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Technically, Eliminator wasn't bad in its 16-bit format. It had some lovely colour graduation, super smooth scrolling, dozens of levels and a multi-weapons system. Thing is, it wasn't much of a game. Following along a scrolling, twisty, turny landscape might be clever, but it soon wears thin after a while.

Technically, the C64 version is an absolutely blinding conversion. It has all the same features as the Amiga version, with only one really noticeable difference being that it's a little slower.

For those who don't already know the game, in Eliminator you have to rush from A to B, A being the start of level one and B being the end of the last level, shooting as many bad guys and running around as many obstacles as you can find.

The road turns left and right, as well as rising and falling at certain points. Also, along the way you go through tunnels that spring out of nowhere. The funny thing is, these make absolutely no difference to your trajectory or speed. It almost makes you wonder why they put them in. One conclusion could be because they look nice.

Another conclusion could be because it makes the game that little more difficult. The way the road is turning affects your range of sight, so there can be times when you can't see the thirty-strong wave of aliens that's racing around the corner or over the hill.

So what sort of things are there on the track? Well, first, of course, there are the aliens. These come on in circling waves and have to be blown away. Then there are pllars and walls that have to be driven round, or jumped over, should you find a ramp. And then there are little electric gates, that have to be shot out.

You can also find little upgrade capsules, in the shape of pyramids. These can either give you access to a better weapon (two or three-way fire, homing missiles etc) or refills for your shield and gun.

The graphics have been very well converted across from the Amiga, almost impressively so, but as the Amiga version was just a little bland, that's not really saying much.

A groovy little tune plays throughout, from none other than the Maniacs of Noise. Sound effects crop up here and there, but they are a bit sparse.

Eliminator is a fine conversion, and one that Hewson can be proud of. The only problem is that the original game wasn't all that hot. Still, quite a good effort.