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This set of three programs was devised using Tartan's very own Adventure System, a programming aid which can be used by anyone conversant with BASIC who has no desire to purchase the more expensive utilities on the market (Tartan's system only costs E4.50). Machine code routines are used but these are generated from a code generator program and no knowledge of machine code is required to make use of the system. The game, Spy Trilogy, might also be seen as an advert for the kind of things the utility can achieve such as split-screen scrolling and RAM SAVE.

The three linked adventures must be completed in the correct sequence. At the end of each you are given a code word which enables you to proceed to the next adventure. Time is an important and limiting factor, so to make things a little easier to begin with the clock is switched off in the first two adventures. Further encouragement lies in the fact that a practice mode is offered on the first game which leads into a real game once the 90% mark is reached.

There's a bit at the start of this game I'm not sure whether it is a joke or something which is explained later on. The program asks for your name, you dutifully type it in, and then the game immediately starts with your name, Bond (he of the leggy sports car helicopter movies). You have decided to apply for the secret service. To weed out those with enough sense to avoid risking their lives playing with poison darts and the like, you are exposed to a suitability test. This tests your intelligence, aptitude and application of logic to the very limit. You are placed in the simulated situation of having to collect five items of a potential agent's armoury from the Agent Training School. Your task is to be completed within six hours.

Before you load the main program (following the instructions) you are asked for 'Pictures on or off?' Also, a very helpful note tells you to start your map at bottom left of your paper. Whatever else night be said of this adventure it certainly knows how to be polite and knows how to woo the weary adventurer.

Difficulty: difficult
Graphics: average
Presentation: good
Input facility: v/n
Response: sluggish