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If you read last month's C&VG, you'll know that we reviewed the 8-bit versions of Ocean's latest mega-licence, which were pretty blimmin' fab. However, when we saw the Amiga version, the difference was so stunning that we just had to give that a full review as well.

The basic format of the game is the same on the Amiga as it is on the other formats. It starts in the scrolling maze of platforms which make up the Axis chemical factory. Criminal genius Jack Napier is up to no good somewhere in the factory and Batman has to dodge his bomb-throwing, gun-toting henchmen to track him down. Batman eliminates Napier's thugs by throwing batarangs at them, and he gets from platform to platform by swinging on his batrope. This section is pretty much identical to the same sections in the other versions, apart from beefed-up graphics and sounds.

The next stage is the first which differs dramatically from the 8-bit versions. The coppers are after Batman because they thing he's a criminal, so he has to try and motor back to the Batcave without running into a roadblock. This section takes the form of a traditional 3D driving game. While you're dodging cars on the road, arrows indicate turn-offs you should take to avoid the roadblocks. However, the Batmobile is moving at such speed that Batman has to use a grappling hook to grab a lamp post as it flashes past, and then swing his steed around the corner. You get three chances at each turn - after that, expect Mr. Plod on the horizon.

This section is brilliantly done. Not only are the sprites and sounds superb, the 3D is very well accomplished indeed and the feeling of speed is tremendous. In fact, the only time I've seen a better 3D sequence than this on the Amiga is in part four of this game! Hardly surprising since they both come from the programmer behind the amazing Spectrum conversion of Chase HQ which is coming at Christmas.

Once at the Batcave, Batman has to activate a number of household products which Jack Napier, now The Joker, has poisoned. Select three products at a time, and the Batcomputer reports how many of the three are contaminated, but not which ones. Like the old Mastermind game, you have to solve the puzzle by a process of elimination. This bit is nicely done, but it's dead easy so it won't be long before you can pass on to stage four.

Like stage two, this is a 3D trip through the streets of Gotham City, except this time it's carnival day and you're flying the Batwing. There are huge balloons lining the street, but unbeknownst to the authorities, the Joker has filled them with deadly Smilex gas. To save the carnival-goers, you have to fly the Batwing through the balloons' guy ropes so that they float up out of harm's way. Getting your altitude right as the road rocks up and down is essential, as exploding a balloon releases its gas, and running into a balloon anchor damages the Batwing.

This section is the real stunner. It's a simple sort of game, but the visual impression is incredible - whopping scenery sprites whizz out of the screen really smoothly. The level of graphic detail is exemplary and even extends to the Batwing producing a shower of sparks if you scrape it along the ground. Quite simply, this is the most effective bit of sprite-based 3D gamery I've ever seen on the Amiga, and it's almost worth buying the game just for this bit!

After that, the last section, set in Gotham Cathedral, is a wee bit of an anti-climax. Using his batrope, Batman has to climb from platform to platform towards the Joker who is holding Vicki Vale at the top of the Cathedral. He can use his batarang to bump off the henchmen but he can only dodge the rats which nibble at his batboots, robbing him of energy.

Although these platform sections, and even the batcomputer bit, are very well done, they are very much overshadowed by the spectacular 3D sequences. There's nothing to complain about though, because for your £25 you're getting five excellent games which are guaranteed to keep your eyes glued to the monitor into the small hours for a very long time. Ocean have definitely got a "live one" here.

Superb graphics and sound and great five-part gameplay carry off Ocean's best game of the film yet.