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Mediterranean Europe is divided into grid squares. Your aim, as Emperor, is to gain 100 squares of territory as quickly as possible - at the same time dealing with Barbarian counter attacks, plagues, civil war and rival Emperors.

After positioning your capital city, your one legion attempts to expand the frontiers of your Empire. For every five squares of territory gained, you are awarded an extra legion, with a maximum of 16.

Once all your legions have moved, a year passes and the computer shows the amount of taxes gained and other events of the year. If you're lucky, you wil only lose a little territory to the Barbarians. On the other hand, you could be hit by a plague, civil war or even assassination - depending on the level of play.

To aid you in your bid for European supremacy, you can build forts to protect land, and ports and canals allowing you speedy transportation of troops.

The game offers five levels of difficulty. In the first, you only have to contend with the Barbarians and each further level adds an additional hazard, with the fifth giving you the works, and therefore, taking longer to play.

Graphics are good and distinctive with the map of Europe clear, accurate and well presented. The rest of the graphics, such as the legions, the Barbarians and the forts are simple but well done. Colour has also been used well.

Unfortunately, sound is not up to the same standard. A tune is played at the beginning and end of the game, but otherwise is unused.

If you like strategy, this game's for you, rating high on lasting interest and originality. Even shoot-'em-up freaks may be tempted to try their hand at playing the ultimate imperial megalomaniac.