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The computer lightshow Trip-A-Tron, a Konix console game and ogling the Atari Lynx have all kept Jeff from his mutant camel blasters. But Photon Storm represents a return to the shoot-'em-up format with a Minteresque mix of Sinistar and Star Gate.

Your ship is mouse-controlled, with the left button for fire, right for thrust. If you hold down Fire you can rotate the direction of fire independently from the way you're heading. Firing is the key to the game... since to clear a level you have to blast all the aliens.

Help comes from 'Boost', a limited resource which doubles your speed, smart bombs and plutonium pods. Collect the latter for bonus points, but watch out if the enemies get a pod - once fuelled up, the enemy Battlestar is an extremely formidable enemy! Beat the enemies and transportation to the next level is via a tunnel - you fly into the screen struggling with very sensitive controls.

Minter followers may be disappointed that there aren't any furry creatures or llamas, but that only serves to remind you of Minter's ability to add original ideas - as well as weird graphics - to classic shoot-'em-ups.

Photon Storm is a homage to such brilliant coin-ops as Star Gate and I soon found myself completely absorbed. Neither graphics nor sound are amazing; it's the simple but original gameplay which grabs.

I can't say I've overly impressed by Photon Storm. Sure, it's playable enough with some classic shoot-'em-up action and some groovy psychedelic graphics.

But shooting everything that moves soon gets repetitive and you soon realise that there's little else to the game. Call me a llama, but I expect just a bit more sophistication from a 16-bit product costing £20. It's got no depth, man!

Presentation 68%
'Fountain' pause mode, informative attract mode, infinite continue-plays and fun high score table.

Graphics 75%
Lots of speed, detail and colour create a classic arcade feel.

Sound 67%
Functional beeps and bangs with a title tune.

Hookability 74%
A couple of goes allow you to master the novel but very effective and friendly control system. Typical blaster appeal.

Lastability 66%
Not much variety in gameplay, but high score freaks will love it.

Overall 69%
An innovative blast-'em-up with classic arcade appeal.