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When this game came out over a year ago, the shoot-'em-up world was in a bit of a decline. People preaching the creed of the long, slow, boring adventure game were at their most vociferous. Graphics were even introduced to adventures in an attempt to make those who prefer a quick zap to stray from their chosen path (even though most adventure players can't stand pics).

However, a sign was sent from the great Asteroids player in the sky in the shape of Uridium from His chosen messenger Andrew Braybrook. Uridium was *very* fast, very colourful and extremely well thought out.

You have to destroy sixteen different space cruisers, each one named after a particular metal. Each craft has various surface targets that have to be wiped out, homing mines to be avoided, and escorting figures to get rid of. After a set time you have to land on the ship, fiddle with the reactor, and fly away. Blasting as much of the ship that is left as possible.

The game is fantastically complex, and one of the faster games around. The gameplay has been imitated since (See Psycastria or W.A.R.) but never equalled, certainly never exceeded. Uridium has recently come out on the Spectrum, where most of the original is retained, but without colour or as good animation and speed. Perhaps they'll get around to the Amstrad version soon.

Uridium got the resurgence in shoot-'em-ups going, let's hope it lasts.