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The scenario for Operation Hormuz is a topical one. Oil bases in the Middle East are at risk due to mounting tension in the area. The US Naval Air Force has decided to 'show its strength' by attacking seven enemy missile bases. This mission is codenamed Operation Hormuz and is to be carried out by just three VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) fighter jets.

Each plane is equipped with limited amounts of cannon shells, bombs, air-to-air missiles and air-to-ship missiles. After taking off from its aircraft carrier, the plane flies over a horizontally-scrolling seascape to reach enemy bases. Enemy planes and ships continually attack. You should also watch out for Exocet missiles heading for your carrier.

Once a base is reached, the missile silos can be destroyed by dive-bombing. Then you can return to your aircraft carrier (if it hasn't been destroyed) to refuel and rearm.

Possibly the most original aspect of Operation Hormuz is its weird control method. The up and down keys make the plane roll, while pressing left/right makes it pitch upwards/ downwards. Otherwise, it resembles a souped-up version of the ancient Harrier Attack, also by Durell - a tanner for this is far too steep.

PHIL … 32%

Joysticks: Cursor, Kempston, Sinclair
Graphics: the huge planes and ships fight it out on colourful, but jerkily-scrolling backdrops
Sound: simple 48K title tune, basic shooting/explosion effects
Options: definable keys

'First impressions of this are that it's a joke. Gameplay is tough; keeping an eye on both the main screen and the radar scanner, while dodging enemy missiles and selecting weapons, is demanding. Practice helps though, and the game's fun for a while. A good game for say £1.99, but the repetitiveness of gameplay makes it comic at £9.99.'