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Sitting on our little world, who knows what lies beyond the stars? A few hundred years ago, people huddled in peat huts, scared to go to the shops, scared to travel out at night, and far too cautious to set foot on a boat. Apart from the Vikings, of course. They thought nothing of setting out without map and compass, in the off chance of a good pillage.

So when three of this hardy race were whipped up by a passing space freighter, they were just the sort of resourceful chaps to escape through a time loop and find their way back to their quiet Nordic village.

These three lost Vikings luckily kept their weapons beside them as they slept, and it's these primitive implements that serve to surmount every obstacle and the voyage home.

The three lost Scandinavians are best pals, and physically different from each other. This is useful, as it allows them both to co-operate and complement each other. The profile of the stars gives you some clues.

1. Olaf The Stout
   Olaf is the slowest character (who knows, maybe the dumbest), but has a vital role to play, by virtue of the shield he carries. Very little can pass through this thick wooden disc, and it covers the activities of the other two. It has a surprising secondary use as a glider - and works as a platform for Eric.
2. Baleog The Fierce
   Baleog is the company's man at arms. He carries a long bow, useful for distance attacks, and a sword for close-up fighting. However, his physical attributes are weak. The sword may be used as a hacking tool.
3. Eric The Swift
   Eric has a fiery mane of shocking red hair. His temperament matches it, as he's easily the Viking quickest to take offence. Eric's main asset is his physical agility. He has speed, jumping abilities and a special charge attack.

There are some objects scattered about the play area which come in handy. Apples and steaks replace lost energy (each Viking takes up to three hits). The X symbol is a powerful smart bomb that wipes out a troublesome enemies. The bomb has a similar effect against landscape objects.

Converted from the SNES, The Lost Vikings uses ideas developed in games like Lemmings and Humans.

Reach the exit on each level by beating enemies and solving puzzles.

Time covers a multitude of sins, and in this game a variety of baddies, background scenery and level formations. Just have a gander at what sort of terrain you're letting yourself in for:

1. Spaceship
   Fully automated space cruiser, including robot guards, lift between floors, and a central computer that needs to be knocked out. The spaceship is where you start and ultimately finish.
2. Egypt
   You'll want your mummy here. It's a pharoah-ly hostile place, with spitting scorpions, mad guards of the pyramids, fire-spitting tombs and lots of palm trees to negotiate (coconuts in Egypt? You live and learn). The inside of the tombs are chockfull of traps - look out for the hieroglyphics!
3. Prehistoria
   It's prehysterical. All sorts of primordial malarkey, like giant snails, dino-type lizards, and a strange rolling species that must have become extinct. There's a mixture of bubbling swampland and underground levels, and trees linked by rope bridge.

I changed my mind several times over Lost Vikings, but one thing is beyond doubt: it's a quality game. It's one of that rare breed, a real arcade adventure. Normally that means a platform game with a few knobs on, but this game really does force you to think.

When it's at its best, you're scratching your head looking for the solution to a level, knowing it's totally logical and just within reach... but you don't have a scooby!

However, there are lulls in the game, particularly early on, when it appears laborious and time-consuming. Also, once a level is solved, you have the password and no urge to play it again. With this in mind, I don't think the forty levels are going to last as long as it might appear.

Many Megadrive owners won't be attracted to the game by its screenshots and, in many instances, I don't blame them. But the game looks alright when it's being played.

Overall, I think Lost Vikings is endearing and well worth the effort, tailor-made for those who like their mind games with action as a side order.

The effort devoted to the design of this witty cart results in something that has a broad appeal. However, there are certain elements that are particularly frustrating if not utterly stupid.

These problems arise in the latter part of the adventure where the tasks expected of the Viings inevitably become more trying. As all Vikings are required to reach the exit gate before a level is considered complete, one fatality means the entire level requires working through all over again - tsch!

Ultimately this tarnishes the excitement a bit so Virgin ought to thank their lucky navigational constellations that the overall presentation is so damn good!

The necessity to maximise Eric, Olaf and Baleog's individual talents provides for some very satisfying hours of play. Lost Vikings is highly recommended, but don't say I didn't warn you!

Presentation 85%
P. The introduction serves as a tutorial and the clue boxes are a good idea. The two-player and character selection are well implemented.

Graphics 83%
P. The characters are great: stumpy, hairy and well animated. Graphically the game is accomplished throughout.
N. It looks quite dull, with no exciting features or effects to surprise.

Sound 68%
P. The music changes to suit the era.
N. It's a shame the sound FX are barely audible as some clanking samples would add atmosphere.

Playability 85%
P. The game is a good mix of thinking and acting. Puzzles are very logical.
N. Replying levels, and moving everyone along is sometimes a chore.

Lastability 80%
P. The levels are no walkover, with some voracious enemies in the later time zones.
N. Levels never have to be repeated. Nothing comes across as strikingly hard.

Overall 84%
Lost Vikings is a neat game with lots to it. A lorra levels, a lorra puzzles, a lorra swordplay and a lorra, lorra fun.