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Success in Destruct depends on completing 20 strife-torn levels of death and destruction. In a battle-armoured jet suit, the player fends off enemy aircraft and guided missiles whilst avoiding deadly landscape features.

The two-thirds playing area is supported by an information panel which details the score, player, crystals collected, lives remaining and current level. The planet scrolls from right to left: rocks are destroyed to release crystals, collection of which provides ammunition to defeat the end-of-level mothership. In the bonus stage a friendly alien carries the player to the next section: during the journey a red energy orb is kept on screen for extra points, followed by a brief and deadly asteroid belt.

The diagonally-bouncing head routine that greets the player's every death is typical of the level of sophistication of this whole game. Murky sprites, garish backdrops and aggravating sound effects give Destruct the aura of a game you play for 20 minutes of your life and then abandon to some bottom drawer.

This is trigger-pulling at its most basic and plugging away at wave after wave of aliens is remarkably difficult, so frustration soon overcomes any urge to continue. There isn't enough entertainment here to merit even a two quid price tag, and I'm sure your time and money are destined for better things.

Some aspects of this standard budget blaster are quite appealing. The graphics range from clumsy and bland to cute and colourful, some backdrops being outstanding; the sound is pretty mediocre, with occasional silly touches.

The alien patterns are repetitive, but the gravity on your jetman and the need to collect crystals adds a bit of spice. Ultimately, it's only the presentation (apart from the absurd death sequence) which saves it from obscurity: the two player option and the appealing inter-level bonus sequences as you guide a snaky creature to the next section.

It's worth a look if you're after a blaster with something more than just alien bashing; otherwise save your money.

Presentation 73%
One/two player option, demo mode, interesting inter-level sequence and attractive screen display.

Graphics 42%
Varied and colourful backdrops with a basic parallax scroll, but nothing special.

Sound 45%
Music and sound effects, both of which are fairly unspectacular.

Hookability 57%
The initial lure is simply to progress to the next level; the gameplay is otherwise derivative.

Lastability 29%
20 levels to conquer, but the action is too familiar to provide much lasting interest.

Overall 38%
A playable but quickly tedious blast.