Bombjack fans who are expecting another dose of panic are bound to be disappointed by this sequel even though it is a good game.

The problem lies in the lack of control you have over the hero. In the original, you could run left and right and jump, and expert players developed a fine ability to steer in mid air and collect the bombs before the nasties got to them. In Bombjack II, you can only move left and right and jump in straight lines, and then only if there's a platform to land on. Also, there are no freeze bombs, bonuses or extra life disks. Despite all this, Bombjack II is an addictive game.

The game consists of 40 screens that our hero Jack must leap around to grab all the treasure before the lava pit reptiles get him. These ambling reptiles patrol their platforms but are replaced later on by tougher mobile critters; these are better avoided. However, Jack often comes face-to-face with these monsters as he is collecting the treasure spread around the screen.

As you play the game, you'll soon notice that, one at a time, the treasures turn into pies. Collect all the pies in the right order and you'll collect an extra life. You'll probably need this as you'll be faced with a screenful of tough, highly mobile critters.

Another big difference in this game is that Jack need not cower anymore as he can fight back, although he may lose strength and die if he's caught off guard.

This is an addictive game but it's poles away from the original classic. It is good, but not as good as the original.