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Not all good BBC software is expensive, as demonstrated by this excellent game.

It is a 3D maze game, with an overhead view of the maze. You a small pyjama'd figure, Sleepy Joe, who races round the maze, collecting eight keys to unlock a door at the side. You are hindered by monsters which bound around after you.

On the first maze you are pursued by Springy Things and Bouncing Balls, Deadly Frogs and Hungry Hoppers. What lies beyond I cannot tell, the Hoppers saw to that! The monsters are difficult to avoid, but sometimes a cup of black coffee appears which will wake you up and the monsters disappear. You can then race round faster, but beware of collision with a reappearing nasty.

As if this wasn't enough, there is a 60-second time limit on each screen. Each maze is more complex than the last, and a good score requires skill and patience.

Nightmare Maze uses a colourful Mode 2 screen, with superb animation. Sleepy Joe springs smoothly along, while balls bounce realistically behind. Sound is well used, especially the croaking frogs! I recommend this as a fast-action game with an original concept.

D.A.