Life's tough out in the further reaches of the star system Sol. Vulturae are kidnapping the few remaining humanoids: how can they survive? Only by a display of great skill and courage from the pilot of Defence Force.

If he has the right stuff he might be able to save the humanoids before their grisly fate is sealed.

It won't be easy, though, because this version of Defender is pretty nifty. Quick reactions and nerves of steel are needed - and that's just for loading. After that all hell breaks loose as the various aliens start whizzing around.

For those of us with nerves of putty rather than steel. Tansoft have thoughtfully provided a beginner's version which gives you a gentle foretaste of the horrors to come. Here you can take a good long look at the alien adversaries.

There are sixteen different alien forms to contend with. The aforementioned Vulturae must be blasted before they get to your humanoids. Pods, as any Defender veteran knows, are particularly troublesome: they keep exploding into swarms of Strakers which attack you in a worryingly erratic way. Others have their own little surprises in store.

Your ship is very manoeuvrable and firing is rapid enough to give at least a chance of survival. Defence Force's graphics are impressive for an Oric game and the sound is truly deafening; if it's too much for you there is a silent-game option.

PC