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Here's a bit of fun that proves the worth of the old adage that the less, the more. What could be simpler than to take the three classic space 'n' alien games - Invaders, Galaxians and Defender - and merge them into a refreshingly original mix.

Mind you, it's not perfect. We're not talking flicker free, fast action, are-those-sprites?, machine code mega game here; just a well thought out and competently programmed piece of fluff.

The game? Okay, your space-ship moves across a scrolling landscape (left to right only) and a strange assortment of aliens line up in formation to your right. Instead of the traditional left/right movements across the base of the screen you have to move up and down trying to shoot and avoid them as they peel off from their horizontal formations. In all, there are 20 different patterns and weaknesses - a nice touch allows you to choose any screen and the game is joystick compatible.

This does give a slight problem, though. There's also an option to speed up the game and this is easy enough with keyboard control (shift for extra speed is sufficiently distinct from return for fire) but lateral joystick movement also speeds the game up. The first few times this happened to me I Couldn't work out why - so remember to keep your stick in a vertical mode and don't waver unless you want to.

Extra options for sound and pause are welcome and entry onto the hi-score table shouldn't be too tricky. I'm reasonably impressed with this game - it's good basic fun but also is just tricky enough to impel you to mutter "One last game!" as you fire up for yet another wave of those aliens.

D.R.