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Hotfoot from their success with the ever wonderful Laser Squad, Mythos Software have created another little masterpiece. Called Lords Of Chaos, it is a strategy-based fantasy game for one to four with role-playing elements if you choose the one-player option. But I'm not telling you the plot, am I? Right, well settle down chaps and let me take you to the world of the Arch Mages... (page goes all wobbly and out of focus) [Shush, film planning might hear! - Ed]

In the old days, the Arch Mages used to rule the world, so everything was pretty hunky dory. No plagues, floods or natural disasters (i.e. Jason Donovan). But then mana (raw magical energy), began to build up at an alarming rate, unpredictable things began to happen and the world started to act like a plot from a Terry Pratchett novel. The people revelled, blaming the Mages for their misfortunes and so the Mages did a bunk as the world broke into pieces - the result of untold wars, earthquakes and Jason Donovan gigs.

Each piece of the Old World took form as individual worlds. One of these was populated by wizards, who bombarded it with much mana. Unfortunately, wizard spells became useless here, so they called the world Limbo. Portals were created to venture to other Old World 'pieces'. The end result of the cataclysm was that no wars existed on the new worlds, but no peace existed either - only chaos. Strange magical creatures roamed the new worlds and wizards fought for supremacy because without power they knew they could not exist. They became (trumpet fanfare, crashing of cymbals and drumbeats) the - Lords of Chaos!

Got that? Fine - could you explain it to me please? Answers on a postcard.

Three scenarios are provided in which you control a single wizard from an overhead viewpoint. All the scenarios are variations on the treasure hunt theme. Victory points are awarded depending on both enemies killed and treasure collected. These are converted into handy experience points that can be used to upgrade your wizard's character stats.

The original character stats are set at the start of game, either by yourself or the computer. A DIY job involves a screen full of stats such as Action Points (used performing actions such as moving), Constitution (your life force), and so on. A set amount of experience points are available to strengthen the stats you want improving. But don't use them all! Spells are next and again you will need to 'spend' experience points. The more you buy, the higher the cost the next time you buy that item. My old economics teacher called that 'supply and demand' - I call it 'daylight robbery'. Then give the guy a name and lo! - one well 'ard wiz'ard.

The spells are pretty nifty. They range from attacking spells, such as a Magic Bolt - a physical attack, to defensive spells such as the handy 'Flood', which can be used to combat a wizard who cast 'fire' in your direction. Also creatures risk drowning in a flooded area, so I suppose this spell has its attacking side to it.

You can summon creatures, such as dwarves, to do your bidding. Dwarves, or any creature with hands, can carry and 'Use' objects. Creatures, such as Elephants, can be mounted and ridden throughout the land. Other creatures, such as harpies, can be flown. The intelligent line of sight rules come into play here, enhancing the gameplay, especially from a tactical point of view.

You can do a fair bit of interacting with the game world. Doors and chests can be opened, objects (such as weapons, vials, potions, etc) picked up and drunk/eaten and so on.

The graphics in Chaos are excellent with intricate pieces of spot animation that add a certain gloss to the product. For example, when a creature is summoned you see a puff of smoke before it materialises accompanied by a marvellous sound effect.

Gameplay is absorbing with many tactical opportunities available. A useful overview shows half of the total map surface, plus many of its occupants. The role-playing elements increase the level of your wizard after the successful completion of each scenario. Although there are only three scenarios they become harder as you replay them. Blade promise further scenarios in the near future which will extend gameplay even further.

Without doubt, Lords Of Chaos is a C64 classic. The variations in play are enormous. The combat options will satisfy any tactician, the artificial intelligence of the 'baddies' is certainly up to the job required, the graphics and sound are first class, the replay value is high - you even get a friendly tutorial piece at the beginning of the manual! If you want a game that oozes good, old fashioned quality, offers value for your hard earned money and provides a challenge that'll keep you up to the early hours - buy Lords Of Chaos.