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NASA space probes have inspired numerous sci-fi authors and movie-makers - they've appeared in two of the Star Trek movies and at least one episode of the old series for example. Digital Integration's first non-sim product is a variation on the theme, aliens have found the probe and used it to calculate Earth's location. Unfortunately at the end of a long space voyage to find Earth the alien ship is crippled by space pirates and crashes, activating a self-destruct system.

Anyway, our world-saving hero has a wide variety of exo-vehicles which is good for game variety in what is essentially an alien bash, the hero searching for a computer room and then overseeing its termination by blasting it.

Level one involves finding a crystal and getting it to follow you to engage a power supply. There's also an energy and weapon power-up facility which you can go back to if you're taking a beating, and the extra weapons help out (smart bombs, yoyos, shields and turbo power to get past fast opening/shutting portals). Level two involves floating around in an exo-aqua suit in an underwater quest for a computer key. Then for the horizontally scrolling level three you get to use the impressive exo-walker machine taking on all alien corners.

Although it was pretty tough getting to level three in a couple of hours, we nevertheless did get there and even if we haven't finished it yet, it can't be far off now which doesn't bode well for lastability. Admittedly has some nice ideas, there's a bit of variety in the alien slaughtering for once with a different vehicle per level and in places tactical use of weapons and shields is essential. Level tasks are simple though and Extreme doesn't aim for large levels or frantic action.

A further problem is having to plough through the rather long-winded level one time and time again - because a trip to the morgue comes quickly on level three and this doesn't serve as a good incentive to continue. The fixed route through each level is somewhat softened by random alien movement and a disturbingly fast loss of energy if you don't pay careful attention. The slim margin for error sees repetition's ugly head surfacing with prolonged play.

Extreme is a creditable conversion of the colourful Speccy game and there's some good detail in the graphics, the exo-walker is nicely drawn if a little bland colourwise. Unfortunately once you've fought through to level three - not hard - then the only thing preventing you from finishing the game is some fast-moving aliens which shouldn't take too long to overcome. All in all, an imaginative game but far too small and easy.

Top up your energy and weapon ammunition to max before going through Level 1. The pink aliens towards the end of level 1 constantly reappear so don't bother trying to retrace your steps to the energy supply.

Fire at the switch on the right-hand side of the red, bubble-dropping alien (found to the left of the Level 1's start) to remove the platform over the lava pit.

When you release the crystal from the lava pit, thrust into the top left corner of the crystal room to 'lead' the crystal up and off the left side of the screen. Thrust back through the lava pool, move below the swarm of aliens and slowly trundle left to bring the crystal out of the pipe.

Use your shields and smart frequently to get through the aliens at the end of Level 1.

Presentation 67%
Good loading screen, about average pre-level mission screens, joysticks/keyboard control.

Graphics 71%
A slight Speccy look to the backgrounds, wimpy aliens and no parallax starfield scroll but presentation, shading and main character are well done.

Sound 79%
Blasting in-game effects, good lengthy title tune.

Hookability 66%
Although it looks original with different vehicles and variety of gameplay styles on each level, the blasting action is all fairly simple.

Lastability 32%
The three levels are distinctly different but the first two levels are far too easy while level three is simplistic and overly difficult.

Overall 37%
Interesting-looking shoot-'em-up with variety but severely lacking long-term appeal.