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White Magic is the latest release from the new software house The 4th Dimension, and it's excellent. It takes the best features from several arcade adventures blending them into one blockbuster of a game. In many ways it's reminiscent of the arcade game The Gauntlet.

In it you must survive and progress through 32 game levels, each with its own theme. There are aggressive guards, trolls, ghosts and spectres to destroy, objects to find and use - and some to avoid, too. Transporters whizz you to different parts of the screen and have to be used correctly in order to complete the level.

You have a choice of four characters, each with its own special powers, strengths and weaknesses, and can swap between them at any point in the game by pressing the keys 1 to 4 to deal with each danger and puzzle.

Kaldor the leprechaun can run very quickly - sometimes the best defence is to beat a hasty retreat - and can climb over tree trunks that block your route. Chysel the titan is a powerful axe-wielding barbarian who slays all in his path. He can also push objects aside.

Moriana the warrior lacks Chesul's great strength but makes up for it with body armour, a shield and razor sharp sword. Mandrake the enchanter is endowed with magical powers and is able to use potions to weaken and dispose of his assailants.

Each character has its own armour rating, weapon strength, magical power and health, attributes which are constantly displayed on screen to the left and right of the central playing area.

As you explore each level you'll come across objects that can be put to good use in your quest. Some increase a character's strength, others add to Mandrake's supply of potions, shields build up your armour, swords aid your combat ability and so on.

The game closely resembles Superior's Ravenskull, but unlike that brilliant arcade adventure, here the action comes thick and fast and the emphasis is on battling adversaries and solving puzzles.

The action takes place in a window occupying about half the screen. You can only see a small portion of the total playing area. As you move to the edge of the screen it flicks rapidly to the next - not scrolling like Ravenskull. This means you can't see what objects or assailants lie just off screen, waiting for you to step into their trap.

The graphics are superb, but the sound effects are minimal. However, this doesn't detract too much from the otherwise excellent gameplay. If you are on the lookout for a new arcade adventure challenge, White Magic fits the bill nicely.

Janice Murray