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In my books, Quicksilva remembered for only one thing, the continual low quality of their software.

Furthermore, it seems that Quicksilva are having financial trouble keeping up with the current trend of big licencing deals, so they've dug deep into the arcade archives and came up with this little gem.

Arcade OAPs will remember this from about three years or so back; CU regulars may remember a clone of this a few months back called Mission Elevator. The KGB, or some other equally evil group of spies, have made their HQ in a plush hotel. In the dead of night you, agent Otto, must make a helicopter landing on the roof. Why? So you can get your grubby little wraps on the secret documents, of course. Then you must make your way to the ground floor and escape to safely. (I won't comment on the original of the scenario!)

As you might expect, the place is crawling with armed guards, who are incredibly sharp shooters. You, too, are armed and can manage a bit of karate (original!). Apart from kicking and shooting, another way to kill the guards is to shoot the light so that it will land on a guard's head.

Getting about the hotel can also be a hassle, there are two ways of getting from floor to floor. One is the escalators, the other is the lifts (or, as the Yanks call them) elevators (hence the title).

The elevators are controlled by pushing up or down when you are inside them. If there is a spy on your ass, and you don't have time to wait, you can always choose to ride on the top of the lift, although this can result on your being mushed on the ceiling, as you have no control when you are on top of them.

The secret documents are to be found behind the red doors. These are usually heavily guarded by spies. Once you have all the documents you must make your way down to the ground floor, where a getaway car will be waiting for you, and then... that's it! Quicksilva have kept their unblemished record by bringing yet another 'A' class piece of... (Strong temptation to use foul language). Like Volkswagens, Quicksilva are one of the reliable things in life. Next time you go into a software shop and ask the assistant what a game is like, don't be surprised when he/she answers ("It's a load of old Quicksilva!"

Elevator Action has all the major characteristics of a Quicksilva game, abysmal sound, graphics so chunky that they make a Yorkie look puny, and gameplay about as exciting as a Five Star concert. I wouldn't advise even the most ardent Elevator Action fan to buy this. I only wish they'd made the tape long enough to tape an album over - still I'll have to settle for a single!