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Switchblade was stunning on the console - but what can the 'ordinary' CPC make of Gremlin's epic kick-em-up?

But first... the plot. You are Hiro, the last of the Bladeknights, a mysterious band of warriors who drew their not inconsiderable power from a sword called the Fireblade. The sword has been destroyed by the totally evil and bogus dude, Havok. You, being a most righteous cool hombre, decide that it is time someone taught Havok a little lesson in manners. Apart from your incredible martial arts skills, you have one distinct advantage over the enemy... you have a bionic arm, to which you can attach a wide variety of weapons.

Your quest is to recover the missing fragments of the Fireblade, and when it is re-assembled, use it to destroy Havok. There are sixteen fragments in all, and the area they are hidden in is absolutely vast. The screen does not scroll as you go exploring, but 'flips' a screen at a time. And until you enter a room or chamber, it is in darkness - so you don't know what's waiting for you. (Once entered, a room will remain visible for the rest of the game.)

Hiro is a small but very athletic sprite, with a neat line in physical violence. His variety of kung fu moves are controlled by the Fire button - the length of the press dictating the strength and type of the blow. The baddies aren't particularly hard, but they do crop up in the most irritating places, hampering progress and generally messing with your happy thoughts.

There are many bonuses, hidden features and secret rooms to discover, and finding everything there is to find will be an enormous task. Progress, however, is quick and linear, with the sheer size of the game being your main obstacle.

The graphics are superb, with wonderfully detailed sprites which are full of character and beautifully animated. The backdrops are well done, and convey the apocalyptic atmosphere of the game very well. Sound is outstanding, with melancholy tunes playing throughout the game. The real quality of the game, though, is in its playability, and in this department Switchblade is a beaut.

One point that should be made is the comparison between this standardised version, and the supposedly advanced console/Plus version. The CPC version is remarkable for being very nearly as good as its cartridge-based big brother. Both versions play in exactly the same way, and at exactly the same speed - in fact, the only discernible variation is the slight lack of colour on the CPC, but this does not affect gameplay, and barely detracts from the graphical appeal of the game.

Totally fabulous this one, and a real treat for all the jealous observers of the console scene. Y'all are gonna have a big lurve for this game. Shake it baby, shake it. [Frank's Scottish - Ed]

Astounding but true. There is little discernible difference between this and the cartridge version. Great atylised graphics, brilliantly fluid gameplay. Switchblade is a winner!

Graphics 89%
Smooth and well animated. The 'drab' colours suit it well.

Sonics 90%
Wonderful atmosphere tunes give it a haunting quality.

Grab Factor 92%
Totally addictive from the word go.

Staying Power 91%
Excellent fun and an incredibly large challenge.

Overall 90%
One of the most bodacious, inspirational, outstandingly cool CPC games available.