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Sega's amazing coin-op with the hydraulically manipulated console first appeared as a conversion around a year and a half ago. Although a good seller, Space Harrier was generally regarded as something of a disappointment - due mainly to the restrictions imposed by the smaller, 8-bit machines.

Now - and after quite a delay (I saw working and apparently finished levels of the ST version at last year's PCW show) - Space Harrier has finally arrived on the 16-bits. The main difference between these and earlier versions are the colourful graphics plus the speed and quality of the 3D update. The chequerboard floor moves extremely smoothly, and the sprites are nicely drawn, although still quite jerky at times.

As with its predecessors, however, the game suffers from one major flaw: since the action is viewed from behind the main character he successfully blocks any fire heading directly for him. This frequently leads to the loss of a life simply because oncoming missiles are completely hidden from view!

Ultimately, Space Harrier is disappointing. Without the novelty of being thrown around in the hydraulic seat, the game is reduced to a fairly average shoot-'em-up which, at worst, can be extremely frustrating. Having said that, this is the definitive Space Harrier, and the one to go for if you're a fan of the coin-op. The Amiga version should be more or less identical.