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"The computer age's answer to chess" boasts the blurb on the inlay of Mark Lucas' game.

In my view, nothing can beat the classic board game of chess, and this did not change my opinion, although well-programmed and entertaining.

A 21 x 32 board shows a map (which unlike chess changes at the beginning of each game). Two generals each have artillery, infantry, tanks and a king at his command. The object is, surprise, surprise, to capture the enemy's king.

As each player moves the changing battlescene is displayed. I find it easier to move chess pieces than grapple with Spectrum keys. Minefields, barbed wire and what looks like water form other hazards, and these do add to the game: now and again it is necessary to make a tactical retreat across a minefield and risk being blown up.

Well-designed and quite entertaining when played by bitter rivals, but for me the most engaging part was the excellent animated instruction sequence. However, even after I had read them it took me a while to discover what I was supposed to be doing.

It's good to see a program with a lot of thought behind it, and this should keep wargamers happy.

T.B.