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Eagle Empire is a no-surprises version of the arcade game Phoenix. Don't let the lack of originality put you off; it turns out to be a good game. Easy enough to get a decent score on, but challenging enough to tempt you back for another go.

The first screen features tumbling aliens who swoop about the screen to musical accompaniment as you blast away at them with your laser. The Z and X keys move your laser base left and right respectively, and you use the Return key to fire.

If you get into trouble at any time during the game you can switch on shields by pressing the Shift key, but you can't move or fire while they are in force.

The second screen is the same as the first, but your laser is given a repeat fire facility which enables you to clean up the little devils more efficiently.

In the third and fourth screens you do battle with blue and pink eagles who must either be hit dead centre, or else hit three times before they disappear from the screen with a satisfying ping. If you survive the first four screens then you can have a crack at the Master Alien himself.

I found the Master Alien a little too eager to give up the ghost, and after blasting my way through four screens I wanted a more exciting showdown.