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The galaxy is under threat from a malevolent race of cyborgs: part animal, part machine, all co... er, all out to be as nasty as they possibly can. Having taken control of most inhabitable worlds, they went on to conquer the planet of the golden dragon, the galaxy's last hope. Then, strangely enough, from amongst the cyborgs themselves rose a solitary rebel, a curious mechanoid dragon determined to halt its former comrades.

This awesome battle is represented by a horizontally-scrolling shoot-'em-up with five levels, each ending with huge cyborg ringleader (a giant bull, a flying saucer, the Mazefirer, the Mallard and the Hive).

As well as spitting plasma bolts, the rebel dragon can use its indestructible tail to protect itself. Tokens can be collected to drastically improve firepower by adding extra torpedoes, or changing your weapon to a laser, fireball or bouncing bombs. And if your joystick doesn't have an autofire switch, the Amiga game has a built-in autofire option ('for one handed play'!). Implemented by pressing 'A'.

A rather obscure coin-op, this one: even Robin's never played it. Still, if it's anything like the conversion I'm not surprised as it's a very derivative blast-'em-up. The indestructible tail is a good idea, but on the Amiga version you can simply wrap yourself in it for the first couple of levels and go and make a cup of tea. Then it becomes impossible! The 16-bit graphics are only ordinary and the simple blast-it-all action is never exciting.

The C64 is similarly dull, mainly due to the incredibly low difficulty level - with a bit of extra firepower it's easy to slaughter everything on-screen. In fact, the main hazard is the flitch which occasionally kills your dragon for no reason whatsoever!

A higher difficulty level could have made all the difference as technically this isn't a bad conversion. There's a pleasant (optional) tune playing throughout and plenty of large sprites zipping around the screen - I was especially impressed by the large end-level superbaddies with the screen flashing dramatically when they first appear.

Knowing The Sales Curve, Amiga Saint Dragon is probably a very close conversion, however it's questionable if their considerable talents should've been spent on such a derivative coin-op. The dragon looks like a snake, while the 'unique' tail sadly just trails along and can't be used to lash enemies as you might like. If you liked the coin-op, or simply can't get enough of horizontally scrolling shoot-'em-ups, the slick Amiga conversion could well find favour. End-level monsters are impressive and there's certainly some nasty attack waves (level two is hair-tearingly tough) but I was never hooked.

The C64 game is no less polished, only this conversion is too easy with level one being particularly dull. Technically the game's impressive, with attractive, fast-moving sprites, varied backdrops and good end-level creatures. The dragon sprite is well drawn, but small so the tail is of little use, and this only emphasizes the awkward shape of the dragon for this type of game.

It's certainly not the nippy little spaceship you expect, and not big enough to be impressive in Dragon Breed-fashion. Worth a look though.

Presentation 75% Lengthly multi-load, high score table, toggle music/FX, four continue plays. Packaging includes a free badge.

Graphics 75% A smaller but okay dragon sprite, fast-moving enemies on fair scrolling backdrops. Impressive superbaddies.

Sound 63% Pleasant tune can be swapped for standard spot FX.

Hookability 60% The first couple of levels are a little too easy...

Lastability 52% ...and with a mere five levels, it shouldn't take long to complete.

Overall 55% This dragon has lost its fire.

Presentation 69% Few options but four continue-plays and mini-intro. Continuous loading cuts game interruptions to a minimum. Free badge.

Graphics 72% Lack of background detail and colours but plenty of detailed, very fast-moving sprites!

Sound 58% Reasonable if repetitive music and dreary effects.

Hookability 69% The unusual dragon sprite spices up the standard shoot-'em-up format.

Lastability 55% Only five levels but they get tough pretty quickly - however, you're unlikely to be inspired enough to persevere.

Overall 59% An okay conversion of a mediocre coin-op.