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This program is definitely for the chess connoisseur - and the chess masochist. With an "opening book" of approximately 3,000 positions and a move evaluation system that examines an average 170 moves per second in the middlegame, we are looking at a class program here and, unless you are a class player, you will be staring defeat in the face.

Of course, there are features such as takeback and next/best move where the computer can be compelled to choose a second or third best move to soften the program's superiority (if you are unscrupulous), but even then it will give you a hard game.

The program is crammed with features and purchasers of the microdrive version get a bonus in the form of 34 games that can be loaded and analysed with the replay function.

Controls are simple to master and most major functions can be accessed quickly using the shift key. For instance, if you want to deprive your computer opponent of time, a useful command is SHIFT-G which forces the computer to move immediately. There is also the Supervisor mode (SHIFT-S) that stops the computer playing and allows you to make moves for both sides. It is also possible to switch sides in mid-game - a boon if you are being trounced or like hollow victories.

Graphically, Colossus 4 is more than adequate, though not stunning. The 3-D display, although nice to have, is not well enough defined to make it enjoyable to play with for any length of time. It can be confusing distinguishing which pieces are which and the display only takes up about half the screen. I found it more pleasing to play on the conventional two-dimensional board where it's easier to keep track of the game.

If you want to watch Colossus in action against an opponent of equal stature (i.e. Colossus) there is a Play-self option that displays a game of computer-against-computer chess. By pressing the delete key, you can step back into the action on either side while there is a pause between moves.

It is difficult to imagine a more complete chess program and more features than can be outlined here are described in an easy-to-follow 24 page booklet that comes with the game. The booklet also contains Colossus' past pixture list against other home computer chess games. Few managed to get more than the odd game in 16 and many suffered a humiliating whitewash. So it comes as no surprise that mere human opponents are cannon fodder for Colossus 4.

If you want a chess program to stretch you to the limit, there is nothing to touch Colossus and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in Chess. A Grandmaster Monster Hit.