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"Following a fateful, bloody and largely pointless battle against the Conachta, Cuchulainn the Great was returning home to Muirmethne in company of his faithful charioteer, Loeg.

Towards the end of the second day the pair came across a wayside inn and went inside to claim lodging and sustenance, leaving their war chariot beside a strange horse-drawn carriage.

While they waited for food, they were approached by Skar, a strikingly beautiful girl, who told them that she was the owner of the strange carriage but was desperately troubled for her conveyance had developed a shattered axle. With somewhat unseemly haste, Loeg leapt to assist her - and, together with Skar, left the inn.

Cuchulainn settled back to enjoy his good and drink. But after a while he went outside to find Loeg. Instead he found his horses slain and Loeg gone. Of the strange carriage there was only a cloud of dust disappearing along the Eastern road and the hint of ghostly girlish laughter carried back to his ears by the wind.

Rushing back into the inn Cuchulainn grabbed the terrified innkeeper and forced him to reveal the full story.

Skar was an ally of the Conachtmen Cuchulainn had so recently been fighting and Loeg had been taken in retribution for the death of the Princeling Amhair during that fateful battle. Loeg was being taken to the secret city of Dun Darach!

This is how the scene is set for the long awaited sequel to Tir Na Nog, the animated graphic adventure which caused such a stir among gamesters last year.

Gargoyle's Dun Darach is a worthy successor to their first, now classic, adventure. It breaks more new ground on the Spectrum with improved animation of the odd characters who inhabit the mist shrouded city of Dun Darach and a considerably enhanced plot.

The basic object of the game is to rescue Loeg from the clutches of the evil Skar. But there are several secondary quests to be dealt with before you can even think about saving Loeg.

There are eleven other characters, each with their very own personalities, who Cuchulainn will come across in his wanderings around the strange city.

Most of them seem determined to rip him off, stealing money and belongings from the unsuspecting stranger! But they will also help him - if he can find out what they want in return.

The city is divided up into seven different areas with different features. All have various shops containing items which Cuchulainn will need during his time there. He can buy, steal or barter for items he wants. But remember, crime doesn't always pay!

Control keys have been tidied up for Dun Darach. It's now much easier to get a quick response from your character in a tight spot. The screen display is similar to Tir Na Nog, except that the initials for the other characters that you meet in the city are displayed underneath the main graphics window.

You can still turn your "camera angle" through 180 degrees to get an all-round view of your surroundings and switch direction. At the top of the screen is a useful compass which aids map-making and your progress through the city.

Dun Darach is an entertaining game. It has real atmosphere - you really feel as if you are pounding the streets of a strange city. You have to learn how to make your way in this odd place, how to befriend the right people and, above all, how to rescue your old mate Loeg. It's also a real step forward for the arcade animation adventure game.

The game comes nicely presented with an informative booklet and useful quick reference card for the characters. I can't wait to get back into the city!