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This is one of the first in a new range of games from Firebird Software, sold at a price that won't break the bank. Firebird are a subsidiary of British Telecom and, not surprisingly from the people who brought you 'the power behind the button', a keyboard option is given. So what do you get for your money? More than you might expect!

This simple, yet originally presented game, is made more compulsive by a change of opponents with every level and good sound effects, including explosions and a noise similar to the Tardis, of Dr. Who fame, taking off. The final touches are a pause facility and a music on/off option - a shortcoming on most other games.

As Ned, a robotic-looking character, you must run around a head-shaped area collecting impulses from what appear to be people sitting upright, and carry these to either rather small-looking brain at the top of the head or to the neck. Blocking your path is Head Banger, an unfriendly little chap who wields a hammer and runs madly about the screen chasing you. His aim in life is to give you a fatal headache.

Head Banger is helped in his mission by the Throbs - evil aliens who start off as 'jelly-fish'-like creatures but mutate on later levels to weird and wonderful things like potato waffles and octopuses. If Ned beats the clock, which ticks relentlessly as he races about, and defeats Head Banger and the Throbs, he moves further into the game. My only criticism of Headache is that it is sometimes awkward to move Ned up the ladders.

This game shouldn't be discounted because of its price. It isn't a great game but it isn't bad either and it won't be a costly mistake if you're not entirely happy with it.

The whole game has a very professional appearance, from the clever split-screen effects to the excellent animated nasties. Ned himself was rather difficult to control, moving too quickly and climbing ladders when you didn't want him to.

As with the graphics, there were some very flashy sonic effects. I hope they don't let success go to their heads (Get it?).

Even after my thirtieth game I was still hungry for more - talk about being addictive; it even approaches Chuckie Egg standards! The sound matches the graphics, mediocre yet extremely powerful during the special effects.

At this price, it is definitely one for your library - it may not be a classic, but few games will give so much enjoyment.

Running around your own head is a wonderful idea, but I'm not sure I fancy firing that laser inside mine. One annoying feature is the appearance of the Throbs at the top of the head which makes getting to the brain very difficult.