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The objective of Rollaround is to complete an increasingly difficult series of levels by collecting a required number of crosses from six different colours of square.

Each level is divided into a 3 x 3 grid of screens, each containing up to 100 individual squares, many of which have unique effects upon the gameplay. There are also a variety of aliens, and contact with these, falling off the edge of a landscape or down a hole, results in death.

The playing area presents a 3D isometric viewpoint, with information registers at the top and bottom of the screen showing the player's current score and lives remaining, plus the elapsed time and number of crosses to collect.

The ball travels by rolling in any of four directions, or jumping, in conjunction with the fire button. The latter is also used to avoid aliens or clear holes.

When a grid is successfully completed, the player enters into a bonus section where extra points or lives can be gained.

This is very much like Spindizzy without the Inertial control method: dangerous landscapes with objects to collect, creatures to avoid and puzzles to solve. Similarly, your character is a little tricky to direct, but after a while it becomes more a matter of timing than skill. The sound is very appealing with a jolly title tune backed up by some Boulderdash-style effects.

Graphically, it's a bit basic, and although the grids are quite small, they contain some extremely awkward routes; some of the later screen designs are particularly devious!

Fortunately, you're given plenty of lives. If you liked any of the Marble Madness genre and you're feeling a bit starved, this could be the game for you.

I've been pulling my hair out in clumps over this game, it is *so* frustrating. Mastering control of the ball is a real headache, as most of the action takes place on platforms suspended in space: one foul move and your poor ball falls into oblivion.

However, after several heated sessions I managed to gain control of the sphere, which greatly increased my enjoyment of the game. The sound is inoffensive, and the gameplay is fast, colourful and very smooth in operation, as indeed, are the majority of the recent Mastertronic efforts. A very 'cute' game that is infuriatingly addictive.

Go and buy it third, or even forthwith.

Presentation 43%
Good instructions, informative and uncluttered display but no real options.

Graphics 61%
Spartan, but extremely effective, with smooth and precise ball movement.

Sound 62%
An appropriately jolly title tune and average spot effects.

Hookability 81%
Once the slightly awkward controls have been mastered, the action is frustrating but compelling.

Lastability 87%
The appealing puzzle factor and increasing complexity prove highly addictive.

Overall 82%
An entertaining and engrossing puzzle/dexterity game.