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After a few weeks playing with this game I have to admit that I'm not greatly impressed, despite the fact that this is the new much praised game from Geoff Crammond, author of Revs and Aviator.

It certainly is very clever (all 10,000 screens of it!) with solid 3D graphics and a complex strategy gameplay required. However, I can't get too worked up over it because (to be frank) I find it a bit of a bore.

The aim is simple: from a starting position in a 3D landscape of hills, you must absorb enough energy from trees, boulders and robots in order to build a robot on higher ground, transport your player over to it and continue.

But continue to what? Well, each screen is guarded by a Sentinel, always on the lookout for you and likely to absorb all your energy, and the ultimate idea is to get above him so that you can then take *his* energy. Each screen has a password and entry to the next is your reward, unless your energy level is high enough to propel you several levels ahead.

And that's it! No real added complexity (apart from extra robots) on subsequent levels and I found the routine of identifying energy sources, absorbing energy and moving upwards, whilst hiding from the Sentinel, is not my idea of fun.

Although it's brilliantly programmed, the game is not for me. I'm sure it will sell well and have formidable success but I think it is going to be over-rated. Check out the other brand new games in this issue and you may well agree that the challenge of this game may well be an individual one.

Of course, it is still my understanding that this could be ideal if you're looking for the Beeb version of a hard jigsaw. May I suggest you try and play with it before parting with cash?

Dave Reeder