They say the early bird gets the worm, and Crystal Dynamics obviously apply this proverb to video game development. The large American firm of coders were first off the blocks with games for the 3do machine, and now appear early on the Saturn third-party scene with tweaked versions of their established titles.

They would argue that they have the benefit of previous CD console development, making them a 'third-generation 32-bit developer'. Off World Interceptor (don't forget the extreme) is a very 32-bit title. It positively hums with textured scaling backdrops and complex sprite manipulation.

It's about as frenetic as moon buggy games can get, and it has a cheesy plot centering on space criminals in heavily-armoured vehicles (from which the game itself extracts the mickey). But does it, as Claire might say, 'gel'?

Not being blessed with eight fingers on each hand, I initially found Off World Interceptor a bit of a challenge - there really is a little bit too much to tackle to get the most from the game, and the option to flick a couple of functions to 'automatic mode' wouldn't have gone amiss.

Once you've got to grips with this, there is some fun to be had, however. Developing different tactics to out-manoeuvre your opponent provides one of the game's most appealing features. The most enduring aspect of the whole thing, however, is the truly bizarre B-movie intro sequence, seemingly populated by a wooden bunch of LA soap opera rejects.

Initially Off World comes across as over-eager nonsense. There is so much going on, the gameplay seems chaotic and uncontrollable. But once the rollicking scrolling and complicated controls are fathomed, there is some fun to be had.

Chasing points is not as much fun as tackling the story mode and chasing specific bosses, but either way the process of customising vehicles and weapons gives the game some sort of focus. Graphically and sonically it is bold, even if the terrains tend to bore after a while.

Part shooter, part driving game, it excels in neither respect, but Off World is fun all the same.

Graphics 86%
P. Excellent sprites and vibrant effects.
N. The backgrounds are rather barren and repetitive.

Animation 75%
P. Extremely fast scrolling.
N. The amount of movement is confusing to a degree.

Music 88%
P. Great music for almost all of the planets. Adds an edge to the game.

Effects 81%
P. Exceptionally clear speech and effects of a high standard.

Playability 76%
P. Boisterous action with loads going on.
N. Complex controls: simplistic action.

Lastability 70%
P. The confusion gives way to a fair level of interest.
N. The gameplay stays much the same, the locations alone change.

Overall 74%
A bizarre animal of a game. Plenty of sound and fury, but only limited appeal.