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Combine the room exploration of Jet Set Willy with the maze wandering of Campbell Systems' Gulpman, and you have Beatcha in a nutshell. The plot casts you as a pupil of Qange Hill School, attempting to find the main door. You must dodge the teachers whilst collecting keys. For each key you collect, your stun-fun receives a charge, but you lose chances when you use it or get caught.

Frankly, if it didn't say so on the sleeve, you wouldn't know, as the graphics bear no resemblance to the story. Indeed, although adequate, they don't stand comparison with the best of today. The characters aren't animated, they just move about the mazes, which are many and various, each one being reached via doors in the previous one. Some are easy, some are almost impossible!

To be fair, the game is quite addictive, though a joystick is a real must. Another plus point is that the scoring system gives a good long game, even if you're a beginner. Not original, but fun nonetheless.

D.M.