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'Ting' rang the cuckoo clock as the big hand reached the twelve. A whirring from within was the only other noise to be heard, and this was followed by a smalling creaking noise as the clock's two doors parted. This was what the toys had been waiting for - the wind-up equivalent of Tarby's Palladium days. A hushed awe descended over the gathered playthings, apart from the odd grunt from the spinning tops and disgruntled Master System at the back. All of a sudden, Princess Chelsea appeared from the shadows and began to sing.

Nobody knew why she sang, but because she told everybody she was a Princess it was sort of accepted. However, the singing act was supposed to be followed by a duel between a pair of clockwork knights and as Chelsea came to the end of her song, the two tinpot heroes prepared. However, no sooner had the Princess finished, than she had gone. No curtain calls, no bouquet - this just wasn't on, luvvies. She'd have to be back for the final curtain call or she'd never work in this creche again! But if a knight were to volunteer to find the dippy cow, they may just have a show after all...

A platformer using ray-traced graphics and starring living toys.

Free the Cuckoo Clock Queen from her evil kidnapper.

Detours and hidden routes abound, and normally through the conduit of a spotty wind-up music box. Stick you key in the side and twist.

The between level sub-game is a mystifying guessing game presided over by Soltain. It's probably plain as day to Japanese readers, but the exact point is lost on us monophones. Just cross your fingers and pick a box.

You have got to see the bosses! Well, you're looking at them, I suppose, but you've got to see them *move*. Scaling is used to impressive effect as they nip in and out of the screen perspective. By far the most impressive is the Transformer robot that graces Kevin's room. In plane form he thunders overhead, before spinning his composite parts into a terrifying plastic toy!

The introduction to Clockwork Knight is a stunning fully-rendered production number featuring the toys. The sweet voice of Chelsea, the gallant antics of the knights - why, even the most cynical reviewers of our low-selling rivals may find their hearts melting.

Up to now, parallax was the cleverest depth effect used in video games. Clockwork Knight takes it further with a complete sense of solidity to all objects, which is also used for gameplay. Nasties and obstacles hide in the background, waiting to strike.

Pep carries a deadly pumping key (funny, we though it was a brolly for months). Stab the foes, give it a good twist and watch them bloat and bang. There's also a few things lying around to toss at the likes of the odd-looking inhabitants, like rugby balls and springs.

There are four main scenic levels to the Quest, set in the mundane surroundings of a very average house:

1. Kevin's Room
   Kev's pride and joy is obviously his model railway, upon which you must take a perilous trip. The other boy's mainstay, lego, is also much in evidence, moved by a giant toy crane.
2. Betsy's Room
   The youngest kid's room, with baby toys and building blocks and lovely pink wallpaper. Doll's houses, alarm clocks, and library books make mischief.
3. Kitchen
   Crackin' eggs and getting it in the utensils, run your eyes along this attractive fully fitted kitchen. Learn new tricks with a bar of soap, a three ring job and a wet flannel.
4. Attic
   Spikes (traditional and obligatory mainstay of platformers) finally make an appearance, along with other loft-related materials. The attic location doesn't quite explain the 'French' bangers, or why they wear shades.

Our sources at Sega suggest that changes may be made to Clockwork Knight before it arrives in this country for the UK Saturn, difficulty-wise especially. So bear in mind this review relates only to the Japanese import version of the game.

Ha, ha, ha, I've got a Saturn. We at Mean Machines are variously accused of being smug and pretentious by our pitiful rivals. But this is Game Of The Month for smug and pretentious people (Well, we do have it first). 'Cause that's what it's good for - impressing your less fortunate friends. They will indeed marvel at some of the amazing graphicy bits, and be impressed by the intro.

But when they're gone, and you're playing it alone, you'll think honestly that... well, there's not that much to it, is there? As platform games go, it's pretty basic.

The levels are short and the action sedate. There's also far too many continues. The perspective effects add a new element, and the bosses are fab, but this is a showcase game at heart: not great, but great-looking.

The first thing to strike you about Clockwork Knight are the fantastic graphics. Not only do they have a sense of solidity, courtesy of the stunning 3D parallax, but they are also the most detailed sprites that I have ever seen.

All the toys look nothing short of fantastic, and the interlude animations add to the movie quality which runs throughout the entire game.

Sadly, though, the gameplay isn't as revolutionary. Fans of Mr. Nutz, Aladdin et al will be instantly at home - and will also reach the end of the game in no time. Yep, behind all the fancy intros and graphics lurks a game which is a doddle to complete.

If Clockwork Knight had more than the meagre four levels it contains I would have no hesitation in recommending it. However, as it stands, it is a very pretty but short-lived platformer.

Graphics 94%
P. What can we say? It looks frinkin' fabulous, especially the use of perspective throughout. Pepperouchou is a great-looking game character.

Sound 91%
P. So that's what happened to Matt Bianco! All kinds of weird music, in fact, and we love it all 'specially the opening number.

Playability 87%
P. Getting to take part in something that looks this good is gripping. The character 'feel' is nice. Every level has a novel feature.

Lastability 74%
P. You'll be showing it off until the official Saturn launch.
N. There's isn't a vast amount of play in it.

Value For Money 85%
P. At less than £60 it's cheaper than some Megadrive games.
N. But the lastability does have a bearing on the buy.

Overall 82%
Okay, we weren't blown away, but we like it. We really like it. Not a reason to *get* a Saturn, but nice to have if you do.