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There aren't many computer games that are truly funny, but North And South is one - at least at first, that is. Being based on a series of French comic books, the game uses cartoon-style graphics to good effect, combining them with wacky sound effects and music. The trouble is though, that when you've seen a joke once, the humour wears off and there's little incentive to go back.

Set during the US Civil War, this is a simple strategic challenge with arcade interludes thrown in for good measure. You either control the forces of the Yankees or the Confederates (respectively representing the North and South - hence the name), with the simple aim of taking all of your opponent's land.

Bullion trains, Red Indians, Mexicans and bad weather are random factors which affect your progress, while the arcade sequences come in to play when you attempt to rob a train, take over a fort of get involved in a battle.

It doesn't take much to figure out how to beat the computer in each fight and subsequently, to win the game. A greater challenge comes from a human opponent, but even this doesn't last too long. Even at this price, North And South will only appeal to the die-hard fan of French humour - does such a thing exist?