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Spindizzy is back! Paul Shirley's classic mixture of Marble Madness with a huge dollop of exploration elements went down a storm with 8-bit gamesters across the globe, but the hero of the piece, GERALD, has never appeared on a 16-bit system - until now!

The original author has taken Spindizzy into the 21st Century and beyond! Here, GERALD takes to the stars! The vast playing areas have been split up into worlds and solar systems, and for each world a different quest awaits. Generally, the objective is to collect a number of energy crystals scattered around the scrolling isometric 3D environment, and then making your way to the exit. Complete this for all sectors on a single world, and another even more fiendish one awaits!

If that sounds ridiculously simple, re-adjust your thinking! Your greatest challenge will be the terrain itself. The contoured hills and bumps all have an effect on GERALD. Shallow hills can be negotiated with ease, but GERALD's turbo boost facilities will be tested to the max in order to conquer some of Spindizzy's steeper peaks!

On some worlds a time trial comes into operation. Here, you'd better have your Spindizzy skills honed to perfection, as you're going to have to collect all those crystals *and* escape before the crushing time limit spells an end to your game-conquering aspirations.

Different coloured switches also litter the landscape. These all have some kind of effect over the lifts and pathways that can be found around each of the worlds. Some switches will turn on lifts. Others may create pathways that'll lead the way to that previously unreachable crystal. Almost lethal cunning is required in order to reach every crystal on every level.

But remember, when you're in control of GERALD, it's a matter of life and death! Pixel-perfect dexterity is needed in order to conquer the terrain and remember: if you fall too far, GERALD has a tendency to explode and lose you some energy! The assorted meanies that infest the worlds are also out for blood (or rather, energy), so it's a good idea to give them something of a wide berth in order to succeed.

Spindizzy ranked as the greatest 8-bit Marble Madness type game ever - and you discerning 16-bit owners have a new, improved version! It's not just a tepid port-across either.

Spindizzy was noted for its sheer vastness, but in this sequel it's been increased tenfold with hundreds of huge worlds to explore and enjoy. My current fave is PacAttack, where Spindizzy 2 doubles up as a 3D version of the classic Namco coin-op, only this time PacMan's out to get you!

The surreal graphics overall are superb and the use of colour is exceptional. The sound is great too - swing your pants to a totally groovable hardrock soundtrack and keep your ears pinned back for the decent spot FX. The vastness of the quest, coupled with the different objectives will keep your interest up for weeks on end.

You'd have to be a drooling pillock to forget about purchasing this classic game - so don't!