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The Earth can no longer cope. The population has exploded and resources are running out. The solution is to colonise distant planets. In order to occupy their time such pleasant tasks as mining ore have been devised to stop the colonising humans from getting too bored.

But not everything on this particular planet is human though. There are lots of aliens trying to break through the fences to eat the crops. Then there is you: a maintenance droid whose job is to keep the nasty aliens out. You must also harvest the crops, repair any damage, order supplies, etc, etc. A droid's work is never done.

The action takes place in a large compound. Seven buildings contain everything that you are likely to need - supplies, power, a control centre and three sheds containing fencing. The fences are going to be your major source of trouble. The aliens gnaw them away so quickly that you just can't afford to ignore them or their activities, any aliens that *do* trespass can be zapped with your trusty laser.

You must also plant the seeds, harvest the mushrooms, replace the solar panels necessary to maintain your energy supply and - if it all proves too much for you - you can fit a battery to the remote droid; he will then start chasing aliens for you.

When you order fresh supplies from Earth, however, a beacon must be activated so that the ship can land at the right place. This drains a considerable amount of energy so don't be too hasty about switching it on.

Colony is an original game with a good mix of action and strategy. The gameplay is nicely balanced so that although, when you start, you find yourself quickly over-run with aliens it is not too difficult to improve. Excellent value for money.