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Traditional trudge, shoot 'n explore-type arcade adventures are pretty scarce on the Atari ST, Barbarian is alright, but it's icon-driven and becomes rather tedious after a while. Baal is presented in similar fashion - it's a side-on platform arcade adventure - but the player has direct control over the on-screen hero, rather than having to use icons to guide him around.

The player takes control of a Time Warrior who is about to embark on a top secret mission - to enter the lair of the evil and oppressive Baal and destroy him to save the Earth. This might sound pretty run stuff, but Baal's lair is huge, and danger lurks around every corner.

The mission starts with the Time Warrior armed only with his wits and a large laser rifle. Information is sadly lacking, so it's up to the player to take his own initiative.

The Warrior can walk left and right over the landscape, with the screen scrolling as he moves, and he can also climb and ascend ladders if he finds one.

It doesn't take long for Baal's minions to realise that they've got a visitor, and they attack with fervour. If an enemy hits the Warrior, a chunk is knocked off his energy bar, and it drops towards a fatal zero. There are five Warriors given to the player to complete the quest.

The Warrior's laser comes in pretty handy against Baal's hench-beings, and a couple of well-aimed volleys are all that's required to get them pushing up daisies.

Force fields are frequently encountered, and the only way to get past them is tracking down and destroying the generator that powers the particular force field. It's this that gives the adventure a puzzle element, as you have to work out which generator to take out next.

The game is thoroughly engrossing, and there's a very large map and there are plenty of surprises - the load/save option is a godsend! Presentation is excellent, and the whole thing looks and sounds great - the eleven minute sampled title tune is one of the best pieces of music I've heard on the Atari ST.

So, if you're after an addictive and action-packed exploration game, buy Baal.