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NOPE, this game is not about Maxwell's attempts to gain control of Sinclair Research. It is not even a sequel, though it is billed as one.

According to US Gold, only those of you who are discerning enough to own an Atari computer are likely to have seen the first Bounty Bob game, called Miner 2049er. You might have seen one version of it, though, called Manic Miner.

Bounty Bob Strikes Back is a levels and ladders game which takes place in a mine full of traps, aliens and acid rain - the author obviously has an affinity with Matthew Smith.

Once you have got over the inventive but not terribly relevant title screen you can guide Bob through a series of cunningly laid out screens. There are 25 in all and at least some attempt has been made to vary the components from which they are constructed.

Bob can move up and down screens in elevators, be pulled through suction tubes, and slip down slides in an attempt to collect objects and score points. You must clear each screen in 2500 seconds or lose a life.

Bounty Bob relies on screen layout to fox players rather than the aliens which are all important in Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy. It is unfortunate that the character has been introduced onto the Spectrum market so late. Most potential customers are likely to say "Oh no, not another levels and ladders game!" But if that's what you're into you'll enjoy Bounty Bob at least as much as Jet Set Willy.

John Gilbert

Publisher: US Gold Price: £7.95 Memory: 48K Joystick: Kempston

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