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This is the third version of the excellent Spectrum science fiction, arcade strategy game that was first reviewed in the December issue of Computer Gamer. We then followed it up with a player's guide and reviews of both the Amstrad and Amstrad disc versions (this was a Special Edition with added features) now, at last, here is the C64 version.

When CRL convert a game, they also adapt to include any additional features that the host machine will allow. C64 Tau Ceti is no exceptional.

I remember reviewing the original Spectrum game and so I immediately noticed the differences.

The game is still set in the year 2055 on the planet Tau Ceti III. Your mission is to pilot your one man Galcorp Skimmer between the planet's thirty cities, find and retrieve the pieces of the reactor rods spread throughout the cities substations, then return to the central reactor in the capital Centralis and power down the reactor. This will close down the planetary defences that are now trying to destroy you and allow the recolonisation of the planet.

The screen display has been redesigned so that it's easier to navigate between the buildings in either daylight, by flares or by infra-red vision when it's dark.

Now there are also warning lights to tell you when you are being tracked or attacked by the planet's defences but the real differences appear when you dock with a building as the programmers have used the extra memory to add graphic interiors for the buildings as well as an incredibly useful addition to the map function. In the original game, typing MAP produced a route map showing the jump pad connections between the cities. Now you can find out more information on any city simply by entering its name including an estimation of the strength of its defences and the positions of the jump pads.

Docking with the right building at the right time is essential if you are to win the game as you find the reactor rods in the substations, repairs in the supply centres and more missiles in the military supply centres.

This is an excellent conversion of a superb game using the C64 capabilities to improve the original game. I wonder if CRL are planning an Amiga version?