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Rad Gravity is a mean dude with a highly interesting kind of hobby. Just like your average train spotter, Rad Gravity collects numbers. But these are very special numbers because they are in fact, highly complex co-ordinates that enable him to beam down to alien planets.

Why he actually does this is something of a mystery, because when he actually beams down to the planet he isn't really interested in conversing with the inhabitants or enjoying the scenery. No, he gets far more excitement from trying to find more co-ordinates for other planets. Understandably, the planets' inhabitants value their privacy and find a visit from Rad about as enjoyable as getting the ruins in a spacesuit. That means they're going to do everything in their power to kill him!

The player adopts the mantle of Mr. Gravity at the beginning of his co-ordinate locating quest. The object is to simply beam down to the nearest planet and negotiate the platform landscape until the main computer complex is located. When their security has been breached, Rad can get the numeric goodies and return to his ship where the next, more dangerous mission lies in wait...

Rad starts out life with only his communicator and electro-sword for company. The communicator is used to beam Rad Gravity back to his spaceship, where he can top up his energy.

The electro-sword is for use against the mulitude of evil enemies out to get our hero during the game. This sword doesn't have much range so it's a good thing that there are extra weapons available in the game.

The first one is found in level two, and gives Rad a handy pistol. Later levels endow our planet-hopping hero with a new space-suit - essential for planets with literally no atmosphere.

Welcome to the cockpit of Rad Gravity's planet-hopping space craft! The main display shows Rad just where he is in time or space and with the use of the eye-piece to the right, he can take a look at the whole planet cluster. The main viewer also offers Rad occasional advice and help where needed.

Rad and his trusty spaceship begin their quest at the planet Cyberia. Volcania and Efefluvia are also in the same star system, but poor old Rad only has co-ordinates for Cyberia. There are ten worlds altogether (each with a number of sub-levels) in Rad Gravity including an upside-down planet!

During the game, Rad fights it out with a whole host of alien baddies on each world. Cyberia is infested by half man, half machine baddies with whirlwind razor blades.

Also included in the henchmen line-up are massive robots. Once inside the complex, more robots await, though these are infinitely more deadly! Later levels include all the old nasties, but a few more are added each time - making the game ever tougher!

Rad Gravity impresses from the outset with the cockpit graphics, exhibiting one of the largest sprites I've seen in a Nintendo game (though Megaman 2's end-of-game boss still holds that title).

The actual game isn't too bad with plenty of platform-based alien blasting thrown in and a nice line in power-ups. Unfortunately, although the game is technically accomplished and rather playable, there isn't really anything that special to keep the player occupied.

There's no real atmosphere or fiendish platform puzzles to astound or amaze either. That's not to say that Rad Gravity is a boring game. It's just that the NES has some of the most best platform games on it ever (Megaman and Mario for instance) and Rad Gravity simply isn't as special.

Recommended to platform game fans.

Rad Gravity is yet another very good Nintendo platform game. There's certainly plenty of action, and the sprites are really good - Rad looks the part with his whopper chin and his manful swagger as he strides into action, and some of the baddies are beautifully animated.

It's a shame the backdrops aren't also up to the same high standards - they're rather plain and dull - but I suppose you can't have everything.

The gameplay is quite tough, and the emphasis is squarely on blasting action, so this should therefore appeal to platform addicts who don't like puzzles getting in the way of their shooting and jumping.

Presentation 90%
A great cockpit intro screen, though the title screen is a little spartan.

Graphics 83%
The variety in the sprites are a feast to the eyes, although the backdrops aren't so accomplished.

Sound 82%
Aural effects that more than suit the action.

Playability 83%
Rad is great to control, though the game is initially quite frustrating.

Lastability 81%
Loads to explore and conquer make this cart one to get out again and again.

Overall 82%
An enjoyable and challenging game that will keep fans of action-oriented platform fans happy for quite a few weeks.