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Zybex is a one or two player, horizontally-scrolling shoot-'em-up set across sixteen worlds.

Cassalana and Rinser are two fugitives attempting to escape the death penalty by seeking out the Zybex crystal which guarantees amnesty.

The participating players negotiate each of the sixteen worlds, collecting teleport crystal which lie at their centres to allow access to following levels. The Zybex crystal is concealed at the end of the last.

The action always begins on the first world (Arcturus), but once this has been completed, any one of the next eleven are chosen. Obstacles are found in the form of alien clusters, which are destroyed by five kinds of weapon - Bullet gun, Eight-way, Pulse, Wall and Rail - each of which has four strengths. Firing is constant and weapons are selected by pressing the Fire button. Extra lives are gained every 10,000 points or by picking up a floating suit.

The programmers have managed to find just the right balance between frustration and the urge to continue, and as a result the addiction level is high.

Graphically Zybex is excellent: the parallax scrolling starfield is complemented by some beautifully drawn and detailed backdrops, and colourful, well-animated sprites - you even have the option to change the colour of your own player!

Given a choice between this and the conversion of Side Arms, I know which I'd choose.

This is one of the more innovative examples of the budget shoot-'em-up genre, and is certainly one of the best presented. The graphics are very otherworldly: the backgrounds are beautifully designed and conceived and support a stunning range of colour and shading, which gives a very professional feel.

There's plenty of furious blasting action, four brilliantly graded weapons to collect (what seem the most powerful weapons are not always the best - a neat touch) and enough levels to keep you coming back for more.

At this price it's a steal.

Presentation 85% Simultaneous two player mode, colourful title screen and a user-friendly progression system.

Graphics 91% Colourful, beautifully-animated sprites and excellent, detailed backdrops.

Sound 70% Good title music and appropriate spot effects.

Hookability 87% It's not very easy at first, but once you collect a few weapons, the urge to continue playing is irresistible.

Lastability 91% Sixteen worlds to explore, and the variety in alien resistance and difficulty level means it's not going to be easy.

Overall 93% An excellent program which overshadows many similar full-priced games.