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Along the corridors of time, a monster stalks. From the depths of antiquity a currently extinct being has been drawn forward through time by a fanatical sect intent on the disruption of Earth's future. As the being materialises in temporal zones where it should never exist, the fabric of time itself becomes strained. If left unchecked, the phenomenon is aggravated to the point where history collapses - taking Mankind's future with it.

A long survivor of the once elite 'Time Corps' has been enlisted to push the entity back through time and into its own era where it can no longer pose a threat. Armed only with an energy conversion kit, the agent battles his way through three horizontally-scrolling time zones to confront the monster.

The energy conversion kit is used to alter ordinary objects into specific utilities which can be used in the mission. Items such as energy arrows, shields and wings can be produced once sufficient objects have been collected. The available utility is indicated by an arrow over one of the panels at the bottom of the screen. Pulling down on the joystick initiates that item, but the equipment thus gained only lasts a short period of time, so care must be used in selecting the appropriate equipment.

The inhabitants of each era, slightly displeased at the appearance of a futuristic hunter and his hideous quarry, have summoned mythological creatures to dispel the chronological interlopers. These legendary creatures are quickly despatched using the energy weapons, but contact with them depletes the agent's life-force. If it is allowed to drop to zero, he explodes into a shower of bubbles and the fate of Mankind is sealed.

Before confronting the monster, a series of clues are found. Statues line walls and are broken when fired upon, revealing a puzzle piece. These fit together to form a portrait of one of the conspirators. When this picture is complete, the monster appears - from here on only a vicious and sustained attack can weaken it sufficiently to force it back through time.

When this is achieved, the agent follows the being into the next area to continue his task. When the third battle is completed, the creature is thrown back from whence it came, and mankind is saved!

Software Projects are once again becoming a force to be reckoned with, and Hysteria can only continue this trend. It's another treat for the eyes and ears, but look out patience - this one's a real toughie!

The graphics are really good, especially the sprites. Minotaurs, horses, harpies and skeletons are all beautifully depicted and the backdrops are splendidly drawn with tremendous use of colour.

My only niggle (I have to have *one*, don't I?) is that the game only has three levels and relies on difficulty to stop you finishing it rather than depth.

Still, it's a good romp and should keep you occupied for some time.

Although there are only three levels to battle through, they are difficult enough to pose a long-lasting and enjoyable challenge. Initially, the action is almsot too frustrating to be true.

Countless times I managed to reach the creature at the end of the first level and died - but I still kept coming back. There's something in the gameplay that really gets you, and you feel that you just have to kill the creature and progress to the next level. Once you get there, it starts all over again!!!

The graphics and sound are exceptionally pretty, and work extremely well together to give an impressive effect. Hysteria is rather off-beat, but it should be checked out if you want a blast with a difference.

There may be some justification for the argument that Hysteria offers nothing new, but what's there is really polished and a lot of fun to play.

Graphically, this is one of the few games where all of the sprites and backdrops are of an equally high standard - the death of the on-screen character is so pretty that I was almost hoping to die so that I could see it again!

The pace is fast and furious, and there's a large amount of exploration and problem-solving to be carried out if the levels are to be successfully conquered. The one minor drawback is the fact that there are only three levels to complete, but the standard of these is so high that this can virtually be ignored.

Presentation 89%
Great high-score table and a neat and informative on-screen display.

Graphics 86%
Superb backdrop complemented by effective sprites and gorgeous animation.

Sound 82%
A stirring soundtrack pushes the player along on his task.

Hookability 78%
Difficult at first, but always possible.

Lastability 70%
Only three time levels to negotiate - but they should still take some mastering.

Overall 83%
An exciting, absorbing and highly visual adventure.