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'Therbo (no I haven't caught a cold), is the first thing I've seen from Arcade for some time. AT FIRST I thought it was just a confusing mixed up sort of game. After a lot of playing I proved myself very wrong indeed. Galactic football best describes it, with you trying to protect the ball, sorry thermal ballistic object, and score. This alternative to war is a refreshingly original game which becomes addictive after practice. The graphics are smooth and 'practical', any more complex and they may have swamped this game. If you gave it a quick play in the shops you would probably leave it there; it is the sort of game that grows on you as your skills improve - a factor which is reflected in my 'getting started' rating.'

'This game took me ages to get the hang of. It is very difficult to grasp the ideal objectives. The instructions do try to make everything clear but just don't really cope with it at all. The graphics are clear and move very quickly about the screen. Colour is well used with no apparent attribute problems, with the sound being mainly spot effects, but at least meaningful ones. I think Therbo may appeal to quite a few people and although it is difficult to grasp the idea initially, it is well worth the effort. A good game that lacks a little for me in addictive qualities - strange and different.'

'I suppose if you had to describe cricket or football in about 500 words to people who had never heard of either game, you would also have difficulty getting all the subtleties across. A pity, because many people might put Therbo down before giving it a chance. It is a simple idea that is rich in playability once the objectives have been thoroughly understood. There are a daunting number of keys to play with, but not all of them are needed at the same time. The first stage of each goal run is quite challenging with a four directional tank to control and fire from, keeping an eye on the targets, the last depleted fuel supply and the essential fuel tanker (which darts about all over the place) and watching out that the computer doesn't knock your therbo out of play while all this is going on. The graphics are 'different' looking, effective and fast, and the result is an original, playable and ultimately addictive game which I enjoyed and will come back to.'

COMMENTS Control keys: Q/A tank up/down, O/P tank left/right and 0 to fire. W/S fires thrusters up/down, I fires polarity missiles, M for Mesmo destruct, and 1/2 fires positive/negative charge Joystick: Kempston, AGF, Protek Keyboard play: a lot of keys, but sensibly laid out and responsive Use of colour: not a lot, but very well used Graphics: smooth, fast and different Sound: poor to fair, mostly spot effects Skill levels: 3 Lives: N/A