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This seems to be just about the first original Amstrad game. Reliable sources say that it is also the first game Amsoft are proud of. Well, their previous efforts were nothing to be ashamed of even if they were all conversions from other machines - but Roland in Time is certainly their best offering yet.

Not that it's a terribly original idea; Roland is yet another variant on Ye Olde Platforme Game. But every computer should have one, and this is an excellent example of the genre.

The scenario is traditionally silly. Roland has been stranded on Earth by the evil Maestro, and must find the 140 crystals which power his rocket. These are scattered throughout 53 locations in ten time zones. Roland can warp from zone to zone by stepping into a Tardis-like contraption. Fittingly, the theme tune is borrowed from the Dr Who television series.

The screens all have the wacky names and ideas that are now de rigueur in such games. Time zone 6 finds Roland trying to collect crystals from the Missile Silo, while zone 7 is called After the Holocaust and comes complete with whirling CND signs.

Ladders, lifts, water, deadly birds, rampaging soldiers: there are lots of obstacles for the chipper little Roland to overcome as he goes collecting. Some zones are much easier than others, so it's a welcome facility to be able to warp away to a more relaxing screen when you get frustrated.

Graphics in this game are of a high standard colourful and clear - and the sound is a pleasant accompaniment.

While there is nothing original about it, Roland's 53 screens of intriguing platform action will keep Amstrad owners occupied for a long time.

The first original program for the Amstrad is a real winner. Not only is it large enough and tough enough to provide a challenge but it also looks, sounds and 'feels' great.

The fact that it is unoriginal from a game concept point of view is the only drawback and one which CPC 464 owners should ignore.

The delightfully designed screens vary enormously and have many clever ideas like hidden doorways and inevitable walkways. It is full of surprises. Nice one Amsoft - this is the real thing.

Doodley-doo, doodley-doo, do-doo... Strains of the Dr. Who theme tune filter through my Amstrad speader as I struggle with this game late into the night.

I particularly liked the graphics of this game - Gem have managed to squeeze the maximum number of colours onto the screen without allowing the characters to get too "blocky". Playability was great too - not too difficult but challenging enough to hold your interest.

Boy, it sure didn't take long for the Amstrad to come of age. As a platform game, this rates very highly indeed - it's pretty, the different screens show considerable variety, and above all it has real depth.

The puzzles are just about the right standard of difficulty - hard enough to be challenging, but not so hard as to be totally frustrating. The game is also well structured - you don't have to solve all the screens in sequence, so the game can vary each time you play.

Just a few more releases like this, and Amstrad owners are set for an exciting 1985.