clambering from the burning wreckage of the Yorkshire Television Studio, Barry Sheen stares at the charred wasteland that the Earth has become and he vows to return the planet to the people, but not as retired motorcycle racer, Barry Sheen...

Lead Mazinger Z across each level beating up everyone in sight. At the end of each level there's a one-on-one face-off against the boss.

Fortunately for Earth, Mazinger Z is more than just a polished tinpot. Although he's only armed with a sword he sure can use it. Here's a run-down of the finest sword skills since Dr. Blades, the multiple sword swallower from the Just Amazing Christmas show.

1. Hundred-Hand Stab
   Similar to E. Honda's super-slap attack, our metal hero performs this incredible multi-stabbing manoeuvre. What's more, this super kebabing attack is just great now it's barbeque season again.
2. The Figure Eight
   In a desperate situation, old brass-head can pull off this emergency death-blossom sword attack. Protecting him from all angles, this is Mazinger's most powerful move. Unfortunately, the cost of this action is a drain on Mazinger's lifeforce.
3. Whirling Dervish
   In his early years, Mazinger used to hang around with the members of the National Chinese Acrobatics Team and it shows. By performing a running jump, our metallic wonderboy unleashes this somersault attack, with devastating results. This move is especially effective against moving vehicles.

Each end-of-level boss comes in two portions and what a slap-up feed those portions are. After beating the standard end-of-level boss, the game changes to a one-on-one style beat-'em-up with the real boss. These sprites stand tall at around half the size of the screen and are rock-hard to beat. Here's a look at a few of the founder members of the Ugly Club.

1. Garada-K7
   Obviously a great fan of the Grim Reaper, this skeletal scythe wielder can be found atop the ruins of Tokyo. His chest-plate is more than just a pretty face too, it emits fireballs from its mouth. A simple problem that could be avoided by gargling with Listermint.
2. Slughead
   It takes more than salt to kill this slimy fella. With his long-reaching morning-star and electrical bolt attack, the key is to stay low and aim for the knees, just like Granny taught you.
3. Dinobeast
   What Dinobeast lacks in long-range weaponry, he makes up for in size and strength. As well as possessing a vicious claw attack, this Flintstone reject can also perform a devastating power-charge.
4. Buster Claw
   Just when you thought it was safe to return to the sea-food menu! With his far-reaching pincer attack and lethal tail, this fella is almost unbeatable. Almost, but not quite. His soft belly is his weakness.

On first impressions, MazinWars is decidedly unimpressive. The tiny sprites coupled with a lack of moves and variety make this horizontally-scrolling beat-'em-up look extremely standard, but give it a chance and what you discover is a highly addictive and incredibly fun game.

This is some of the best animation of this type since Cyborg Justice. What's more, this game is incredibly hard. The actual main game is fairly simple, but battling the bosses is a monumental task. This is definitely one game that'll last you for ages. My only gripe is the lack of two-player action. A two-player versus mode would have been fantastic. Still, this really is one of the better games to surface this month.

MazinWars looks very unimpressive when you first plug it in for a play. The gameplay is quite similar to Golden Axe, but the sprites are a lot smaller.

This section of the game is stunning. The sprites are massive and the animation equals (and maybe even betters) Cyborg Justice! Two-player action would have made this a megagame - as it is, combat fans would be wise to check this out.

Presentation 78%
P. There's a highly polished feel to the game...
N. However, there's a distinct lack of options and a decided sparseness in the intro department.

Sound 92%
P. The music is excellent. Plenty of hard-rockin' tunes. The spot-effects aren't bad either. Loads of sword-clanging, meat-chopping and prawn-shelling.

Playability 87%
P. The game is very easy to get into and is instantly addictive and great fun.
N. There's a lack of variety in the gameplay and there's not a great deal of moves either.

Lastability 85%
P. Extremely challenging. This is one of the toughest games you could ever hope to play.
N. Perhaps too tough, at times it can be a bit frustrating.

Overall 87%
Although it seems like a very simplistic, rather bland beat-'em-up, it most certainly isn't. Very compelling and extremely challenging, MazinWars comes thoroughly recommended.