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After an unfortunate incident with a wizard, i.e. he was within earshot when you told a dubious story about him, you have found yourself transported into the depths of dungeon somewhere whose main feature seems to be that it is partially flooded judging by the foul smelling water that is currently lapping round your ankles. Given that dungeons tend not to be the most healthy of places (people keep trying to kill you!) Axil the Absolutely Average (although you prefer to think of yourself as Axil the Able) decide that escaping from Collodon's pile really ought to be high up on your list of priorities.

Before you start playing, you have a chance to juggle about with the values of your three main characteristics: stamina, skill and luck. A total lack of stamina means your early demise; stamina and skill affect the outcome of your battles and luck affects just about everything that you do. These values change as you progress through the game (hopefully upwards). The game itself is controlled through four main windows. Across the bottom are information, communication and status boxes but the main feature is a huge graphic window that shows you what is going on around you. The graphics are large and superb, with animation to match. Try an invalid command and Axil shrugs his shoulders in incomprehension. Drink poison and the action is accompanied by a dramatic clutching of the throat.

There are many creatures and objects to be faced before Axil can escape. Whilst some objects are beneficial and others harmful, it is fair to say that with one notable exception, everyone that you meet is going to be hostile. The exception is an ogre called Apex who will help you out in times of trouble. You quickly find a grimoire containing details of some spells that you can use. These are blast or freeze an opponent or invoke a demon. Summoning demons is, at best, hazardous and you are recommended to have the appropriate talismans before you call upon Asmodee, Astarot, Belezbar and Magot. There are other spells to be found later in the game.

Controlling the game is done in a language called Merpish. This involves typing a letter for a specific keyword and following it with an object to be acted upon. The commands are fairly straightforward, being movement, pick up, drop, examine and spell casting. You can also talk to creatures although they might prefer to ignore or attack you.

Heavy On The Magick is a superb game and just in case there isn't enough here to keep you satisfied, there are both expansion modules and entire new games planned featuring the same system. Another winner from Gargoyle and one that is likely to bring even more success than their cult celt games Tir Na Nog and Dun Darach.