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The Commodore version of Pitfall was identical to the Atari VCS game. Activision seems to have realised its mistake now and Pitfall 2 is far superior to the Atari sequel.

The graphics are much better. Harry now has arms and legs that actually move and the water in the lakes ripples like the real thing.

Sound is better, too. Although the Atari has good sound effects, those of the Commodore are much better and it's good to see that Activision has used them.

Pitfall 2 is set in the legendary lost caverns of Machu Picchu in Peru. As Pitfall Harry, you have to explore them and face the dangers within. There are hidden lakes, scorpions, deadly electric eels and lots of things to kill you.

Unlike most graphics adventure games, you have no limit on your number of lives or the time you are allowed to complete the game.

Throughout the caverns are scattered red crosses. Whenever you lose a life, you will be transported back to the last red cross you managed to tread on and your score will also diminish.

Your ultimate aim is to score 199,000 points which you can only do by collecting all the objects and not being caught at all.

As well as 24 gold bars, you have to find a diamond, Rhonda, Quickclaw the cat and also the stone age rat. The rat, says the instructions, has to be subdued from behind. How you do this, I'm not sure.

The game only works with a joystick which controls movement and jumping.

Pitfall II is certainly better than number one. The game is harder, the graphics are better and there's more to do.