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It begins with deceptive calm. Ground missiles launch in predictable fashion and fuel dumps abound like Pac Man clones. Even with reckless flying you can rack up a healthy score... which is just as well considering the delights in store. The first stage in this fine version of the arcade shoot-'em-up is a little more than a travelogue before the main feature. The action hots up considerably as you enter (cue fanfare) The Scramble System!

Always been one of my favourite genres of game, this. The Defender-like speed, combined with a definite challenge to penetrate further is just irresistible. There are always new strategies to try as you forge on with the mission. Having nuked out the ground forces you'll enter the cavern system. Here you'll encounter UFOs. I used up countless space-fighters at this stage. Like Flash Gordon with delusions of grandeur I'd zip back and forth, releasing hails of laser fire, before the inevitable collision with a cavern wall. I eventually sussed out that the only sure way to wipe away the aliens was to hang back and fire steadily. They'd be drawn like moths to a flame and mucho damage was done with barely a flick of the wrist.

Then comes the real test, a hail of meteorites which are hard to avoid and impossible to destroy. I've yet to survive 'em and so haven't seen the fortress which I'm assured lies just around the corner. While less impressive than Penetrator (for the Spectrum) this remains a neat implementation of the classic game. The graphics are colourful, the scrolling smooth and the challenge quote gruesomely high. Ace pilots can brag to their friends via the hall of fame and there are options for keyboard or joystick control. Can you beat the system?