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I must admit that when I first played Scooby's long awaited computer debut I wasn't impressed. OK, it looked very pretty and all that - but it was still a basic platforms and ladders game.

It was a far cry from the innovative development game Steve Wilcox of Elite had shown C&VG almost a year ago which was more like an interactive cartoon adventure in true Dragon's Lair tradition.

This route proved to be a dead end, so the guys at Gargoyle Games - yup, it's another one of theirs! - took over the project and turned it into the game you see before you.

Anyway, I wasn't terribly turned on by it all. Then, suddenly, I knew I was hooked. The dozy dog had me in his grip! I wanted to have just one more go at least a billion times during the evening I spent playing it.

The idea of the game is simple. You must help out canine hero rescue Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred from the clutches of a mad prof. The prof lives in a weird castle populated by ghosts, mad, faceless monks, bats and absolutely 'orrible ghoulfish.

Scooby's mates have all been placed in odd flasks - like genies - but it will take a lot more than a quick polish to help them escape their glass prisons.

Scoob has to fight his way up through the several floors of the castle, battling nasties all the way. One of his companions is hidden in a flash on each of the castle's four levels.

Velma can be found on level one - guarded by ghouls and horrible hooded thingies. The ghouls leap out from behind doors - but luckily there's a warning noise which lets you know when this is going to happen.

Good advice is not to stand near any of the doors, at any time, if you can help it. Scoob can defend himself by battering the attackers with his paws - they vanish, but not for long. And beware - the nasties attack you from both sides. So watch your back at all times!

If you want to rack up a massive score, simply get your back to a wall and batter all the ghosts that come at you. The score counter will whizz round!

There are skulls dotted around which Scoob has to jump over. Make your jump on the run otherwise you won't clear these deadly bits of bone. But make sure your path is clear by knocking out any nasties before you jump.

Look before you leap as there's nothing more frustrating than jumping right into the waiting arms of a killer ghost!

Scooby snacks can be found on the floors of the levels and these give you extra lives. But I've lost count of the times I've made a dash for the shack and grabbed it only to be wiped out by a nasty! And you're going to need all of Scooby's six lives to complete each level.

Level two is full of Things on Springs which have the awkward habit of trying to use the ladders at the same time as our hero. This is an added hazard on this level. The ghosts on level one stick to the corridors.

Level three is full of those horrible ghoulfish. Small masterpieces of graphic design and animation these things float about opening and shutting their awesome jaws. They want to make a smack of Scooby!

Bats also shriek through the air and this gives Scoob a chance to show off another neat effect in the game. He dives for the floor and covers his eyes with his paws. A nice amusing touch, this...

The final level is full of Mad Monks who obviously enjoy a bit of keep fit, as there's a load of flying dumb-bells and medicine balls rolling around making Scoob's life even more difficult. There's always lots to do in the mad prof's castle!

The graphics on both versions are excellent. The choice of colours, design of the characters, animation and feel of the game are just right. Sound isn't that great - just some adequate spot effects - no tunes.

One really nice touch is the practice option which enables you to play through and see all the levels of the game before you get stuck in for real. You still lose lives but not at such a frightening rate.

Use this feature to work out the best routes to your captured comrades.

Playability? Well, Scooby isn't easy. Don't expect the game to be a pushover and be prepared for some initial frustrations. But persevere - it's well worth it.

Scooby-Doo has been worth waiting for. It's challenging, long lasting and lots of fun.