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Dropzone is another fantastic title from US Gold. This time you are hanging around a planet surface with a jet pack on your back (fitted with lasers, of course) when you notice a small creature who needs help in landing, so you pick it up and take it to the dropzone. Then you do back for the next one.

Of course, it's not quite that easy and there are lots of meanies trying to stop you and eat the creatures. There are some docile ones asking to be shot but the spaceships are very fast, even on low levels and you don't want to know what they are like on the higher ones!

You have lmited resources to fight back with - smart bombs (fired with the space bar) and a "cloak" from the P button. The cloak enables you to blast away as much as you like without the risk of being killed yourself until it runs out. So it's advisable to use it sparingly when you need it.

The bonus at the end of the game is calculated on how many creatures you have saved.

Below the playing screen there is a radar for obvious uses.

Dropzone bears a definite resemblance to Defender, with slightly different objectives. The graphics are fantastic, especially the planet surface. Examples of how much thought has gone into this game are the way the spaceman's legs bent back when you thrust forward and the way he waves on completion of each wave of attackers.

When it comes to games I am the first to admit that I am difficult to please, but this game is both well thought out and programmed. I would easily give it nine out of ten for everything, including being addictive.

If this game isn't a hit there's no justice. Well done, US Gold!