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Alien-8 is one of a recent series of conversions by Ultimate of old Spectrum classics. The game is an arcade/graphic adventure. Included in the package is a glossy instruction leaflet which sets the scene of the game with a story but does little to tell you the purpose of the game. Briefly, this is to pick up a variety of objects (only three at a time) and restore them to their correct rooms.

The rooms are presented on the screen in two colour, 3D pictures and can contain playforms and objects on many different levels along with sliding platforms, disintegrating platforms, monsters (such as clockwork and dalek mice), and more. The size of the Alien-8 arena is quite amazing. Almost every room presents a challenge and requires ingenuity and quick reflexes to win through.

The robot you control can move behind objects and can completely vanish from view! Unfortunately, the game tends to slow down when this happens and it speeds up when passing through a simple room. Despite this, I would recommend Alien-8 to anyone wanting a challenge. A truly top quality game.