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As I've never had the opportunity to play the 'classic' board version, this review is going to take me flippin' ages, as first I've got to learn all the rules and then attempt to have a reasonable game. Cheers Stu!

Later...

Much later...

As expected, the dramatic, bloodthirsty packaging and scenario are as misleading as a "Neighbours" endorsement (another 'fun' assignment from the Ed!). If you're looking for blood, guts and the charge of the Light Brigade you've got the wrong game. Much depends on your imagination in this game of squares, memory and guesswork. But like chess, once you've learnt and understood the various rules it proves to be an enthralling game.

The game begins with two armies of 40 pieces opposing each other on a battlefield separated by two lakes. 33 of the pieces are ranking members of the army, ranging from a Marshall (1) to a weakling Scout (9). To attack, move your piece on to your opponent's square and the highest-ranking piece will displace the lower. Sounds easy, but the computer's pieces are unidentified until engaged in combat - so your initial attack must be blind.

Each side also has six bombs and one flag. Obviously I wouldn't advise you to attack a bomb - well, unless you're an Editor! - because whatever the rank of your piece, it's removed from the board. This rule cleverly prevents you simply using your most powerful pieces to decimate enemy ranks at the start - it makes more sense to explore with low or mid-rank pieces.

Some pieces have special powers: Miners defuse bombs, Scouts can move any number of unoccupied squares and a Spy can remove a Marshall if it attacks first - but, having no rank itself, when attacked it automatically loses.

You can win in two ways: either moving a piece onto your enemy's flag, or alternatively by trapping the enemy so he can't move any piece legitimately. But of course the enemy can do this to you too!

At the start, the computer's army occupies the top half of the battlefield and your army occupies the bottom. Experts will prefer to set out their pieces individually, but for beginners this is a bit time-consuming as the joystick/pointer control is fiddly.

Thankfully, there are thirteen standard setups to choose from, each sounding more exciting than the last: "Blitzkrieg! Your most powerful pieces assemble in the first row; several Miners join the forward deployment. Well-dispersed Bombs are a smoking black invitation to an opponent's recklessness." You can also save your own start-up positions.

A big advantage to the game is the five skill levels, rising in intelligence through the ranks, with Marshall being the smartest (a bit unrealistic, this!). There are plenty of different options to explore and eventually you'll feel confident enough to undertake a campaign, consisting of a series of five battles, each more difficult than the last.

Unsurprisingly for a strategy game, the graphics are uninspiring but owners of dodgy TVs should beware: the numbers identifying the ranks of your pieces are a little indistinct and could send you as short-sighted as guess who! However, after a bit of fiddling around with my TV I got it working fine, but no amount of volume twiddling will improve the minimalistic sound effects.

Another disappointment is the lack of a two-player game - sadly no chance to show up the Ed! But these are minor niggles, this is a contest that demands your full attention, careful planning, thorough description and well-timed boldness. Well worth a look for anyone with reasonable intelligence.

If you're looking for something a bit different, Stratego is well worth a look, successfully mixing elements of battleships and chess. Like them, the decision to ignore strategic realism avoids fiddly simulation detail - instead you have just the core gameplay which isn't half-bad.

Admittedly the graphics quality could be clearer, but being in charge of lots of people who aren't always having a go is a real pleasure!

Presentation 80%
Very nice loading screen - viewed from a distance. Good use of menus. Save game, save preset, undo move and replay move options.

Graphics 59%
Primitive 'square' soldiers and unclear ranking figures.

Sound 57%
Okay intro tune and a pleasant bomb sound when you blow up your opponent.

Hookability 83%
Easy to get into for this sort of game and soon becomes compelling.

Lastability 75%
Plenty of variations on the game, but could become a little bit samey once you work out the computer player's approach.

Overall 76%
A fairly slick 'transcription' of a good board game.