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When IMAGINE bought the licences for a collection of KONAMI games, they acquired rights to some MSX titles which haven't appeared in the arcades, including Yie Ar Kung Fu II.

The story follows on from where Yie Ar Kung Fu left off. It is twenty years since Lee (the original hero) managed to almost wipe out the Chop Suey Gang. But as fate would have it, one member survived and managed to re-build the empire of evil. This villain now calls himself Yie Gah Emperor, and surrounded by his seven warlords and their retainers, he has spread his evil ways throughout China. Following in the great family tradition, Lees son - aptly named Lee Young - has vowed to overcome the last member of this nasty gang, and to wipe out everything that Yie Gah Emperor has created.

Lee's father has taught him well in the art of Kung Fu. Lee Young can perform all manner of moves against his opponents, including high and low kicks. He can also move right or left and jump or duck if necessary, and hurl weapons collected during his adventure.

Lee Young also has a few tricks up his sleeve to add to his repertoire of Kung Fu moves. When he destroys a complete formation of midget attackers he is awarded a tea leaf. Five of these tea leaves are enough to make a cup of OO-Long Tea, which Injects Lee Young with a new supply of energy, and up to three cups of OO-Long tea can be made and drunk in one game.

Another useful pick-me-up is Lee's Chow Mein Noodle Power. After disposing of an opponent, Lee can hunt for a bowl of Chow Mein. Having eaten, Lee becomes temporarily invincible (the border turns blue to indicate this, and returns to its original colour when the effects have worn off).

Lee Young must fight his way past eight of the Yie Gah Emperors attendants. A three screen attack wave of midget nasties precedes a screen containing an Evil Warlord who has to be defeated in un-armed combat before the next section can be attempted. Two bars at the top of the screen are used to display the combatants' energy reserves, or Ki. Ki is reduced when a blow or weapon hits home and if the Kimeter reaches zero Lee Young loses one of his three lives - extra lives are awarded at 20,000 and 50,000 points.

The game can be played by one or two players. In one-player mode you compete against the computer, which assumes the roles of the Warlords. In competition with a human opponent, you have to decide who is to control Lee Young and who is going to fight with the Warlords before starting a three-bout contest.

Anyone for a cup of tea?

Control keys: Player One - U up, M down, K right, H left, L fire; Player Two - W up, X down, D right, A left, F fire; P pause, ENTER re-start
Joystick: Kempston, Cursor, Interface 2
Use of colour: un-subtle
Graphics: poor characters and scenery, lots of flicker
Sound: occasional spot effects
Skill levels: one
Screens: 32

'Yie ar Kung Fu II is the worst beat 'em up that I've seen in ages. Many people will buy it for its name, but the game behind the name isn't up to much. The gameplay is extremely tiresome and easy - if you can't get round all the levels on your first couple of goes then I'm afraid it's back to the Gameschool for you! The graphics are poor, badly animated characters and boring backdrops are all you get. There is nothing here that I'd pay money for. Buy it in haste and regret at your leisure!'

'This doesn't deserve to be IMAGINE 'S follow-up toYie Ar Kung Fu. The first game was a challenge, but this is very boring and easy to play. It's too easy to get through and involves no thought at all. On my first game I got straight through to level 10 without any hassle from any of the baddies! The main character's animation is very good, but it seems a bit wasted as there isn't much else happening. The use of colour is quite good and the backgrounds add a touch of depth on some levels. But alas, good colour does not make a good game - pull yourself together IMAGINE.'

'Yawn! This game is severely boring. I clocked the scoreline on my first attempt. I mean, the original was easy, but this is taking things too far. It strikes me that the game does not have an acceptable level of difficulty if I'm able to complete something ridiculous like 17 stages at a first attempt. If IMAGINE have had this play-tested, then there's something seriously wrong with their team; if not - why not? At the usual IMAGINE price, this is very poor value for money. Not a game I would recommend, especially to people who expected a good follow up.'