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When it comes to producing the fabled 'Interactive Movie', all credit has so far gone to Cinemaware. With sophisticated graphics and sound, titles such as Lords Of The Rising Sun and Defender Of The Crown wrote their own page in the annuls of software's history. Unfortunately, everything with these games followed a set path with one or two 'movie' interludes. On the other hand, American software house Sierra have been beavering away on their own style of interactive movies, namely the Police Quest and Space Quest series. Though the graphics and sound were both on the poor side, Sierra products featured animated sequences folloing on from player actions, spiced with humour and puzzle elements. Future Wars takes off from where Sierra apparently stopped. Its almost second generation in much the same vein.

You start off as a low window cleaner high up on the outside of a sky scraper. The introductory sequence shows him accidentally knocking his bucket over and taking a rollicking from his boss. Half-closing the window behind him, the boss disappears back into the seclusion of his office, leaving you to ponder your next move.

All the in-game orders are issued through a menu of just five commands and cursor to move the main character. Quite basic, but all the objects and puzzles are designed around that method making the game smoother to play.

The problems you are faced with range from tricky to obvious; just a small amount of lateral thought is required. For instance, the first real problem is how to stop your boss catching you outside his office. Simply take the bucket to the WC, fill it up at the sink and balance it on his half-open door. When he comes out, the bucket crashes on his head and the computer quickly takes you to the safety of the next room.

There is a plot. The Earth has been under attack for many years now, but thanks to the SDI system she's held her own against the aliens. Two scientists discover that the aliens have gone back in time and landed in the year 1304. What this has to do with you isn't made clear, so it leaves plenty of room for discovery.

Future Wars has some excellent animated sequences, gorgeous backdrops and a multitude of problems and characters to face. All backed up with sampled sound effects and the simple control method. A perfect game for the long winter months.