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It is a dark time for the Alliance. Darth has gone over to the Dark Side and is leading the Galactic Empire in their bid to be nasty to everything in the galaxy. However, there is a new hope... and, yes, it's you!

You must put on the lights for the Alliance in the role of Luke Skywalker, as you train to be a Jedi Master, ready to beat the dark forces in the Empire. And waiting to train you in the ancient arts is, of course, Yoda. The little green one acts as your guide throughout the game, only appearing at the start of each level to give you one item and tell you what your mission is.

As you make your way around the first planet of Tatooine, trying to rescue Han Solo and free the Millennium Falcon from Jabba the Hut, it doesn't take long to work out that the entire game is very much in the style of Zelda. You travel around three-dimensional screens, entering huts and space stations and picking up likely objects to complete your tasks. On the way, there are many nasty creatures to dispatch with your light sabre, not to mentin dangerous sand people, vicious Storm Troopers and harmless little residents. A real Jedi Knight would never kill innocent beings, of course, but they do tend to get in the way.

To be honest, there is nothing mould-breaking about this format. You make your way around the map, opening locked doors and making transactions in seedy bars - just a few name changes could put you in any other role-playing game with no trouble. Nevertheless, it has to be said that, especially for Star Wars fans, the challenge here is undeniably compelling.

There is a great deal that stops Yoda Stories from being a real humdinger, not least the sound effects. No Star Wars spin-off would be complete without the legendary theme from the movie, and when you first switch the game on, it's hard to prevent a shiver of delight running down your spine on hearing the well-rendered familiar tune. Unfortunately, it goes on and on and on, with absolutely no option of turning it off. In the end, it is like listening to the most annoying mobile phone tune ever invented for eternity, so it's advisable to turn the volume down straight away.

Just as annoying is the password system, which means that Luke has to plough on for hours through every level, reaching the distant goal before you can allow yourself time to breathe. If there is one game that is crying out for a reliable save option, it is this one.

But these niggles aside, Yoda Stories really is such an enjoyable adventure that it's impossible to leave it alone until you know that the Dark Side has been defeated. One minute you're throwing the game across the room and rejoicing in Lord Vader's victory, and the next it's back into battle and time to finally work out that last clue.

Each level can take you to desert moons, snowy space stations and verdant planets in the blink of an eye, and much of the story is put together with great respect for the movie, tongue firmly lodged in cheek. In the end, only those with no respect for the force of good can resist the challenge and lay down their light sabre.

Whether you're a fan of Star Wars, or just like the kind of mini role-playing game that the Game Boy has always been so good at, you're going to love Yoda Stories.

This game has taken so long to come out, we all thought it had to be something special - and we definitely haven't been disappointed.

Great graphics, cool tunes, an engrossingly story line and lots to see and do make this the perfect game!

Grab your light sabre and get stuck in.

Graphics 80%
Cute and not annoying.

Sound 40%
Someone make it stop!

Playability 80%
If only you could save it!

Lastability 60%
A challenge, but then it's over.

Overall 84%
The Force is strong in this one.