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Deep behind German lines lies a huge fortress stronghold, codename: Eagle's Nest. Three commandos were captured while attempting to blow up this symbol of enemy might - but not before they had managed to plant explosive devices throughout the building. The Gestapo are subjecting them to horrific torture techniques in an attempt to discover the whereabouts of the explosives, and even highly trained saboteurs can crack under such intense pressure... So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to infiltrate the fortress, liberate the prisoners, and destroy the Eagle's Nest.

The action is viewed from above and takes place over four floors, each being accessed via a lift. Hordes of German troops patrol the fortress, inflicting damage (in the form of Hit Points) on contact. The resultant damage is decreased by eating food or by using a medical kit, both of which are to be found within the fortress.

Enemy troops are killed by shooting them. However, over 99 rounds of ammunition can be carried at one time - extra bullets have to be stolen from the German stores.

Progress through the building is hampered not only by enemy soldiers, but by doorways - some can be shot open, while others can only be opened by a key.

A display panel to the right of the main screen shows your score and damage, along with the amount of ammunition remaining and the number of keys in your possession.

Valuable art treasures are dotted about the castle, and collecting them increases your score. Treasures are also found in packing cases, opened by shooting the lids off. However, some cases contain dynamite and explode when shot - resulting in yoour untimely demise.

There are four increasingly difficult missions - the first three involve freeing one, two, or all of the prisoners, while the final task is to destroy the castle.

When a prisoner is found, he follows you around the fortress until your mission has ended. The Eagle's Nest is eradicated by activating a detonator, found on each floor.

Scrolling messages inform you of any items found or destroyed, and provide encouragement to aid you on your mission.

Beneath the rather ordinary packaging of Into The Eagle's Nest lurks a tremendous game. Gauntlet clones are all the rage these days, and this uses the format to great advantage.

The graphics are very neat: really atmospheric, with great depth and detail. The action is tense and electric - especially when you come screaming round the corner, straight into a pack of German soldiers, all lusting for your blood!

Highly entertaining... and worth every penny.

Slick presentation is usually superfluous - but not in this case. Here, the atmosphere is enhanced, almost generated by the cosmetics - glorious, colourful and distinctly 'macho' graphics complemented by near-perfect sound, especially the ricochet of bullets, the metallic clang of a bullet hitting a locked door, and the subtle footsteps.

The fact that gunfire is invisible adds to the overall feel - it's far more appropriate than being able to see bullets moving slowly towards you. Eagle's Nest is simply gorgeous. It's like playing with a digital action man or binary toy soldiers - only better, because they move and less imagination is required.

Great stuff Pandora - keep it up... please!

Although Gauntlet clones are appearing at an alarming rate, some, like this, are extremely good. Atmospheric graphics and sound effects are combined with exciting and addictive gameplay to give an excellent game.

What's nice about Eagle's Nest is the feeling of 'being there' - it's very easy to get totally engrossed in the action. Completing the four missions should take up a fair amount of a player's time, and at nine quid it's well worth looking up if you're a Gauntlet fan.

Presentation 90%
Slightly confusing instructions, but slick in every other way.

Graphics 94%
Wonderful attention to detail - suitably hard-looking soldiers move around superbly atmospheric backdrops.

Sound 94%
Uninspired title tune, but beautiful spot effects.

Hookability 95%
Tremendous urge to seek and destroy.

Lastability 80%
Not overly varied, but compulsive.

Value For Money 90%
A fair price for some tremendous entertainment.

Overall 90%
A tried and tested theme, commendably developed into a glorious game.