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You've heard the joke about the bouncing Czechs, now play the computer game with the bouncing Arabs. I'm not sure the Race Relations Board is going to like this game a great deal but I'm sure you will.

Taking the role of Mic Mechanic, you must negotiate your way round a factory collecting tools, returning them to the workshop and collecting oil so that you can fill your car and make your escape to the next screen. You collect the oil and tools by running up and down ladders and jumping between platforms using ropes, springboards, conveyor belts and a wrap-around screen to help you.

If this isn't enough, you are chased around by sword-wielding Arabs who are more than a little disgruntled by the mess you've made in the factory and the fact that you're stealing their oil. Considering the price of the stuff these days, I'm not at all surprised!

The game has twenty-six screens (Coded A to Z) and each one presents a new challenge. There are some really difficult obstacles to overcome and it's easy to become addicted. The main task on each screen is to collect enough oil for your car to drive away. The real problem is not getting at the car but obtaining the oil in the first place.

You drop the oil down a grid to fill up the car which gradually appears from the wheels up till the roof plonks on top. The car trundles off the screen sounding rather sick, so it's no surprise that you have to fill it up all over again.

Graphics are excellent throughout the game and that all-too-frequent phenomenon of colour clash is virtually non-existent. There's some nice animation and the Arabs can be quite fast and extremely ruthless so you've got to be on your toes.

The graphics are well-drawn and animation is smooth. Colours are used effectively, so there is the minimum of clashing as characters meet. Sound consists of a reasonable tune and the usual burbles and beeps.

Gameplay is challenging and amusing, the later screens are very difficult and will tax even the most proficient player.

One reservation is the lack of variety in the characters, just you and the Arabs.

Overall, it's a very competent game with attractive graphics, good animation, and challenging screens. But isn't this game a little racist?

I really liked this new game by Bug-Byte. The animation is superb and hilarious. The sound gets a bit annoying (Pity there is no on/off option). It is a platform game but, because of the many objects to spring off and swing on, as well as lifts and conveyor belts to anticipate... well, there is a lot to think about!

Lasting interest? Twenty-six very difficult screens to complete, that should be enough to keep you glued to the computer for a good while. The original touches should give it the edge on its competitors.