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Having been victorious in all forms of medieval combat, a new challenge awaits the player of Knight Games II. Set in 3002, this sequel comprises three main stages: Combat Robot, In Orbit and The Final Tournament.

The title screen displays scores (both current and final) and the option to load any of the three levels, once the required access code is known. An options menu is available in all three games scenarios, where status bars are displayed and information on the ensuing combat can be accessed.

In 'Combat Robot' the player guides Robby the Robot across a two-way horizontally scrolling landscape, picking up friendly aliens or Robo-Knights whilst avoiding or killing hostiles in true Dropzone fashion.

The rescue of Robby's comrades is accomplished by hovering over them until collection is secured; returning to the launchpad sees them automatically deposited ready for the next rescuee. Contact with opposing aliens or the landscape depletes Robby's shield energy to the point of losing a life.

The 'In Orbit' section requires the player to battle alien vessels across a two-way horizontally scrolling space backdrop, while vital supplies are loaded into the mothership.

A second section sees the battle continue as viewed from the rear of the ship and the final stage displays a 3D view of the loading bay, where aliens cross in front of Robby and are destroyed for bonuses and points.

The 'Final Tournament' comprises three contests: Jet Jousting, Light Sabres and Photon Chains. These involve either two players in combat or one player against a computer opponent, with the aim simply being to achieve as high a score as possible.

The damage system employed is the same as for Knight Games: contact results in the depletion of shields, as shown at the foot of the screen. When all shields are lost, the opposing player is deemed the victor.

I wasn't at all keen on the forerunner to this game, because of its reliance on the repetitive tedium of constant joystick waggling. I was quite pleased, therefore, to sit down to Knight Games II and get stuck into a set of pick 'n mix shoot-'em-ups, all of which are moderately playable.

In fact, I was enjoying this preliminary blast so much that, when I finally came to play the Knight Games proper, I found them much less fun to play and probably the low point of the whole package. Graphics for the most part are less than atmospheric, tending towards silly Jet Set Willy-style sprites on fair-to-middling backdrops.

Overall, the trilogy is a rather pedestrian play but it scores well on value for money. At least there's quite a bit of variety in the package - not something I would have said of its predecessor.

This is really just an excuse to program two shoot-'em-ups and a revamped Knight Games format, but even so it provides a good deal of enjoyment.

The three combat scenarios are varied and provide a lasting challenge - even if they are all very derivative.

Graphically, it's rather variable: the backdrops in the Final Tournament are very pretty and atmospheric, but in the first level they're blocky and poorly drawn. All, however, are unusual, extremely colourful and generally jolly; this is complemented by the large, bright characters which are appealingly cute and neatly animated.

Presentation is well above average, with a beautiful options screen and clear display - although the instructions could have been better. Knight Games II is slightly more innovative than its predecessor and its diverse nature is deserving of attention.

First impressions of Knight Games II might well be less than favourable, considering the low standard of the opening graphics: without doubt the backdrops and sprites on the first section are dire, having bland and amateurish locations and immature sprites.

Fortunately, the graphics constantly improve throughout the three sections, culminating in the very pretty scenes used in the final tournament.

However, none of this disguises the fact are exhumed and redressed to fit the bill; it almost feels like a compilation tape. All sections are very simple, and you could well find yourself starting to yawn on only the third or fourth play.

Try to see it before condemning your cash to the shopkeeper's till.

Presentation 82%
Slightly sparse instructions, but good screen display and options. Multi-load is rendered unobtrusive by the game structure.

Graphics 58%
Range from dull and blocky to unusual and attractive. Generally colourful, however.

Sound 54%
Standard shoot-'em-up effects, a passable tune and some decent combat noises.

Hookability 70%
Easy to get into, although occasionally frustrating. Shallow gameplay fails to capture the imagination.

Lastability 45%
Could rapidly prove tiresome for hardened games players.

Overall 61%
An interesting and colourful sequel, marred by the derivative and simplistic gameplay.