Repton, a tiny reptile-like creature, is trapped in a labyrinth consisting of twenty-four treasure-filled caves. He can't escape, and can only survive by moving from one cave to another collecting treasure, and defusing time bombs before they explode.

The screen displays a small portion of the cave which scrolls as Repton moves around. On his travels the intrepid reptile encounters seven different substances: diamonds, walls, dirt, boulders, keys, cages and safes. Repton can walk through dirt, keys and diamonds leaving a blank space behind - whereas boulders, walls, cages and safes create impenetrable barriers.

A boulder can be moved, either by clearing a space under it, which makes it fall until it reaches firm ground - or by pushing it out of the way if it rests alone on a horizontal plane. Falling boulders prove a hazard though, and if the hero digs under one and moves downwards, it falls on him. When a key is picked up. the safes turn into diamonds - perhaps opening up a new portion of the cave.

Some caves are inhabited by living things: fungus, spirits and foul lizards, all of which are death to touch. Fungus is constantly growing and creating problems; if Repton happens to dig out a square which is adjacent to a Fungus growth, the noxious weed grows and fills the newly cleared space.

Spirits wander the caves, hugging the walls and turning left at every corner. If one of these encounters a cage, both disappear and a diamond is formed.

Foul lizards start life as eggs, and only emerge if the egg is disturbed. When this happens, they immediately pursue Repton and only stop when killed.

The program includes a comprehensive screen designer which the player can use to edit existing screens, create completely new ones - or even redefine the graphics if such a change is required.

This is very similar to Boulder Dash, but unfortunately it doesn't quite have the charm or playability of that "classic". The twenty-four screens require a fair bit of perseverance before they can be completed, but sometimes it's just too easy to die - and having to start all over again is really annoying!

Both the sound and graphics are poor, although you can use the excellent screen designer to improve the latter if you really want to. Repton 3 is a nice idea which is badly let down by a number of niggling points. Boulder Dash Construction Kit is miles better.

As Boulder Dash clones go, this is one of the worst and most unprofessional to date.

The gameplay is tedious to the point of being infuriating - from my first go I was bored stiff. The cave editor is a neat idea, but unfortunately it is fairly complicated so you always need to have the instruction sheet handy. The graphics are poorly drawn and animated, strangely coloured and generally badly done. The sound on the other hand is quite good, with a happy tune on the title screen and simplistic but adequate spot effects.

Repton 3 would be an average buy at around two quid, but at nearly a tenner I think it offers awful value for money. Don't bother.

Whatever happened to Repton 1 and 2? Not that I 'm particularty bothered about having missed them, judging by the quality of this uninspiring Boulder Dash-inspired maze game cum collect-'em-up. It's just so dull, and not at all atmospheric - unlike Boulder Dash, the atmosphere of which enhanced its playability no end.

Repton 3 is very repetitive - there's far too much running around, and not enough skilfful or addictive gameplay to make it worthwhile.

Presentation 90% Amusing screen designer and a comprehensive series of options.

Graphics 43% Poor sprites and background graphics, although they can be improved by the user.

Sound 39% A naff background tune and not much in the way of spot effects.

Hookability 50% Difficult from the beginning, which is very off-putting for a first-time player.

Lastability 52% If it appeals, the designer will keep you happy for months - if not, frustration will soon give way to boredom.

Value For Money 42% An unworthy investment at this inflated price.

Overall 49% A barely average, difficult and unrewarding Boulder Dash clone.