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Have you noticed what a shocking state the universe is in? Always having to be saved, planets exploding, aliens invading. The latest in this long line of galactic disaster games is Core (Cybernetic Organism Regeneration Expedition) which has been released by A'n'F, layers of Chuckie Egg.

The setting for the game is asteroid Eroc I (or is that Eric 0?). This asteroid contained a mining complex before it was wiped out by unknown alien forces. (Don't worry Sainsbury's sell stuff to kill unknown alien forces - dead!). You must guide Commander Andrew Angello through the complex in search of the missing segments of the asteroid's biomemory unit which has complete records of what really took place on Eroc I. I guess you might say the Erocians had the place bugged.

The action starts with Andrew transporting into the cavern complex where he must begin to explore. The mines are shown from the side with Andy able to walk left and right, and bend down to touch his toes. At intervals there are doors around the place where Andy can go to a different corridor. An arrow down indicates a doorway on the other side of the corridor.

Transporters provide access to other parts of the complex. Possible directions that can be taken from the current area are shown in a display at the top of the screen with dangerous choices flashing menacingly.

As Andy wanders round there are batteries to pick up which can be used to replenish energy. Energy is lost by movement and being damaged by the various inhabitants of the mines. These include the other sort. of mine, clouds which shoot lightning bolts, and clusters of stars. There are other nasty things out to do him in such as a tractor radiator on legs, These kill Andy outright if they touch him.

As well as batteries there are other objects such as spades and pieces of paper. These can be picked up, dropped and selected from an icon menu activated by the joystick. The objects can be used to complete the puzzles presented in the game. For example, the spade can be used to dig something out of the ground.

Activating the selection menu and using the objects is vital to complete the game, but unfortunately it is also one of the most disappointing aspects. Operating it is very tricky and takes a while to get the hang of.

There are several options on the selection menu. You can save or load a previous game, provided you have found the cassette hidden in the complex. There is a pause mode. And there is a help mode which allows you to ask for aid from the computer.

Core is a cross between Marsport and games likes Equinox and Starquake. You need a map to find your way round and then some patience to complete the tasks. The daft system for dropping and picking up objects makes the game impossible to play.

If you suddenly encounter the walking Art Deco fridge, by the time you've deselected the spade and got out your laser, you're dead! A'n'F should chuck that bit away and come up with a proper scheme, 'cos the rest of the game is quite acceptable.

Not exactly hard-core stuff, this. It looks so much like a Spectrum conversion that the keys almost feel like they were built on a foundation of custard. I don't like the screen either - it's one of those miniscule Spectrum jobs. The Arnold screen wasn't made big so that people could shrink it. The loader - Spectrum style - works. This makes a pleasant change from some loaders I could mention.

Playability is not a great feature here - maybe they ought to have a different way of using objects. The baddies are almost. impossible to dodge, especially thunderclouds. Many times did a bolt from the blue evoke the "That smarts" message. Quaint.

Not bad, methinks, for a Spectrum game. If they used the Arnold as an Arnold, it would have been better.

Yet another multi screen drive round and pick up the right objects game set in space. The idea isn't new so what does this particular game have to lift it above the competition? Having given it a bit of thought, I can't actually think of anything. The lack of colour and reduced screen size don't let you forget the fact that this game obviously first saw life on a different computer so that it has been unable to make full use of the area and colours available. The system used to control the picking up, dropping and use of objects is just so confusing as to be virtually useless.

Also the fact that it is very difficult to avoid the floating baddies doesn't exactly help one's enjoyment of the game. Not impressed.