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A bio-engineering complex has been overrun with genetically altered spores. The only pesticide that can destroy them is stored in the base, and therefore someone needs to enter the complex and collect as many barrels of it as possible.

Each laboratory, seen from overhead, is represented by a static screen. The mission begins in a manoeuvrable star-shaped craft, which has multi-directional blasters directed via the joystick.

Pesticide barrels are found lying amid spore generators and waves of glowing spores. Access to the next lab is gained only when all the barrels have been collected, which involves negotiating the screen's puzzle-like layout.

Laser beams block sections of the lab, but are turned on and off by blasting the blue beam generators, and re-directed by shooting reflectors. Doing this also releases the previously enclosed spores however, allowing them to flood toward the ship and drain its energy. Energy is replaced by collecting flasks, but these are easily blasted.

Spore is a tremendous little game, and the action is fast-paced, hectic and extremely enjoyable. The gameplay is original enough to warrant a higher price tag than it has here, and the inclusion of a screen designer and a superb shoot-'em-up loader game makes it an essential purchase.