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As an intergalactic mercenary, it's the player's task to infiltrate a vertically scrolling area of enemy territory in order to destroy the point 'X' of the title.

Both ground-based installations and airborne attack craft constantly assault the vessel, and are destroyed by forward-firing bombs and laser cannons.

Throughout the mission, the ship's defence shield is drained by enemy hits, signified by a diminishing white bar. This is partially replenished by collection of pods which frequently appear. Occasionally, they also hold improved weaponry, which is automatically added to the armoury.

There are ten levels to be negotiated before the final assault on point 'X', and should the shields be completely drained before reaching the goal, the mission ends.

How many more of these vertical scrollers are we going to see on the computer shelves before the genre becomes exhausted?

To be fair, I can't complain too loudly about this one - at least it's playable and has reasonable graphics and sound (except for the title music which is a raucous cacophony). It's all quite polished, but overall there's nothing on offer that hasn't already been seen in previous budget titles, and therefore the £10 price tag is most unrealistic.

Quite clearly based on the old arcade game Xevious, Point X is definitely lacking in originality. The graphics are sparse, and the alien craft and constructions are very simple. The ship's movement is a little slow, but smooth and responsive nonetheless.

Progress past the first few levels is quite easy, but any extra equipment collected cannot be taken through to the next level which seems rather pointless.

I'd have preferred to see a much smaller price tag, but I wouldn't be too disappointed if I'd bought it.

Presentation 48%
Rather inconsistent and inadequate documentation and in-game options and a high score table are lacking.

Graphics 57%
Neat and tidy, but lacks variety.

Sound 52%
Competent loading music, but appalling title track, accompanied by fairly standard effects.

Hookability 62%
Dead easy to pick up and play.

Lastability 46%
The ten levels provide a moderately alluring challenge.

Overall 51%
Standard Xevious clone - entertaining but hardly fresh.