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Crafton And Xunk was one of the first isometric games released for the Amstrad, back in the murky past of 1985. It was notable for its colourful rooms, crammed full of objects that could be pushed around, walked, and even bounced on - in the case of beds.

At the time, such graphical treats were fresh and new. Now however, budget-priced isometrics with movable objects and the like are two-a-penny, so what's Crafton II got that justifies its £10 (£15 for disk) price tag, and is it worth the dosh?

The game is set on Kef, a planet inhabited by two races; the Stiffiens are an able and methodical race while the Swapis are a disorderly rabble whose favourite pastime is bartering with each other.

Recently a new religious sect, made up entirely of Stiffiens, has taken to holding secret meetings in a mysterious complex of catacombs and grottos, far beneath one of the planet's highest mountains. No 'outsider' has ever found the entrance to the catacombs, let alone succeeded in unravelling the secrets that lie beyond.

You have been summoned to the planet by the Swampis who want to know what makes this strange religious sect tick. But in order to gain their confidence, the Swapis will ask you to perform various tasks. Once they think you're a regular guy, they'll show you the entrance to the catacombs. Only then can the second part of the game begin.

The map in Crafton II is big, taking in houses, cottages, and even a temple frequented by hoards on monks. All these locations are linked together by numerous outdoor scenes with everything from hedges and walls to trees that drop oranges on your head if you bump into them.

The attention to detail, both inside and out, is impressive; almost anything you care to move can be pushed or pulled. Objects can be used, traded and even thrown, in addition to the standard pick up and drop.

In fact, is anything, the game is too cluttered with objects, making it a daunting task working out what is useful and what is pure decoration. Because of this, you find yourself spending too much time experimenting with objects, when what you really want to be doing is sinking your teeth into a few meaty problems and puzzles.

Not that Crafton II doesn't have more than its fair share of problems, because it has more than most, giving it far more of an adventure flavour than many other so-called arcade adventures.

So, if you like your isometrics crammed full of opened tins, mouse traps, gift-wrapped parcels, and fleas' nests, and all manner of weird and wonderful creatures (all beautifully designed and animated) then Crafton II could be for you. Personally, I'd stick to Head Over Heels.