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If you like zap up and avoid-the-obstacle type games, this is among the best. It even has a demonstration mode to show you the different levels.

You control a white hawk and destroy the multitude of other hawks descending upon you. The game has six levels, each lasting a set time (shown at the top left of the screen). Points are gained for just evading the foes and extra points for destroying them with your missiles, laser, bombs or whatever they are.

Each level is harder and faster and for finishing the sixth and final level you add one hawk to those remaining out of the original three. The game then automatically restarts and appears to be exactly the same.

The game is loaded from cassette with the usual SHIFT and RUN/STOP. Should you wish to see the demonstration you enter POKE 53248,1 before loading the game. This gives the game less time on each level, making it easier to survive long enough to see the demonstration. Why not just have a demo mode with an option at the beginning?

The software company also said an easier, but less exciting, way of seeing all six levels is to survive the first level and move the player to top centre of the screen. They were right: the player evades all the foes and is left sitting while the game plays itself.

There are no keyboard controls for this game. It requires a joystick in port two, so all those without a joystick can stop reading. Having said that, the game is very responsive and extremely fast. It is no easy feat surviving the first three levels (providing you don't cheat). The levels vary from hawks attacking head-on down a tunnel (level 1), attack from all sides in outer space (level 2) and attack from all sides including behind (other levels).

There were no loading problems or any other technical problems. This is Big G's first game and the programming is excellent. The game makes good use of sprites and colour and also has fair sound effects.

In favour of the game is its use of the 64's facilities and the speed and response time. Against it is the fact that it is along a path so well-trodden that it seems to be sinking. Those who like standard arcade games will love this. One more if you're a collector and lover of the arcade game without frills.