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Love, they say, is the greatest thing, but handsome Mr. Savage isn't so sure. His affections have got him locked in emotional turmoil, not to mention a castle dungeon. His sweetheart is being held prisoner somewhere by the castle's owner, and not being able to stand the separation or the terrible microwaved dinners the gaoler serves up, Savage has decided to make his bid for freedom.

He makes off in search of the exit. In an attempt to keep up the appearance of a place of pain and torture, the dungeon has been kitted out with nasty energy-drinking denizens which Savage can destroy with magic axes or whatever other weapons he can find.

If he manages to make it across pits of flame and booby traps, Savage reaches the dungeon Guardians, mighty beasts which guard the dungeon exits with lightning bolts.

Once out, it's time to load the next level, in which our hapless barbarian legs it through Death Valley, an area inhabited by animated skulls and ghosts. You get a 3D Perspect-O-Vision barbarian's eye view of the proceedings as Savage dodges large monoliths which approach at frightening speed. Run into anything on this level and it's one life down the cesspit.

After all this running about and risking of life and limb, Sav feels a bit cheesed off when he gets to the end of Death Valley and finds out his girlfriend is locked in the same castle he's just escaped from.

Not wanting to face the ghosts and the skulls again, he returns by another route only to find his entrance to the castle blocked. His only hope of rescuing her is to send his eagle into the castle to destroy the last of the demons with venomous spit, then pick up their special powers. Savage's extraordinary psychic rapport with his eagle allows him to guide it through the scrolling maze of passages which will eventually lead to the girl of his dreams.

See! He may seem like a callous, muscle-bound hard man but in fact he's just a shy old Romeo in animal skins.

I cringed when I saw the Probe Software name on the press release accompanying Savage, thinking of some of their previous blunders.

However, after playing for a while I was surprised to find that this is really quite a good trio of games. The first part has some fairly addictive shooting and dodging action and some rather nice graphics to boot (one of the guardians looks just like Gordy).

The second section is a smidge too difficult, and after several untimely deaths I wondered why Savage didn't just run a little slower if dodging monoliths was such a problem.

The last stage looks like one for maze freaks only, but falling weights and spiky traps keep you on your toes. If you're after a bit of action, try Savage - there's something here for everyone.

Does this mean Probe Software's days of dross are over? They certainly seem to have turned over a new leaf, because Savage is really rather good.

There's quite a bit of gameplay variety, from Rastan-type running and bashing to Space Harrier-style 3D dodging, to a scrolling maze with extra bits.

The graphics in all are really nice, but the music is even better - the in-game tunes aren't bad but the title piece is really high energy stuff with loads of sampled instruments and voices.

Not the greatest game in the world, but certainly worth a look.

Presentation 60%
Joystick or keyboard options and passwords allow you to start play at any level.

Graphics 71%
Large, colourful and smooth.

Sound 88%
Excellent sample-packed soundtracks and some good effects.

Hookability 73%
Good looks and sounds draw you into the game immediately. Second section is a little frustrating though.

Lastability 70%
Certainly plenty of game for your money.

Overall 72%
Long-term playability and fine appearances make this a very interesting product.