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It's dark, you're wearing sunglasses, you've a rifle full of ammo, a jet pack full of gas and a real bad attitude. Lock and load because it's time to rock and roll. There's only so much a man can take, even from a War God. They've made you mad, so it's clobberin' time.

You're visiting your old hometown, once a proud metropolis, now a smouldering ruin. There you find them, the self same lizard warriors who trashed the place, way back when. You're mean, you're lean and they're green. You start to rumble and have to learn how to handle your jet pack and blaster cannon. Manoeuvres are tricky but you get the hang of it real quick.

Now an odd thing occurs when you blow them to pieces: as well as lizard meat, you see coins. If you're quick you can dive in and catch them before they hit the ground, (earning a living as a homicidal maniac isn't easy) as every penny will be helpful later on. The more battles you get into the more coins you find; not only on dead opponents, but hidden away in the ceiling and other nooks and crannies.

The fire fights continue as you scroll along, meeting an ever increasing number of enemies. Then out of the corner of your eye, what do you see? A shop (yup, Tescos get everywhere - even the Forgotten Worlds war zone). Naturally curious, you pop in. On sale are all kinds of goodies to spruce up your kill ratio: extra lives, more firepower, even a newspaper giving you hints on how to top the end of level God.

All these goodies are useful, but the most valuable by far is the info in the papers. It's recommended that each time you reach the shops on a new level, you have a read and note down the information. It sounds like a Sunday Sport exclusive 'How to kill your God', but knowing whether to hit the head or the heart can save you time, and lives.

Each of the Forgotten Worlds is dominated by a Deity of Destruction. These boys are big, bad and impressive, in an ugly sort of way. Each has a specific weakness (except for Byos, main man of the final level) but this is hard to find and even harder to exploit. They are gods after all and, as such, should be given every respect and as many bullets as you can pump with your trigger finger.

Every level has its own character and special hazards (apart from being shot at). Level One features pods that drop from the ceiling when hit, an unavoidable occurrence for firepower freaks who've purchased eight way cannons. Level Two, the water world has a nice line in giant worms that hide below the surface and pounce when you're least expecting it. Luckily they always stay in the same place, so learn where they are and when they strike. World Three features another city, which for part of the time scrolls diagonally, to keep you on your toes. Level Four is the killer; here one of the more mild obstacles are snakes like their sea-faring cousins they burst out of the ground and spit at you. Serpently something to be avoided at all costs.

The game is blessed with the essential ingredient for all classic shoot-'em-ups, speed. The pace, allied with the vast firepower on offer mean things get pretty hot. even on the Ice World. The sprites and backgrounds suffer slightly for this, but it's a worthy sacrifice. There are still moments of graphic glory though, just lock at the Dragon that guards Level Two and you'll see.

This is a full blooded arcade conversion and total anarchy is the result. Monsters scream in at you guns blazing, creatures try to eat, burn and otherwise dismember you in every conceivable way. In return, you can let rip (especially in two player mode) with an awesome arsenal of your own. Brain power may not be required, but with so much on-screen action, there wouldn't be time for it anyway. Keep your barrel cool, your powder dry, and don't fire till you the see the whites of their eyes: if they've got eyes, that is.

You play one game of this and you think Side Arms. To be fair, there's better graphics and improved play, but it's still not terribly engrossing. Veterans of the arcades will love it.

10,000 points.

Looks fine.

Graphics 83%
P. Great gods of war!
N. Small but speedy sprites.

Sonics 68%
N. Standard shooting gallery sounds.

Grab Factor 79%
P. Easyish opening section.
P. Gets well 'ard later on

Staying Power 77%
N. Only four levels...
P. ...but they're bursting with nasties!

Overall 80%
P. Great coin-op action.