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This is, quite simply, Virgin's best release since Dan Dare. And it comes as no surprise that, like Dan Dare, Action Force has been put together by the Gang Of Five. It's based on the comic/toys of the same name - but don't let that put you off. Like Thundercats, the game stands up in its own right as a good, solid blaster.

But there's a bit of arcade adventure and strategy thrown in for good measure - making Action Force one of the few games around right now that will last beyond the first few plays.

True to form, Gang has put together two completely different games on the Spectrum and C64. OK, so some of the elements are the same - but if you've got a C64 don't expect to be able to beat the game on your mate's Spectrum.

Meanwhile on with the review. First we'll take a look at the scenario.

The small island of Botsneda, just off the mainland, was heavily populated by civilian and military personnel. A ruthless attack by COBRA, the enemy, meant the evacuation of civilians from the tourist resorts of Botsneda.

The military installation was not so lucky. Despite the latest early warning systems guarding the installation, they only realised they were being attacked after it was too late to retaliate.

The only sensible option was to withdraw, which was cariied out swiftly. However, the allied forces destroyed much of the installation to prevent it falling into enemy hands. The eastern sector of the installation could not be destroyed during the attack as there wasn't time, and certain classified information may now be in the evil clutches of COBRA! The allies will have many embarrasing questions to answer about just how this was allowed to happen.

Botsneda's closeness to the mainland is of great strategic advantage to the enemy. Cobra cannot be allowed to consolidate their position, nor must they have the time to retrieve and analyse the classified information left behind on the installation.

Time is of the essence; but conventional forces cannot be used because their planning and deployment will take time.

The eastern sector of the military installation was a spy base which collected information about COBRA personnel and tactics. The main database is on hard disc attached to the computer.

Gun-happy Dreadnoks may well have destroyed it, but the risk cannot be taken. If the enemy studies the intelligence information they will know how to change their tactics and defence systems to defeat the allied forces. Alas, the information will take years to replace.

A crack squad is needed to mount an immediate raid to get back the information (if it is still intact) and get out again.

The Action Force squad will land on the western sector of the island, cutting straight through enemy defences. A.W.E. Striker and Dragonfly are to carry out the raid.

The All Weather and Environment Striker has four-wheel drive and is capable of speeds of 60mph cross country. Roll bars protect both passengers. Its biggest assets are its manoeuvrability, speed and smooth passage over rough terrain.

A.W.E. Striker carries delicate tapping equipment necessary to retrieve the classified information from the hard disc.

Graphics vary in all versions. The C64 version has jets, mini-copters, energy barriers all on a background of iron girder type constructions.

The Spectrum version has detailed buildings and tanks and gun emplacements - which reminded me a bit of Green Beret, although the game is totally different.

The Striker and the Dragonfly chopper look different in both games, although the basic principle of protecting the Striker by flying the Dragonfly around blasting a clear path while at the same time moving bits of bridge around are the same.

I found the C64 easier initially for although the Spectrum version is more challenging it takes more time to get into.

You have to move quickly - in both versions - dodging enemy fire while making sure the bridges are in place for the Striker to cross.

There are eight challenging levels to complete - each with different hazards and enemies to overcome, lots of tactics to be learned and plenty of opportunities for all you tipsters to get your maps and tips printed in ideas central!

Great presentation, with info screens appearing between levels giving details about the next set of enemies you'll encounter, nice hi-score charts, nice sound effects - the works!

Great to see Virgin come up with a winner after so many disappointing games this year.