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It is often said that there are only three or four types of computer game - mazes, ladders and levels, invaders and adventures, and that the majority of software fits into one of these categories. Tynesoft's Mouse Trap is nothing new and slots neatly into the second category.

Although the format is familiar and holds no surprises, it is, nevertheless, very well written, enjoyable to play and quite addictive. You take the part of Marvin the mouse, an athletic little rodent capable of leaping round the screen from platform to platform in his quest for cheese.

There are 22 different screens to master. On each, there are several different objects to collect, some looking remarkably like Christmas puddings. Somewhere on the screen there is a closed door, usually in the most inaccessible corner. Collect all the puddings and the door will open. If you can make it in time you can walk through to the next screen.

The difficulty lies in the placing of the levels and the various nasty objects which fly around the screen. There are teapots, cups and saucers, bottles of poison, witches on broomsticks, fireballs, bombs, fried eggs and many more. To make matters worse there's also a time limit, so if you hang about too long wondering which way to do you'll run out of time and lose a life. You have eight lives, but they disappear all too quickly.

Mouse Trap is an excellent multi-screen levels type of game. It is difficult so I wouldn't recommend it to beginners. But if you're looking for something more challenging than the usual run of the mill game look no further. Mouse Trap will keep you occupied for weeks.

Roland Waddilove