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Simulating three dimensions on a two-dimensional screen has been a challenge to software authors right from the start. Knight Lore reaches standards higher than any I have seen, with the possible exception of Elite, that is. The scene is set in castle 'Knight Lore'. Within its walls is a staggering array of guards, ghosts and gargoyles, many of them intelligent and often very mischievous. The object of your quest is to find the old Wizard, who, as you might expect, is a rather elusive character.

Adding the third dimension to a game brings about a whole set of new problems and challenges. Firsr you must master the key controls but they are easy enough to get the hang of. Another problem comes when you try to judge distances. At first it is all too easy to walk into a set of spikes when you think your path is clear. Perhaps the trickiest problem with a 3D scenario, however, is that your hero may be moving behind objects and therefore hidden. As you might guess, this can be hazardous in the extreme - there are lots of nasties lurking just out of sight.

You're given just 40 days and nights to complete your task. As day turns to night, your intrepid explorer turns into a werewolf. This means that some obstacles can only be overcome in the daytime and others only at night. I particularly like the change-over from man to beast - reminiscent of many early horror movies!

Knight Lore has to be the most challenging, inventive and addictive game of its class, although, that said, there cannot be many others in that class yet. 3D arcade adventures such as this are without doubt the games of the future and Ultimate have achieved a great deal in bringing us such a sophisticated game today.