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After destroying tiles, joining up piping must be top of the puzzler list. Maybe all these programmers are DIY buffs! In Loopz, you make loops out of the bits of piping slung at you. As each piece appears you have a fast-diminishing time limit to move it around, rotate it and drop it. If you don't drop the piece before time runs out, you lose a life.

The more complex the loop, the higher the bonus points when it's completed and disappears. Initially pieces are small, but they soon get bigger and more awkward to position. Thankfully you occasionally get gopher pieces which destroy an incomplete loop, creating vital space.

At the beginning of the game, you can choose the skill level (basically, your time limit), and two slightly different ways of playing. In Game A if you clear the screen, you get a massive bonus. But in Game B you go onto Bonus Game One. This plays much the same as the normal game, only completed loops don't disappear. As soon as the timer runs out, or you can't place a piece, then it's back to the main game.

To play Bonus Game 2 you must construct a complicated enough loop to match or exceed the Bonus Points Target. You then go onto a special screen with a loop already constructed. Some of its pieces are then removed and you must exactly reconstruct it for a bonus score.

If you want, you can play only Bonus Game 2 by selecting Game C. This can only be played solo, but there's passwords every five levels. All the other levels can either be played by one or two players, taking turns to place pieces or simultaneously. In the latter each player has a cursor and individual score, but points are only earned by completing loops. Also, players can play at unequal skill levels.

Creating perfect loops seems a promising concept, but its implementation is flawed. The random piece selection can be frustrating as it doesn't allow you to plan ahead (a Tetris-style 'next piece' indicator would have been helpful).

And when you've got a nearly full screen, you often get several lives in one go. Apart from these niggles though, Loopz is quite fun - especially in the competitive two-player mode which involves stealing and sabotage!

The different game types provide variety; the skill levels challenge, though there are no real graphical rewards. Let's hope Audiogenic do an improved sequel.

The frantic placing of pieces is reminiscent of Pipemania, and although the heart of Loopz isn't quite as sophisticated, a wide variety of options help compensate. In particular, the competitive two-player game is a great test of temper - how would you feel if you'd just developed a massive loop and someone (i.e. Phil) nicked all the points with the last piece?

Or if he dropped the wrong piece to wreck the loop to ensure you didn't get any points? It's all good clean fun - and no-one's been killed yet!

Both versions boast nice clean graphics and a choice of tunes with very little to choose between them. The bonus games provide some much needed challenge, particularly the second which can played as a game in its own right. In short, well worth a look, particularly if you've got a 'friend' to play with.

Presentation 83%
Ten skill levels, three game-styles, simultaneous or alternate two-player play, password system for Game C plus high score tables.

Graphics 65%
Quick, attractive and a good match for the Amiga.

Sound 80%
You can choose FX only or one of three tunes.

Hookability 82%
Very easy to get into and getting to the first bonus screen is a nice target, taking quite a few goes to achieve...

Lastability 65%
Apart from seeing the varying loops of Game C, the main aim is scoring points. Difficulty is pitched so this won't be easy though, and two player modes are very good.

Overall 74%
A game to get tied up in.

Presentation 83%
Same as C64.

Graphics 61%
Slick and fast, but lacking variety. Game C has a nice glossy look showing what could've been done in jazzing things up.

Sound 70%
Same as C64.

Hookability 80%
Same as C64.

Lastability 60%
Same as C64.

Overall 70%
Technically mediocre, but still good fun.