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When arcades first had the nation in their grip, the sort of machines you expected to find were vertical scroller shoot-'em-ups. Since then hydraulics have been added, along with sophisticated programming techniques, though it's never been quite the same since.

So why, I wondered, would the programmers of Hybris decided to write a game using such an outdated style and then did a follow-up the same way? Because it's fun...

Battle Squadron resembles Hybris in the visuals and gameplay. You start with a small laser and three smart bombs. Shoot aliens, collect pods and enhance your weapons. The weapons range from a standard laser, through multiple firing to side and diagonal blasts, with increasing power levels.

Further on up the level, Enter Here signs appear, allowing access to the planet's core and ultimately the guardian. In the instructions you are advised to remain top-side until you've built up your ship's weapons. Sound advice, for once you're inside the planet the aliens seem to be a lot larger and tougher to kill. And just when you thought you'd trashed the guardian you realise that it wasn't him at all, just something big that happened to be in the way.

Battle Squadron relies on one thing to make it a good game - fun. It's been a long time since my hand has actually ached from pounding the fire button, and my eyes hurt from constant monitor exposure.

The graphics are brightly coloured with a traditional array of aliens attacking, and few modern ones to boot. A nice airy tune accompanies the pounding spot effects, complementing the game perfectly. In no way a classic, Battle Square is nevertheless a welcome relief from the constant battery of licences we seem to be receiving.