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Gregorious McDuffin is a bird boffin who conducts experiments in his cellar. But instead of writing an adventure section for Zzap, he is attempting to redirect magic energy beams.

In each of fifty experiments, a magician emits an energy beam which McDuffin attempts to guide into a receiver, using mirrors to deflect it. Various obstacles block the way and the beam must also be directed through cauldrons and onto lightbulbs to switch them on.

There are two ways of failing: running out of time or overloading (when the beam is directed back onto itself or the magician heat builds up).

Game options in this Deflektor sequel include a two-player mode and level designer.

Deflektor was one of my all-time favourite puzzle games, and while Mindbender isn't that different from the original, it certainly hasn't lost the incredibly addictive gameplay. The most important addition is the level designer, although creating solvable screens requires some thought. The two-player mode is also fun - with both players trying to achieve the same thing it can get chaotic unless you tell each other what you're doing!

An aptly named game, this one with its simple enough gameplay which rapidly turns horribly difficult. Like Deflektor, the first few screens are no sweat... but they soon get really tricky. For a puzzle game the graphics are great: when you consider their size they're very well done with some nice animation. So go on, forget the flashy licences and get this superb puzzle game.

C64 owners shouldn't have to wait too long to do some mindbending.

Presentation 82%
Humorously polished, with good options.

Graphics 65%
Good for the genre.

Sound 60%
Tolerable tune and some neat effects.

Hookability 77%
Well judged difficulty level and practice option.

Lastability 80%
Fifty levels and you can create your own.

Overall 77%
Deflektor fans will love it.