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I first got to grips with the Commodore 64 version of Uchi Mata towards the end of last year. I found it frustratingly difficult to get to grips with. Sadly, I've got the same problem with the Amstrad and Spectrum conversions. And they have the added disadvantage of not looking as good.

The graphics on the Spectrum curled lips from most people who wandered past while the games were being reviewed.

There's a practice made which is supposed to allow you to get to grips with your opponent - who won't fight back - and practise the various moves.

It's here I found things starting to go wrong. The most I could get my player to do was grab his opponent's jacket. There then followed a brief shuffle as I moved the joystick about to trying to produce a spectacular throw. Somehow I never seemed to make it. The players just stood facing each other. It doesn't make for thrilling moments.

Even in fight mode it seemed to be merely luck - and frantic joystick-wraggling - which allowed me to make some sort of throw. Most of the time I ended up the victim with the only belts achieved being the ones handed out by my opponent.