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As with most games these days, this comes as a fast loader and a reliable one at that. It loaded first time on every attempt. The first thing to strike you is the quality of the music. Gilbert and Sullivan to amuse you while the loading takes place and then into a rendition of the High Noon theme which is a minor masterpiece in its own right.

The principle of play is simple. Shoot all the outlaws to prevent them robbing the bank or making off with the saloon girls and don't get shot yourself. Joystick control is smooth and accurate but so are the outlaws' bullets and staying alive can be difficult. Each screen ends with a fast draw challenge but these are fairly easy to win. As you progress, you have to face riders on horseback and throwers of dynamite who make your task even more hazardous.

As a game, however, this offers no new concepts. What saves it from mediocrity is the attention to detail. The graphics in the early screens of the town street are excellent. The swing doors on the saloon actually swing each time you enter or leave. the sprite characters are well drawn and most delightful is Rigor Mortis, the undertaker, who rushes around collecting all the dead bodies including yours if you're not careful. The final screen of the 'Hole in the Wall' outlaw hideaway is not as graphically adventurous which is a bit of a let-down.

One word of warning! the instructions tell you that the outlaws will not fire where there is a chance of shooting each other and suggest that you can take strategic advantage of is. The outlaws in the version I played showed no sign of such scruples as I found to my cost.

Overall, an unremarkable game plot saved by high quality graphics and sound and an attention to the little details. Even the instructions have been well produced in booklet format and include playing hints to help you gain the highest scores. Probably worth the asking price.