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Ever wanted to jump into a super fast plane, do amazing tricks in the air and then blow up everything in sight with your tankbusting missiles?... Yes? Well, you'd better join the R.A.F. then 'cos that's where the real action is. In the meantime why not try playing a computer version of your dreams.

Q10 Tankbuster, if you haven't already copped on, is an aerial shoot 'em up. And as with most other games of this genre the storyline remains simple; Find 'em and Shoot 'em. Zeppelin's Q10 aircraft seems to be closely based on the A10 Thunderbolt, but of course it isn't one. It flies from Allied bases in the Mediterranean to several local war theatres seeking out good movies and eliminating enemy tank formations, gun emplacements and various types of aircraft (some easy, some nasty and some very nasty.)

The horizontally scrolling graphics are very simple, consisting of black, blue and red objects and sprites yellow or white backgrounds. Although these combinations are reasonably clear it is a pity the programmers didn't take the option of full colour graphics with solid sprites or else purely mono graphics throughout with increased sprite detail. However everything does move around on screen smoothly and response to joystick or keyboard control is immediate and precise.

My favourite bit of gameplay has to be the dive bombing routine. Dip the plane's nose and watch it pick up speed, going into a steep are of descent, then release your bombs. Well, it's not quite electrifying but then it's not bad for a budget game either.

Almost as soon as you begin playing you'll notice that acquiring extra fire power is essential. Q10 is very busy, there can be multiple enemies all on screen at once, all looking for a piece of your hide. From this point of view the game is quite challenging and can get difficult it's just as well therefore that there are weapon power-up options available. Once you shoot down a specially equipped enemy aircraft (like a helicopter) you can pick up a weapon icon. The first time this happens you'll acquire an armed drone which flies above the plane and shoots in unison, effectively doubling your fire power. The next icon you collect will give you another firing drone, flying underneath and further icons will supply devastating cluster bombs.

There are several levels in Q10, over both land and sea. Each one has literally hundreds of enemies and a death dealing end of level guardian. As you've only got three lives to complete the game you'll need to get in a lot of practice to stand any hope of winning.

Unfortunately, although it is a fun game to pick up and play, it is all to easy to put Q10 Tankbuster away again after half an hour or so. It's got little or no addictivity. Sure, there's no lack of action but action isn't everything. The game looks too plain and its unrelenting difficulty level and three life limit means that it's far too easy to get bored. Nevertheless, die hard shoot 'em up fans with quick reacting joystick arms might just find a use for this game.

Label: Zeppelin Memory: 48K/128K Price: £3.99 Tape Reviewer: Garth Sumpter

If you're a shoot 'em up addict then Q10 might just quench your appetite for a few hours. Be warned though, it does get frustrating.