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The Aztec gods have demanded a sacrifice. They inform you that you are among the chosen victims.

There is, however, an opportunity to escape by undergoing a series of physical trials, pushing you to the limits of your agility and stamina.

It appears that the Aztec race has, over the centuries, developed running and jumping abilities that make Daley Thompson look like a seven stone wimp - and you are going to need to coordinate those abilities to survive.

I must say that on starting Aztec Challenge, I was unimpressed. However, the more I played the game the more it grew on me. Although easy to play, it proved rather more difficult to complete successfully.

The concept is simple. You must run and jump your way through 99 levels of obstacles, which become progressively more difficult.

You run continuously with no control over your speed, which is pre-set. The only control you do have is in choosing which of the three heights you are going to jump. But as you have no time to stop and consider a jump, you must live by your reflexes.

There is an option for two players with both runners appearing on the screen simultaneously. In this case I found that the runner behind has a slight advantage, being able to benefit from the mistakes of the first.

Another pleasing option is that, when all your lives have been used, you can choose to restart the game at the beginning or where you finished.

The graphics are not unreasonable for a budget game and as screenshots are printed on the packaging you are able to form a realistic impression of the game. There is very little use of sound.

Aztec Challenge's appeal lies in its uncomplicated nature. The simplicity of controls and the gentle lead into the game make it particularly suitable for children, while the higher levels should keep more experienced players busy for a good while.

I don't suppose it will go down as an all-time classic, but I rather enjoyed it and feel it is well worth the money.