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Here at last is a game offering convincing 3D space action on the Spectrum. But be warned. It's very difficult.

As ever, the Earth is under attack by aliens. For decades the Myons have sought to dominate the Solar System and mankind has had to put its hope in one last project: Codename MAT (Mission: Alien Termination).

A revolutionary space craft, the USS Centurion, has been built. Piloting the craft in battle is beyond any normal human, therefore the combined tactical skills of all the planetary leaders in the Solar System are placed in the mind of a teenager, MAT.

Once loaded, you are given a choice of six different control options. These include the keyboard and all ol the popular joystick interfaces.

You are also given a choice of three game levels. Micromega call level one a practice level but even this will challenge the most dedicated arcade addict.

Within each game level, you get a choice of game type. Commander is where you control the deployment of planetary defence fleets yourself and Pilot mode gives control of these fleets to the computer.

Your mission takes place in full 3D style. If you are unlucky enough to have an encounter with an alien fleet they will swoop towards you with lasers blazing, rapidly getting larger as they approach. You fire and miss. They quickly vanish overhead, only to continue their attack on you from behind. Luckily your computer can track the aliens, you only have to concentrate on getting them in your sights.

At some time in the game you will no doubt be damaged or need more energy. Repairs to your craft are carried out by docking with a planet or satellite. All of the planets look different. In fact, when you achieve orbit around Earth you can see all of the continents below you.

You travel around the galaxy by means of the warp drive. To warp, you first have to decide which area you want to move to and place your warp cursor there. then turn on your warp drive and you're off.

To reach the sector you requested you have to keep a diamond within your sights. This isn't easy and unfortunately you usually end up nowhere near your target.

Codename MAT appears to be based on the Atari classic Star Raiders. It is not a game for loading into your computer for a few minutes fun. You have to be willing to spend quite a long time playing it.

If you're the type of person who doesn't like a lot of control keys then you may find MAT too difficult. On the other hand, any time spent getting used to them will lead to some very long and exciting games.