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According to Visions, George Orwell got it wrong and the Central Computer didn't take over the world until 1994, hence the subtitle 'Ten Years After'. You play the one person who has dared to challenge the computer and plans to penetrate the eight levels of security to switch the computer off.

The scenario sounds exciting enough but the actual game reminds me of the Spectrum classic Manic Miner where you guide Miner Willy through a number of caverns. Substitute Smiffy for Willy and you've got the whole idea of the game.

On each level you have to collect the key and insert it into the lock which will take you on to the next level. To make your task difficult the computer has deployed its security cameras which fire plasma bolts at you, together with jelly droids, buzz saws and springs.

Smiffy has a certain number of power points per life and contact with any of the nasties knocks one point off this. Once his power reaches zero he dies and you have to start the level again. The only things that will actually kill Smiffy with one touch are the electric floors.

Unfortunately the game lacks some of the appeal of its forebear. The graphics are fairly basic and movement is a little slow.

Only having eight levels, the game is little repetitive. The graphics are the same on each level, only the layout differs. It is harder to get through a level than on other similar games but with so few levels it would need to be.

1994 is a very difficult game to play but lacks rather a lot of the polish that we have come to expect from Spectrum games. If you like platform-type games and are looking for a new one to try, you may enjoy it, but the chances are that you will soon be dissatisfied.