From jet liners to satellites terrorists are infamous for hijacking each new gizmo that science has developed for peaceful usage, and perverting them to deadly ends, limited only by their dastardliness and the effects budget of the next Bond movie.

It was the world's grave misfortune when a band of nasty types (you know, the kind that slap women across the face with the back of their hands and say "Silence!" frequently) got hold of a clutch of Mechs manually-controlled robotic heavy weaponry and march into the centre of the metropolis, effectively curtailing the January sales and bringing an end to civilisation as previously known. It is left to the Foundation for the Preservation of Shopping to rid the city of this menace so that the speed bumps and cardboard store detecties may be reinstated. And they'vev pitted you against the Keep Everyday Special mob by equipping you with your own Mech suit.

Reward? Isn't the happiness of mankind enough? Oh well, how's about enough air miles to get you well beyond Torremolinos?

In common with Sega's Virtua games, arcade and home, the game action may be viewed from a variety of angles, in this case four.

The first view is from the cockpit of the Mech, with a centrally-placed site. The second view is from a slightly lower position, bringing the Mech's two arms into view. View three is based on a shoulder-mounted camera that allows a greater range of vision, but the widest angle of vision comes from the bird's-eye positioned camera four.

Metal Head is a polygon-engineered robotic search and destroy game set in a crowded urban environment.

Each mission has its own objective, but most involve the destructive power of your mech.

This is really the first game for the 32X that works with an original concept, and has no peer elsewhere. The launch games, and the abysmal Space Harrier/After Burner turn were all based on previous titles.

Metal Head is a brave attempt to utilise polygon power for tense urban warfare. For the most part it works well. The basic action is responsive and engaging, and missions have been considered as campaigns with changing goals, so the action doesn't become formulaic, technically, there are a few hiccups, with buildings appearing out of nowhere, and a characteristic blurredness that makes play occasionally confusing.

But, overall, I was impressed with Metal Head's concept and execution, and would rate it as the next 32X game worth having.

C-rash! Another film licence hits terra firma with a resounding crunch and wobbles off unceremoniously into the shadows of the greats. There's simply no hope for software houses that turn out stuff like this. Not that it's entirely bad because an extremely similar game named Turrican enjoyed some success.

The point is, Turrican happened three years ago. This is now! UniSol tries to fob us off with the same dated gameplay and even retains the ridiculous transformation into a spinning buzzsaw routine. It may juhnkiewfcnkJ woilaeliJ l3qoweoijlij

Graphics 88%
P. Smooth and fast-moving detailed polygon cityscapes that create a claustrohobic environment for the action, with substantial variety. Good mechs and interesting choice.

Sound 89%
P. So much sampled speech, before, during and after missions. Generally, the FX are good.
N. Sad music which is too easy to ignore.

Playability 88%
P. Simple game design, with a sensibly set challenge curve. Missions from a 'story' rather than just follow on unconnected.
N. A bit simplistic, and sometimes confusing on the eye.

Lastability 85%
P. The higher levels and later missions pose an adequate challenge for most players.

Value For Money 83%
P. 24MEG of original action. Metal Head has the distinction of being both innovative and exclusive to the unit.

Overall 87%
A thoughtful shoot-'em-up that shows the promise of the 32X. Technically sound and more than fun to get to grips with.