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If you've a lot of time on your hands, you might like to consider a games tape from Virgin called Robopods. Yet another chance for you to save the Earth from impending doom.

From the final frontiers of space comes yet another invading alien force intent on mischief on the planet Earth. An orbiting mothership is responsible for landing a force of Robopods which are protected by a number of landmines (alien ones, of course).

There are five levels of skill - novice, experienced, master, joker and totally insane - and this relates to the number of Robopods and landmines on the screen; five Robopods appear for the novice, while the totally insane among you will have to cope with nine of the beasties.

Once your character is in position, you move around the screen leaving a trail of curious footprints. Having manoeuvred your character between the appropriate Robopod's legs, with a primitive dance, the figure is drawn up inside the pod.

Should your character step on a landmine or cross its own path, you are treated to a small puff of smoke and the sudden appearance of a tombstone. You may be lucky enough to be awarded safety mats allowing you to cross your path.

Once you have deactivated all the Robopods, you are rather lamely congratulated on saving the Earth.

The game's idea, though not original, is a good one and once in the thick of the action, is fairly engaging. However, the 'in-between games' periods are somewhat tedious - unless you fancy a trip to the kitchen to treat yourself to a cup of coffee each time.