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Barbarians is a single-player turn-based strategy game which sees you controlling a group of twelve cities. To ensure your civilisation survives the approaching barbarian hordes, you must recruit and equip your civilians for implending battle, create and command your army while also managing your city's economy.

A great feature of Barbarians is that every single game is different, thanks to a randomly generated map when you begin a game. Your city could be situated anywhere from an island to a mountain range.

You will also need to buy and sell resources. You need to feed your army, pay their wages and have a constant supply of wood and iron to make equipment for them. Your terrain and map location will also determine what resources are available locally and you can sell surplus commodities to get resources that you require.

You win the game when every barbarian unit is removed from the map. No mean feat...

Barbarians is a strategy game that is accessible and playable from the start. While the graphics are a little simplistic they are uncluttered, clean and convey the narrative well.

Gameplay is also very easy to get into, with every action activated through holding down the fire button and choosing appropriate options from a menu. It's enjoyable while being challenging and keeps that balance throughout.

What Barbarians may lack in graphical loveliness, it more than makes up for with ease of play. And since every new game is different, you'll find yourself returning to it again and again. A simple premise execcuted well resulting in a little gem of a game.

Control Keys: S up, X down, N left, M right, A fire
Joystick: Kempston
Use of colour: Tasteful
Graphics: Unassuming but practical
Sound: None
Skill levels: 3
Lives: 1
Screens: Scrolling map
General rating: Entertaining yet taxing strategy game