Solve an enigma

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In the latest release in the Super Silver range from Firebird Software, an ancient ship of the doomed galactic colonisation programme has mysteriously entered Earth space.

You must enter this ghostly ship, which is full of non-humanoid life, to solve the enigma of Star Drifter.

You start in the bridge which, like all the rooms, has circuit boards, dials and switches plastered on the walls.

The first job is to find a gun to fend off the marauding aliens that frequently hustle up to you.

You have three lives and a limited supply of oxygen which gets lower if you bump into an alien.

Scattered about the ship are objects such as floppy discs, potions and a tool box, which yield a bonus when found.

The hyper-zap gun and the oxygen replenishing oxygenator are especially useful.

You are instructed what to look for so you're not totally in the dark. The major difficulty is that certain corridors are sealed by doors requiring keys to get through. Other blockages even need blasting away with a bomb.

The hardest part of the game is moving the keys around the 120 rooms, since you can only carry three things.

Sound is fantastic but optional, with all the usual blasts, pings and tinkles.

The graphics are detailed, with each room shown in plan view on the screen and animation is smooth with large distinct characters.

Star Drifter is great fun, addictive and kept me hooked for hours at a time.

Phil Tudor