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Zelda! To some people, this is the definitive RPG and now it appears in its third incarnation on the Super Famicom. The game features the exploits of a small elf named Link. Zelda is a smart, and sexy, little princess who spends most of her time getting kidnapped by evil magicians. This causes no end of problems for the hapless Link, as he's the one who always has to bail her out.

Link is a strong lad and dead brave too. He must be strong though, because he can carry a quite unfeasibly large amount of stuff in his magic pockets. Armed initially with a small sword, his weaponry can be upgraded as you progress and certain weapons are needed for certain baddies. The game is viewed from a bird's eye perspective and you walk around the world of Zelda fighting baddies.

The map is huge and map-making skills would be an advantage.

As well as the Gauntlet-style shooting and bashing, you will have to use your brain to solve rather tricky puzzles. Perseverance and patience are required, but the game has a useful battery back-up facility, so you can turn off and continue later.

Zelda is a huge game, but the shocking discovery of a parallel dimension makes it even bigger. This other dimension is an evil version of the Zelda world. The baddies change and the vegetation takes on a sinister aspect, but other than that, the layout is identical.

You need to flip between worlds using the mirror if you are to complete the game, as the evil dimension contains some essential spells and weapons.

One thing about Zelda 3 is the Japanese text. You'd be forgiven for thinking this made the game impossible to play, but you couldn't be more wrong. All you have to know is the difference between yes and no. Yes is always placed at the top of your reply list and you can complete the game quite happily just by replying yes to any questions.

It might work out expensive in terms of what you can afford to buy in shops, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

The main ingredient of the Zelda games is sorcery. In this respect, Zelda 3 is no different from the other games in the series. There are various magical spells available, but easily the most important is the magic mirror.

This allows you to teleport at will from a number of magic squares in the magical kingdom. This makes getting around the world a lot faster and easier. One snag though, the mirror can be lost if you try to teleport through the evil underworld. Gadzooks!

I didn't half like the first two Zelda games and this one is a real sight for sore eyes. The success of the first two games was largely due to the immediately accessible arcade style of play. Zelda 3 retains this and the elements of strategy and adventure are added treats rather than annoying extras.

The game has a lot in common with Gauntlet and games of that ilk. Most of the logic problems involve finding your way out of traps and mazes. You'll also have to decide which weapons or magic powers are best suited to certain tasks.

The graphics are very simple, but the animation is fluid and the game is packed full of colour. Sound-wise, Zelda 3 is spot-on. It has some great orchestral scores and lovely sound effects throughout. The Japanese text might look daunting, but it doesn't affect the gameplay much at all.

If you liked the first two games, or you fancy a spot of RPG-related malarkey, then get this straight away, it's a corker!