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Most of Activision recent releases have been conversions of its successes on video games machines, but Toy Bizarre comes straight to the Commodore 64 and it's a fine effort.

At first appearance it looks like a standard platform game but there's more to it than that. You control Merton the maintenance man during a night at the toy factory. Your job is to make the toys behave.

There are four valves you can control. If left turned on they blow up balloons, if you miss the balloons they pop and produce rebellious toys. Thwarting your efforts, however, is the leader of the toys, Hilda.

If you bump into Hilda or any of the toys you lose one of your five lives. You score points for popping balloons and having all valves off at the end of each hour.

But there are many other complications. On each level are a number of paired pistons. If any character jumps on one, the matching piston rises, stunning or killing any character standing on it - which either costs you a life, or earns you extra points. Every hour you have the chance for a coffee-break. During breaktime Merton becomes invulnerable which gives you the chance to score points. If you knock out all toys within an "hour" you gain bonuses for every minute remaining.

The action is fast and furious with smooth animation and some pleasant soundtrack music. An enjoyable game for all the family.