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Sometimes at C&VG we get a game so new that it comes without any instructions at all and we have to take a stab in the dark as we try to find out what it's all about.

H.E.R.O., the latest Atari VCS game from Activision, was one of these. Despite the lack of documentation, we soon had the game worked out - and a good one it is too!

Even in these days of declining interest in the dedicated video game system, Activision still manage to come up with the goods for those of you who still enjoy using your VCS.

The star of H.E.R.O. is a little chap with a mini-helicopter pack on his back. His mission is to plunge into the depths of a deep and dangerous dungeon-type maze and rescue his friend. There are many hazards to confront on the way - spiders, bats and other strange flying things.

Out hero has to explore the many levels of the dungeon - fighting off the various nasties - before he can get to his imprisoned friend. There are hidden entrances which can be revealed when he uses his supply of dynamite to blast a way through the maze. But the dynamite is in short supply so he has to be careful just where he uses it. The more trips he makes into the maze, the more experienced he gets - and the more difficult his task gets.

In later levels of the game, deadly radioactive walls and floors appear which he must not touch.

H.E.R.O. could be described as Pitfall Harry meets Manic Miner, with elements of both games in evidence. It requires a steady hand on the joystick and quick thinking to beat the higher levels of the game - definitely a combination of strategy and shoot-'em-up!

Once you've mastered the earlier levels of the game - which shouldn't take very long - you can skip levels using the game option feature. But later levels are difficult, so be warned not to skip before you know what you are doing.

You'll find H.E.R.O. in your shops soon and it will cost around £29.

Another original game from Activision who manage to keep the VCS alive and kicking!