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In an age of extreme overpopulation, the World Governments have begun a vast colonisation programme in an attempt to ease the drain on the Earth's resources.

Most colonies have taken shape on inhospitable planets, and the case in question is no exception. Here the colonists are mining the planet for iron ore, using robots to run the base's secondary functions - including the planting and harvesting of crops, ordering of supplies and repairing of perimeter fences. These are constantly under attack from the planet's indigenous alien species - beasts endowed with a voracious appetite who would dearly love to wrap their mandibles round the juicy mushroom crop.

Once inside they also gnaw away at anything in reach: seeds, crates, fences and even solar panels. If left unchecked, they could completely decimate the colonists food stock, therefore leaving them to starve.

As a droid operator, the task of running the colony while the human occupants are busy at work has been placed in your capable hands. There are three main tasks which require your continuous attention: keeping the fences in good repair, ordering fresh supplies (seed and fence panels) and caring for the crops.

The colony is shown from an overhead viewpoint, with the radar allowing you to pinpoint your position within the enclosure. The droid has two modes of operation: one to move and fire at any invading creatures, and another which allows it to pick up and carry crops and fencing panels.

Fence panels are obtained from one of three buildings, corresponding to the different types of fencing available; wire mesh, wood and barbed wire. Up to four panels can be carried at one time, with fresh supplies ordered from a supply ship which appears at intervals.

The ETA of this ship is displayed throughout, and when the ship has landed (you must turn on the landing beacon prior to the ship's descent) fresh supplies are ordered and crates carried to the correct buildings and dismantled.

The colony's generator is a little temperamental and should be constantly monitored. Too much energy drain and items start to cut out - too little, and it overloads with dire consequences.

Ever fancied running a colony on your own? Ever wanted all the hassle of having to order parts, fix fences, harvest crops, plant seeds *and* single-handedly defeat an army of alien bugs?

No, of course not. This isn't a challenge, it's a chore - and not a very rewarding one at that. The game has no obvious ending and it's about as enjoyable as doing someone else's housework. It looks awful, plays badly and is about as much fun as going to the dentist. Urrgh!

Colony is a strange sort of game which involves a lot of fetching and carrying, the occasional shooting of defenceless aliens and remembering to switch on the right things at the right time.

My first game went on for ages and I felt no feeling of panic, urgency or enjoyment at any stage. Later games led to boredom, and eventually I was glad to get away from the computer. I suppose if you want to do the equivalent of a long day's menial work without leaving your seat then this is what you're waiting for.

Presentation 48%
Adequate screen layout and general presentation.

Graphics 31%
Bland and unimaginative sprites and backdrops.

Sound 24%
The few forlorrn spot effects fail to add atmosphere.

Hookability 42%
Confusing at first, although the lack of threat to your droid means that even initial attempts can last for hours.

Lastability 16%
The tedious action fails to entertain for more than a couple of goes.

Overall 22%
An original concept, but a very dull game.