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A message has been received from a fleet of space freighters in the depths of space. The droids aboard eight dreadnought ships have malfunctioned and trapped the remaining crew members on the bridge. The message was intercepted three days ago and the trading council don't hold out much hope for the survivors...

The only thing to do is to beam in a remote controlled influence device to look around. This is a floating helmet-type machine that can plug into and control other droids.

Early evidence gleaned from probe droids has shown that all life on the ships has been destroyed, so the only thing left to do is to clear the ship of all robots. This can be done by shooting, ramming or taking over a droid. The influence device is armed with lasers but other weapons can also be used.

To take over a droid, a subgame is entered, which consists of circuit-like lines joining a central section, which must be changed so that the majority of it appears in your colour.

Just when you think a game can't get any better, a company releases another version that improves on the theme. The original Paradroid was an amazing game, and when the fast version appeared on the Uridium+ double pack I thought that it was the ultimate version.

Now we have the Heavy Metal edition, complete with superbly hard-looking walls and title screen... and it only costs three quid!

How can anyone afford to be without a copy of Paradroid now? I'll tell you - you can't. Go and buy it immediately! Now then Hewson, how about an Amiga version?

This has got to come close to winning the 'Greatest C64 Game Of All Time' award. The graphics are hard and well drawn with ultra-smooth scrolling, the sound amazingly atmospheric and the gameplay incredibly compulsive.

The game hardly seems to have aged in the three and a half years since its release, probably due to the refinements that have been added as it has gone along.

The revamped price of £2.99 helps as well, pushing it head and shoulders above other games for value alone. Even if you've got the other versions, it's worth checking this out, if only to complete the collection... and what a classic collection it is!

Presentation 94%
Excellent layout, superb 'techno' appearance, brilliant introductory instructions, very neat in-game touches. And don't forget the great loading sequence!

Graphics 89%
Smooth scrolling and decks now in two shades of metal! The sprites are more functional than amazing.

Sound 82%
Brilliant warbling robots and effective laser noises.

Hookability 87%
A little difficult to get into at first.

Lastability 98%
Once you get the hang of things the action will keep you hooked for weeks... and you'll be playing it now and then in the years ahead.

Overall 97%
A game no C64 owner should be without.