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Skyfox is a 3D flight and combat simulation, fought in the future. You are the hero of the game, Sky-Pilot and you get to pilot Skyfox, a very sophisticated piece of flying machinery and state-of-the-art electronics.

Your mission is basically the same every time - you have to defend your main base and usually other peripheral bases, which contain your family and friends as well.

When the game starts you can choose from fifteen different scenarios and five ranks, ranging from Cadet to Ace-of-the-Base. The first seven scenarios are for training purposes, and provide various combinations of tanks, planes, etc, for you to destroy.

In these training scenarios your plane is attacked, but the base isn't. When you've destroyed all the enemy units you just get more to practise on. The other eight scenarios are the real thing, the enemy actually advances towards your base(s) and if you don't act fast you are doomed.

Your plane is equipped with all sorts of advanced electronics. The main control panel looks quite complex at first, as you have plenty to look at. You have an overhead radar on the panel itself, which can be switched to forward radar by pressing the space bar.

You also have a computer available. When it is activated, a window appears, in real Mac style, which covers most of the screen except the control panel. The computer really lets you see what's going on and helps you plan your moves accordingly.

Skyfox requires an element of strategy on the harder levels. There is a tendency to use the game just as a shoot-'em-up, but that kind of approach usually means that you lose control of the situation, and you won't last long, especially if your main base is destroyed.

If your main base remains intact, you can land and refuel there. You also have some heat-seeking missiles and guided missiles, but once used they cannot be replaced. Skyfox is very fast. The makers claim 0 to mach 4 in four seconds!

The graphics are very nice, as they are solid 3D, which look rather like Flight Simulator 2, but much, much faster. The game looks excellent in colour, but I found it quite playable on a green screen too.

Control is by joystick only, and I found it very responsive. The overall flying effect is quite convincing.

The sound effects are reasonable on a standard Apple, but if you are lucky enough to have a Mockingboard you can enjoy much more dramatic effects, which add considerably to the realism as well as the superb title music - a must for any Mockingboard owner.

I discovered that pressing two secret keys when you're at the base will let you play Space Invaders. It sure plays a mean game of invaders, since you have no barricades and the aliens are quite fast. Pressing the Escape key gets you back to Skyfox.

Probably the best thing about all this is the price, only £17.95. If you have any difficulty getting hold of it, you can deal direct with Ariolasoft, the UK distributor. Their address is Suite 105/106, Asphaite House, Palace Street, London SW1E 5HS.

With so much going for it, I feel Skyfox will surely be a success.