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It's a time of war and things aren't looking too good for the Allies: enemy tank troops are already swarming through the War Theatres. Perhaps they don't like the play that's currently on there called "Is that a hand grenade down your trousers vicar, or are you just pleased to see me?" What's needed is a weapon that can teach those nasty enemy troops a lesson in good manners.

The Allied scientific boffins have come up with the answer (cue dramatic drum roll), the Q10 Tankbuster. Armed with armour-piercing bombs and a heavy-duty oil-cooled machine gun, the Q10 is more than adequately equipped to whup tail. It only remains to find a foolhardy pilot mad enough to undertake a suicide mission... ah, very kind of you to volunteer.

Helicopter and jets attack from the horizontally scrolling heavens, while mobile Surface-to-Air Missile sites and tanks whizz missiles skywards. Watch out for the light blue helicopters, as these often carry bonus items. Extra lives, shields that give temporary invincibility and power-ups for each weapon are included.

Once the end of the level is reached, a huge missile-lobbing airplane has to be defeated. It's then onto the next level, and even bigger headaches as more and more enemy troops join in the fun. Mind you, Q10 Tankbuster as a whole is a mini migraine. Control of the Q10 is a joke. it's about as responsive as a dog in a vat of quick-drying cement.

This is a pain in the bum, mainly 'coz the enemy tanks and planes zip around like greased lightning. Also the sheer number of attackers is enough to turn the bravest hero into a gibbering wreck. The only way through is by using a bit of a cheat: just go the bottom-right corner, keep pulling down and firing - you can't lose!

Presentation 70%
Pretty title screen, but no two-player option

Graphics 72%
Colourful, but the Q10's as aerodynamic as a dog poo

Sound 73%
Pleasant title screen tune with bog-standard in-game FX

Hookability 50%
The game is too difficult too quickly, unless using cheat

Lastability 40%
Many people will throw in the towel

Overall 46%