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Pity the minor super hero. While Superman and Spider-Man flaunt themselves on the Comicworld stage in cape, lights and spandex, more modest characters like The Flash receive scant recognition. At an early age he discovered he was the fastest 'thing' in the universe, which meant he always won the Egg and Spoon race on school sports day.

But even though he grew up using his powers against the forces of evil, he never got the recognition of his DC and Marvel counterparts. He became a specialist hero. Thinking it was because he sounded like a disinfectant, he even considered becoming 'Jeff', until the famous non-scouring cream cleaner appeared. Probe's surprise Master System release could be his final chance to steal some glory, as he battles The Trickster, so chase him.

Flash is a DC Comics character; this is a platform game. Contrast and compare...

Reach the exit sign of each level to confront the vehicular boss. Collect flashes and black bonuses.

1. City Central
   The Flash's headquarters are at Star Labs, located in the heart of Central City. His surveillance babe alerts him to the acts of the Trickster, who is systematically robbing the gem vaults for campaign funds.
2. Flash In The Frying Pan
   Flash starts off in the inner city, in the midst of the Trickster's campaign to be elected mayor. Thugs are waiting on the rooftops for our speed freak, throwing bottles of Becks and potato peelers when they see him. Flash has to watch out for the spiky traps that lurk below innocent-looking pavements. Plus the threat of the deadly traffic cones!
3. Fun Factory
   The second levels are set in a theme park which is more unfair than Fun Fair. Flash is at home on the Switchback, but flying saucer patrols lurk. Crusher gates must be negotiated on this level, but both sections have nifty secret passages that bypass most of the dangerous bits.
4. Muck And Brass
   The smelly third level is set underground. Carved heads shoot ankle-leve flames, and other chiropody problems await a Flash who runs across the rows of teeth. Findng the exit becomes a hunt for the obscure, requiring sewer skimming and lever-pulling.
5. Flash Man
   Flash's powers are based round speed. He can jump buildings, sometimes needing the aid of springs. Pressing the direction of movement twice puts on a super spurt. His first attack is a spin move, which wastes most enemies. Flash also carries a molecular disruptor, which kills from close range.

Sometimes games like upon a knife-edge of like and hate. I've felt both ways about Flash whilst playing it. It looks quite good for a Master System game, not as polished as Mickey Mouse or Sonic, put plenty on-screen and fast-moving. The levels are large and have more than one route, which gives a sense of space and freedom to the game. Secret passages, and a range of bonus items add variety to the speedy platform format.

Right, that's the like part. But sometimes this game is bonkin' infuriating! The traps can be nasty, and the aims of some levels obscure. The traps can be nasty, and the aims of some levels obscure. Some hair-tearing is guaranteed. Occasionally it looks and plays crap, but on balance Flash is really quite cool.

I agree entirely with my reviewing comrade on this game. The Flash is a fast, highly playable platform romp with some decent, well-defined graphics and okayish sound. Whilst some liberties appear to have been taken with both the character (The Flash is a lot slower than his comic counterpart) and reality (Flash symbols and spikes in the streets?), the game has got it where it counts.

Yes, it is a tad frustrating at times, but it's almost certainly one of the better Master System games we've had in for review recently.

Presentation 78%
P. There's a lot to each level.
N. The graphics aren't very polished, and looked tagged together.

Graphics 82%
P. The sound programmer has at least experimented with funky grooves.
N. Sadly on the MS, the blip-blip effect reigns supreme.

Sound 75%
P. The speed is certainly in blue hedgehog territory. Challenging levels too.
N. Frequently annoying, and some crap levels.

Playability 86%
P. The control method is very straightforward. This makes exploration very rewarding!
N. The RPG overtone to the battle scenes isn't as accessible as the usual beat-'em-up fare.

Lastability 81%
P. Enough levels and baddies to send a thousand Flash's to game heaven.
N. Discovering the secret passages shortens the game. Levels are easy to learn.

Overall 84%
A solid platform game with meaty levels and a good control 'feel'. Nothing 'flashy' in terms of presentation, but there's plenty of game in there.