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The battle against the mighty Red Zoids begins with this, the best game from Martech so far.

It's another icon-driven game - but don't be misled into thinking that you don't need all your arcade skills to beat the game. Fast reactions and quick thinking are essential if you are to succeed in your quest to rebuild the Blue Zoid's super weapon, Zoidzilla.

The basic idea of the game is to use your skills to locate the different parts of Zoidzilla, hidden under enemy City Domes, rebuild the mighty machine then seek out the Red Zoid's leader, Redhorn the Terrible, and destroy him.

Once you've loaded the game you'll see your Spiderzoid's control panel. You begin in a relatively simple Spiderzoid - but as you find bits of Zoidzilla your machine is upgraded and becomes more powerful.

The panel consists of various control icons plus a main view screen which shows various map views of your surroundings depending on which mode your Zoid is operating in. This main screen is your main link with the outside world. You do have a radio link with your home base which is activated by moving your flashing cursor to the appropriate icon.

Above the icons and main screen is an ECG waveform readout which represents your Zoidthought. As you are supposed to have merged minds with the Zoid this is pretty important.

The game uses a nice windowing technique to report any other messages relevant to the player. The same applies when you decide to launch an attack on a Blue Zoid building with your onboard missiles - or if the Reds are attacking you!

Each Red city has a power plant, a mine where more Zoids are manufactured and a radio beacon. All these must be knocked out and the city domes searched for bits of Zoidzilla and the all-important Zoidar Power Pods. If you don't get hold of power then you won't last long. You'll also find these inside destroyed Slitherzoids.

It's a good idea to call down an attack from your base on the power plant to begin with. This means power will be diverted from the City Dome shields and you'll be able to attack them with your Zoid's missiles.

Don't bother to waste your missiles before the power station has been hit. It takes about thirty seconds for your base to send a message - in the meantime watch out for enemy attacks and keep moving.

Once you've destroyed a city dome scan the wreckage using your onboard scanner.

You must scan all debris - otherwise you could miss something important. Four of the cities don't have any bits of Zoidzilla - but they may have essential power supplies for your Zoid.

Zoids is one for those of you who like a game that lasts. This one will keep your interest for some time to come. If you're not into thinking games or want instant success, steer clear - or try Martech's Crazy Comets!