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This addition to the Firebird Gold range is a space epic from down under. It's the ambition of a young Australian space pilot called Ozzy to travel the universe. To achieve this ambition Ozzy must first visit the asteroid Topaz and locate the seven crystals of Topaz. These will provide his old ship with sufficient power to warp its way from one side of the universe to the other.

Moving around the asteroid's surface causes the screen to scroll sideways in the appropriate direction. Holes are to be found at regular intervals on each level, stepping into one of these allows Ozzy to descend further into the asteroid. There are eight levels in all. When inside the asteroid Ozzy doesn't wear his space suit and so you must keep a close eye on his oxygen level. By returning to the asteroid's surface at regular intervals Ozzy's oxygen supply can be replenished.

The asteroid contains many Manic Miner-style hazards, e.g, dissolving floors and poisonous plants. It also contains the guardians of the crystals, the Demons of Topaz. These nasties don't awaken until you have found the first crystal, but when they do you are in for some fun. Fortunately Ozzy brought along his Trirang, a high-tech development of the boomerang. Skilful use of this device keeps the demons at bay.

For one of the Gold edition titles, I was rather disappointed with the lack of detail in the characters. The animation is sluggish and the musical introduction must have been written by a tone-deaf wallaby.

J.R.