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Chip McCallahan isn't the most likely of high-tech heroes. Nerd of the first order and Total computer addict, Chip has a problem with computers. Namely, he can't get enough of them. With computers on his mind 23 hours a day (with one hour to recharge his batteries) Chip has little time for the real world and girls, Melinda the Mental Marvel being the only source of his admiration in between hacking. When Melinda came up to him in a cafe and offered him membership to the exclusive Bit Busters computer club, well, Chip jumped at the chance to join (and to get the chance to discuss the intricacies of interfacing with Melinda as well!).

To join the club, Melinda set the challenge for Chip to work his way through 144 of the most intriguing, brain-bending, hair-tearing, mind-boggling puzzles devised for computer freaks. Chip's task begins relatively easily, with a number of 'lesson levels' showing him the ropes and introducing objects to use to overcome obstacles.

On most levels our silicon saviour has to collect a number of chips and then find the exit. Coloured keys are the basic objects to pick up and are used to open correspondingly coloured doors while switches activate sliding doors, deactive fireball-making machines and push deadly tanks into safe positions.

The problems really start piling on with the arrival of fire, water and ice hazards. Fire and water can only be safely negotiated when Chip holds the relevant shield, while without spiked boots ice is very slippery! There are also one-way conveyor belts - disabled with a magnet. Water can sometimes only be crossed by pushing dirt blocks into it to build a bridge. Some levels are divided into sections, linked by teleports. And to really throw a spanner in the works, there are thieves around who are quite willing to relieve Chip of all the objects he carries.

If Chip really gets stuck then a question mark tile found at the level start can be stood on to give a cryptic clue towards completing the level. A password system allows Chip to restart on any level reached so far.

Atari Lynx games are few and far between but those that are around are excellent, including Chip's which features some incredibly complex puzzles and, of course, fiendishly addictive gameplay.

A good intro with the chips falling into place to form the name bodes well and the game doesn't disappoint with codewords and messages from Melinda every ten levels.

In keeping with the Lynx original, the graphics are tiny but at least they're very colourful; small but varied. Also the screen display is very small to avoid showing too much of the maze, but during play I was so wrapped up in the problems of each level that I didn't really mind this (the Amiga version gets round this with a status panel and slightly larger graphics).

Stuff the mediocre graphics, it's the structure of the game that makes it work so well. Learning the game's mechanics and principles through the start-up 'lesson levels' draws you in, and by the time you've mastered these and are ready to move onto the *real* challenge, you're hooked. Totally addictive stuff.

A typically compulsive Lynx game, Chip's Challenge has been faithfully converted on both machines. But don't by put off by the tiny C64 playing area, or the rather simple Amiga graphics: it's the incredibly addictive action that matters.

144 well-thought-out and extremely varied levels (plus five hidden ones!) provide a huge, enjoyable challenge - with the password system avoiding the frustration of level repetition.

Some of the levels are incredibly devious, requiring a great deal of logical thought to get past the various hazards. Others are simply a race against the clock. Chip's Challenge is so much more than the simple maze game it first appears to be: it's a veritable box of puzzling delights that will fascinate and keep you up on many a winter's night.

This is one challenge you can't afford to ignore.

Presentation 88%
Nice intro and excellent password system. Messages from Melinda. Inobtrusive multi-load.

Graphics 78%
A small display. Plenty of variety though.

Sound 73%
Good tune.

Hookability 85%
Good introductory levels get you hooked...

Lastability 88%
...onto one of the biggest challenges ever.

Overall 86%
Tremendous puzzling fun.

Presentation 85%
Same as C64.

Graphics 78%
Simple but addictive.

Sound 71%
Pleasant tune.

Hookability 85%
Instantly addictive.

Lastability 88%
A big challenge that's hard to leave alone.

Overall 86%
A fascinating conversion.