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Imagine, if you will, a future where man has conquered space. Where distance and time no longer have meaning. Where the human race has technology which allows any object to travel to any point in space - instantly. Passing through the centre of a man-made black hole, the traveller could find himself at the other end of the galaxy in a matter of microseconds. The universe has become a very small and very busy place.

Man has made contact with several intelligent (and not so intelligent) species. Galactic politics are a very complex and very dangerous field to work in. Enter then BAT, an ultra-secret espionage organisation. BAT is a subdivision of a VERY large corporation. A corporation involved in some extremely Machiavellian pursuits. Parallels can be drawn between the world of BAT and George Orwell's 1984 - you will always be watched, and you will usually be expected. You are an agent for BAT, and your mission is one of vital importance. The universe is depending on you.

Two very dangerous criminals are on the loose. Having both escaped from the same prison, they make a very formidable team. They must be apprehended, or at very least stopped, before they can do any damage. Both have a history of violent crime, but one, known as Vrangor, is a psychopath, and unfortunately for the peace-loving people of the galaxy, a genius. Who knows what his next move will be?

You have been ordered to go to the planet Selenia, to a city called Terrapolis, the last known location of the infamous Vrangor. Terrapolis is a truly dreadful place, a nightmare world rank with corruption and thick with crime. The streets are a breeding ground for some of the most dangerous killers in the universe, and strangers are anything but welcome. And so it is through this melee of vice and evil that you must stalk your quarry, and these people are the only ones who can help you.

Some of the strange creatures you will encounter are more helpful than others. Some of them are just plain dangerous, but all of them must be approached, bargained with, cajoled... or just plain killed. In a city where even the police are your enemy, no-one can be trusted, and some should not be believed. And so you pull the collar of your raincoat high, and with only a laser and a credit card in your pocket, you hit the streets of Terrapolis.

BAT is a game of enormous size and scope, and you will realise this as soon as you see the manual - a well presented and highly informative tome of almost gargantuan proportions, it does contain everything you need to get started in the game. The manual also has a lengthy and highly instructive plot scenario -almost a novella. Although most of us would rather forgo the manual, useful clues can be gained about the city and the population, and it really should be studied in depth before you make your first foray onto the planet.

The game itself is an icon-driven adventure. Before you yawn and turn the page, it should be explained that BAT is one of the most beautifully presented and innovative games ever to appear on the CPC. As an adventure the game cannot be faulted. There is no parser as such - all your actions are implemented via a floating cursor. But the cursor itself has a few tricks up its sleeve. Placing it over certain graphics changes its function, meaning you can explore the locations or chat with the locals with the greatest of ease.

The control method is a dream in operation. It ensures rapid progress, and can be picked up in a matter of minutes. Before you actually start the game proper, you can change the way your character behaves by selecting a range of attributes such as charisma, intelligence, agility, etc. This also affects the way other characters treat you. Choosing low intelligence in favour of more physical characteristics may help you win in a fight, but not in a bargaining situation.

The depth and wealth of options available is breathtaking, but never serves to make the game more complex than it needs to be. The challenge set before you is an immense one and is chock full of surprises. The people of Terrapolis can at times be both helpful and dangerous, but all of them can be dealt with in various ways.

The graphics are unbelievable, truly excellent, and all suit the game to a tee. This level of presentation is present in all aspects of the game, and the whole thing looks like just about the most professional product ever on the CPC.

Gameplay is a dream, so what are you waiting for? Go buy it!

The very mention of the world "Adventure" is enough to put many people off... but wait! The superb graphical interface could change these perceptions for good!

Get out of the airlock.

Graphics 95%
Awesome! Some of the most totally savoury graphics ever!

Sonics 0%
Not a peep, but in space no-one can hear you scream!

Grab Factor 90%
Once you plough through the manual it is totally addictive.

Staying Power 91%
Very hard, very challenging and very, very big.

Overall 91%
One of the best games - of any kind - for a long time!