Alpha Blaster is proof positive that an Unexpanded Vic needn't stop you from being an inter-galactic alien smasher.

This is a very simple game, but the graphics are clear and flicker-free. The sound isn't anything to write home about, but you can't have everything in 3K, can you?

There's the usual laser base at the bottom of the screen, though this one is perhaps a little too wide for comfort. Nevertheless it moves smoothly and control is precise and responsive.

There are three attack waves to survive. In the first, the aliens move across the screen from left to right, slowly descending and dropping bombs. You must get them all before they reach the bottom of the screen.

The second wave have obviously been slightly intimidated by your vicious firepower. They hover about the screen, descending slowly. They drop bombs too, but you can avoid them easily.

The third level is perhaps the hardest. Meteorites rain down the screen, and you must either dodge them or destroy them. If you survive this level without losing all your three lives then there's a quick re-fuelling stage before starting again at the beginning.

The nice thing about Alpha Blaster is that although there are only three waves, there are also three graphic sets, and the graphics are redefined after each refuelling stage, so the game doesn't get too repetitious.

Alpha Blaster also gets faster the longer you play. People seem to be squeezing more and more into the unexpanded Vic. Sumlock's game squeezes with the best of 'em.