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This is one of the few new games written exclusively for the Spectrum 128. But don't get too excited. This sprawling arcade adventure won't be making 48K machine owners jealous. In fact, they might be glad that they stuck with their regular machine.

Trooper takes an absolute age to load and when it's done you end up wondering why you bothered to take the time anyway. It doesn't appear to take advantage of the 128's extra capabilities - not even the superior sound.

Here's a quick look at the plot. You play the part of the one they call trooper. Your mission is to escape the planet where earth politicians captured by treacherous aliens, have been transformed into killers by a nasty bit of alien machinery.

You have to find a way off the planet by battling your way across it, finding useful objects along the way and dabbling in a bit of unarmed combat as well.

If you've seen Asterix you'll remember how a little window appears when you encounter a Roman soldier and you have to indulge in a bit of Fist-type punching and kicking.

This is what happens here except the whole screen changes and presents you with an enlarged view of your trooper and his opponent. If you're in two player mode, you take a fighter each.

Once you've KO'd the enemy it's back to exploring the planet.

But climbing isn't easy despite the instructions which tell you that by simply moving against a low stone you'll be able to climb it. I couldn't make it happen.

You can pick up things like a gun, rope - useful for climbing higher cliffs - and stones to build steps.

Graphics are crude and tiny - apart from the "close-up" fight screens. And sound - well, I can't recall actually hearing any.

Trooper isn't a game that will make you want to rush out and get a 128 for. Save your cash and get hold of CRL's Academy - it shows they are capable of much better things.