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Big Dick's in town! Sworn to eradicate crime, the vigilante Private Investigator has decided to meander the environs in search of mendicants, panhandlers and buskers. Well no, he's actually after Big Boy, Flattop, Itchy and other crooks with silly names in order to clear the city of their evil presence (and appalling body odour).

A horizontally scrolling game, Dick Tracy is set over eighteen levels of action, starting outside the police station and progression to the underground HQ at the end of the game. Dick walks along, and is able to punch or shoot the villains in his path, as well as spray bullets from his tommy gun at those foes in the distance. Other levels have our hero standing on the running board of a car, trying to survive the hail of lead coming in his direction.

Bonus stages appear from time to time, where Dick shoots pop-up targets for extra points - providing he doesn't hit too many good guys! This also gives a welcome break during the eighteen levels.

Although he has unlimited bullets in his revolver, Dick only has up to three magazines for the tommy gun. So accurate shooting is needed if the man in the yellow mac is going to triumph over the forces of evil.

Dick Tracy is one of many classic cartoon characters from America's past. Buck Rogers is perhaps the most internationally famous; set in the far future, it starred a daring hero replete with ray gun and super jet pack.

Li'l Abner was a "funny", as was Popeye and Orphan Anne. Sigh - they don't draw 'em like they used to...

The first end-of-level baddie to appear is Itchy - Big Boy's sent him along to wipe out the interfering special policeman. He's tough enough - it takes a long, long time to kill him - but Dick's also got to deal with the other hoodlums who jump out and attack.

Once Itchy is defeated, he supplies some info about the next level.

Brow's been collecting dynamite to throw, and leaps out from behind cars to kill our Dick. Once he's given a good thrashing, he reveals that he's been working for Lips Manlis and against Big Boy. The plot thickens, and Tracy has to face another set of villains before good can triumph over evil!

Tracking down Lips Manlis to his penthouse, Dick finds himself under attack. Lips is hurling Molotov cocktails from behind the bar! Smashing the glasses and bottles with the machine gun is fun, but the bombs are deadly and have to be avoided. More info is gleaned once Manlis surrenders.

Unlike the Master System version, Megadrive Dick Track this has a separate button for using the machine gun. It tends to be a little uncontrollable, but with practice spraying the hoods becomes second nature.

Just watch the effect it has on the scenery - it demolishes most of the windows and woodwork, and even causes fire hydrants to spring a leak!

If you read my comment on the Sega version in issue 5, you'll know that I was fairly unimpressed. But it's great news to find that the Megadrive game is so much better!

The graphics really suit the style of play, and the controls are easy to use. The difficulty level is fine, but my major criticism is that the gameplay is still very samey.

Having said that, it's true for so many games that it's hardly worth repeating! So grab Dick if you're in the mood - it's a quality product.

I liked the Sega Master System version of Dick Tracy - it's an excellent reaction-testing shoot-'em-up that's heavy on the action.

The Megadrive version is basically the same, except that it sports even better graphics (the sprites are beautifully drawn and animated, and the backdrops are very reminiscent of the film), a better control method and even tougher gameplay!

It's very challenging, and it certainly takes a lot of practice before you can go all the way through the game in one go, giving this plenty of lasting appeal.

If you're after a shoot-'em-up that doesn't feature lasers and alien space ships, Dick Tracy is a must.

Presentation 81%
The comic-coloured intro scenes provide information and help set the mood of the game.

Graphics 84%
The main sprite is wonderful (as are the backgrounds), but the enemies are rather wooden and jerky.

Sound 68%
Sound effects are a little thin on the ground, and the music's not too hot either!

Playability 83%
This is fun to play and easy to get to grips with, and the control method's simple to use.

Lastability 71%
There's a major problem here, as the gameplay remains the same throughout. Not one to keep you coming back!

Overall 82%
A vast improvement over the Sega Master System version, but some might find the gameplay a bit repetitive. Give Dick a go if you're a shooting fan.