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An apparently simple game, Complica DX is a fresh new take on the venerably two-player Connect 4, in which players choose a colour and then take turns dropping two colours of discs down into a seven-column by six-row grid. The idea is to be the first to form a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line of four tokens while simultaneously blocking your opponent from doing the same.

In Complica DX, the 'tokens' take the form of angels and demons on the first level, and then its Robots versus Aliens. Squids against Fish and battles against storms, flies, even apples (!) and so on, each level growing increasingly difficult. Unlike Connect 4, you don't need a second player because you can pit your wits against Brainiac, described as: "an Artificial Intelligence algorithm implemented as recursive Minimax strategy with alpha-beta pruning, highly optimized for Z80 registers allocation, using heuristic evaluation and arbitrary recursion depth, multi-tasked in background from machine state controlled multicolour animated graphics..."

After the loading screen, you're away and the first bug-eyed character bounces across the screen and patiently waits for you to choose from the numbered columns 1-4. Simply press the number you want and your angel drops through the flames to take position at the bottom of the screen. (On later levels other devices amusingly suited to the types of player characters replace the flames.) Immediately, the AI sends a devil stomping across the flames and without hesitation leaps down his chosen path. Simples!

But don't get too cocky. Just when you're pretty sure you have the level beat as the opposition runs out of options and all you have to do is wait for the rows to fill up and get your four in a row to win... disaster strikes! As a demon jumps into the last column, the entire column shifts down one position, turning your potential winning row into a jumbled pile of critters. Winning is possible, of course but it takes quick thinking and perseverance.

Never judge a book by its cover, and never assume something before you try it yourself, as it will more than likely 'make an ASS out of U and ME'. You'd think a 42-year-old wouldn't still make assumptions, but when I heard this game was a new take on the classic family game Connect 4, my initial reaction was far from thrilled. However, I was rong again...

First of all, your senses are constantly assaulted (in a good way) by an arcade-style loading screen which could evoke visions of Space Harrier meets Centipede. Then you can almost feel your C64 neighbours peering over the fence in envy at the awesome, anthem sounding soundtrack. Beyond the loading screen and storyboard, you get another great tune, this one more upbeat and electronic-sounding while you consider the menu options; to practise, choose how many players you want, or just head straight into the action. Once the game commences, you are treated with more music in the form of a funky, in-game ditty. Yerzmey really deserves credit for his musical contribution to the game.

In short, the experience was quite different to what I first expected, and has reaffirmed I should play a game for myself first before assuming what it is going to be like beforehand. A great little game which could easily be played on your own, or even used as a way to introduce a little critter of your own to the wonderful world of Spectrum games!

Connect 4 with a twist - once full, a column can be pushed down by another player. And you will not believe your Speccy could be this smart! A pleasingly tough challenge, and well worth coming back to with a new strategy when you get beaten (and I was, often).

Complica DX boasts some charmingly animated and multi-coloured sprites, as well as fantastic 128K tunes, but remains sadly tuneless for 48Kers. My only complaint might be that the slow falling of pieces drags the playing time out.

Control Keys: 1, 2, 3, 4
Joystick: Keys only
Use of Colour: Great, bold colours, no sign of colour clash and makes it easy to see what is happening
Graphics: Nicely sized sprites by Dave Hughes and enough variety in the different types of characters to make you want to progress and see what comes next
Sound: Yerzmyey's music is fantastic, three different tunes of very high quality. No sound effects but they aren't really needed
General Rating: A great game, fun to play despite its basic concept