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Things are looking grim on the planet Cosmica. The Kreezers, harmless little springy creatures and inhabitants of the planet, are being hassled by huge monsters who are rounding up the population for dinner. The place where the monsters are storing their potential feast is a huge underground ice cavern, deep below the surface... and what a horrid place it is too.

Oppression breeds rebellion, and in this case, it's Hickey the Kreezer who's revolting. This plucky fellow has managed to escape from his cage, and is now waiting for somebody to take control and help rescue his chums and guide them to freedom.

The springy hero walks left and right and jumps around the eight level flick-screen cavern - a useful series of moves, as the environment consists of floors, ledges and platforms. Spring platforms and matresses are occasionally found, and are used to gain access to the cave's more inaccessible sections.

Loathsome monsters patrol preset courses throughout the cavern. These are deadly to the touch, and should be dodged or shot to avoid the loss of one of Hickey's five lives. At the beginning of the mission, Hickey is unarmed, however a nearby pile of bullets are picked up and used to gain firepower.

Other items which help Hickey on his way are Energy Sweets which are collected to gain extra power. There are three varieties: Red, which gives extra speed; Blue, for extra leaping ability and Green, which allows Hickey to fall further.

Each of the eight levels contains one of Hickey's chums, who is set free by touching the lock of his cage. To add to the pressure a countdown ticks away throughout the mission, with the time only replenished when a cage is unlocked. The mission reaches a premature end if Hickey fails to release a prisoner before the timer reaches zero.

Can he free the lot? Only you have control...

This is one to test the platform freaks. Frost Byte is frustratingly addictive, and terribly difficult to get to grips with. Leaps requiring pixel-perfect precision appear in abundance, and there are many hazards to be negotiated.

Graphically, it's very smart with some very nice sprites, especially Hickey, who moves around wonderfully. There's loads of screens to be overcome and it should keep you tearing your hair out for a few weeks at least.

Frost Byte is one of those obscure games which is enjoyed immensely by anyone who buys it, but never receives anything like the acclaim it deserves - simply because it's not based on some film or arcade game.

It's great fun (if a bit on the tricky side!) and completely rewards the perseverance it requires for completion. The graphics and sound aren't awe-inspiring, but the game reeks of playability and is addictive to boot.

If you're an avid arcade adventurer, try it and surprise yourself.

There are certain games which appeal for totally indefinable reasons. This is one of them. The presentation is good, but apart froom the atmospheric sound effects (snow crunching footsteps and whiplash contact with the dreaded monsters) it's mostly unremarkable.

The only real problem is the control method; this requires an unreasonable degree of precision, thereby marring the otherwise flawless gameplay - who knows though, this may appeal to some. If Frost Byte appeals at all, the satisfaction gained should prove to be lasting.

Presentation 78%
Simplistic, but pleasant and informative.

Graphics 68%
Some of the chunky sprites look out of place on the otherwise reasonable landscape.

Sound 66%
An unremarkable title tune followed by wonderfully atmospheric sound effects.

Hookability 74%
The troublesome control method takes a while to master, but the addiction remains as proficiency is gained.

Lastability 73%
The action is a mite repetitive - however, eight levels of increasingly hostile environment provide plenty of scope.

Value For Money 77%
Enough depth and captivating gameplay to keep you returning.

Overall 78%
An enjoyable and entertaining romp for any arcade adventurer - no matter how experienced.