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Ket is the first in a trilogy and, whilst the tape was loading into the Spectrum under a bold and colourful title page, I read the leaflet folded inside the inlay.

Within this was a short but comprehensive rundown of the scenario, the objectives of the trilogy and of part 1. The background of information was plausible without being unbelievably elaborate and, in short, in this game you must reach the far side of the mountain.

A slight problem is Edgar, a bug implanted in your neck, following your acceptance of a do or die challenge.

Edgar will sink his poisoned fangs into you at the slighest sign of you making a run for it! Otherwise he will restrict his activities to commenting somewhat sarcastically on your progress and complain if you aren't making any!

The instructions in the accompanying leaflet convey the scenario effectively, are easily legible, give examples of input commands and, most importantly, a definitive list of special commands and abbreviations.

Among these are LOOK to redisplay location and STAT. The latter briefs you on your current level of Prowess, Energy and Luck, because in this game you will inevitably decide to go into combat mode, when these factors will be crucial.

The combat mode allows you to try to kill any of the characters you come across which makes for an unusual adventure.

If you dodge a hit, you use a luck point. The higher your luck rating, the greater chance of a dodged blow costing you one energy point. If your luck is poor, you lose three energy points, but if you don't dodge, your luck level is retained and you lose two points.

The prowess ratings determine the ratio of your hits to that of your opponent and the first one out of energy is a gonner.

Be warned though! If you win, you may encounter an enraged villager out to avenge his compatriot.

Once out of the way, you can make off with your victim's possessions, some of which you will need to start on your journey to and across the mountain.

A fast response and clearly laid out screen enhance this adventure with a difference. Full marks to Incentive Software for Mountains Of Ket, for 48K Spectrum and modestly priced at £5.50.