The first thing I noticed after loading Contraption was that the graphics style, is of a similar nature to that used in the well-known game, Frak. All objects having a thin black outline which gives a cartoon-like display of the highest order. Animation is very smooth and I suspect that sprites have been used to enhance the display.

The game is essentially a high quality platform game of the Manic Miner genre. As with all games of this type, instructions are limited but adequate. Control of the main character is by keyboard only and movement is both precise and responsive.

One feature I liked, was the provision of a demo mode, which displays the various different Mode 1 screens available. If, like me, you are not too hot with this type of game, this may be your only chance to appreciate the very high standard of graphics and scenarios used throughout.

Three lives are granted at the outset of the game and losses do not appear to be replenished upon completion of future screens. The loss of all three lives takes you back to screen one. A freeze frame facility is provided, and can be extremely desirable when the action gets too intense.

To give you a taste of things to come, I will summarise screen one. The Professor, as I call him, as to collect four apples whilst jumping across potted rubber plant lookalikes, climb toadstools and avoid round black bombs which come from all directions. Upon reaching the top of the screen, via ledges and perches that lower as they are jumped upon, the Professor has to run across what can only be described as the valves from a trumpet, which continuously move up and down in a wavelike motion. Once across, the professor grabs the last of the apples and a door in the bottom left hand corner of the screen opens. He carefully descends and proceeds through the door into screen two and new perils.

The hazards of lowering and disappearing steps and perches demand fast and accurate decisions to be made and seem to be a feature of this game if the first three screens are anything to go by.

One pleasing aspect of the game is that object detection seems to be good, allowing the Professor to move very close to hazards without danger, unlike in Frak, where this is not always the case.

Music gently plays throughout the game and, although it is not particularly intrusive, it can be switched off if desired.

Finally, to sum up, if you like Frak, Blagger or Manic Miner then you certainly won't be disappointed with this offering from Icon Software.

David Glew