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It had to happen. It was as inevitable as Pac-Man knickers and Space Invader shoulder bags.

The only surprising thing is that, considering the consumer-mad mentality of the nation that invented computer games, it didn't happen more quickly.

But it's finally here. Yes, folks - the world's first Dallas computer game has finally winged its way, all the way from the US of A to the C&VG review office.

You should have seen the pandemonium in our computer room as Dallas fan fought Dallas fan for the right to pen this review. Yours truly finally won it by a typically JR tactic - I bribed the editor.

Full marks must go to Datasoft for resisting the temptation of turning the world's favourite soap opera into some kind of absurd arcade-style game.

Instead, we are offered an above average adventure game with graphics featuring screens depicting Southfork, JR's office and all the famous characters from the TV show.

As a well-known private detective, you are summoned to Southfork by Sue Ellen. Determined to become financially independent of JR, Sue Ellen has a plan to get her hands on a wealthy oil field discovered in South America by Jock Ewing just before he died.

Your job is to find the lost map by contacting the mysterious Chugalug Jones who runs a trading post in South America.

But if you think this is going to be a cosy little adventure with you easily emerging as Sue Ellen's knight in shining armour, then forget it. JR's also involved in this little tale and you won't need me to tell you that, where oil is concerned, this particular Texan's thirst for the black stuff is second to none.

This is a tough adventure that will take the average player considerable time to solve. The graphics screens are well drawn and, thankfully, can be switched off when you want to concentrate on the text of the game.

Dallas is one of the range of American games imported into the UK under the US Gold label. I played the Atari version, but the game is also available for the Commodore 64.