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Roll call, 6:00am. Briefing officer Sergeant Esterhaus begin to speak... "Settle down, settle down. Okay, item number one. No further developments on the hit and run gang currently operating in this area, but I've no doubt you guys will make some progress pretty soon, eh?"

Renko and Bobby Hill look sheepish, while the rest of the team hurl good-natured abuse in their direction.

"Item two, apparently there's going to be some sort of computer game based on everyone here." (cheers) "Yes, even you Renko."

Officer LaRue's face lights up at the thought of computer stardom: "What's it all about Sarge?"

"According to this report, you take the role of Captain Furillo and have to control nine officers as they travel to different areas of the city, investigating crimes and making arrests. You have full access to S.W.A.T. teams and computer files in fact, all of the usual police procedures are adhered to and it's up to you to keep the crime rate low enough to gain promotion. Okay that's it, go do your jobs, people - and, hey, let's be careful out there."

First we had Monty Python's Flying Circus, then came Viz: The Computer Game. Now picking up the award for the most unusual licence comes Hill Street Blues. And considering what we could have ended up with, Krisalis hasn't done a bad job at all. The opening sequence evokes fond memories of the now defunct (but never to be forgotten) TV series - as soon as you see the legendary words "Roll Call, 6am" you'll be reaching for the Kleenex.

Although things start slowly at first (especially on easy level), it's not long before a crime is reported and the floodgates are opened. Pretty soon you find yourself suffering from under-staffing as the crime rate escalates and your popularity drops. It's tricky - and it often seems that there is no way to stem the flow of muggings and bag-snatches etc - but when you manage to bag a five-time murderer it does fill you with a small sense of achievement.

The biggest argument that can be levelled here is that the movement of the officers tends to be a bit strange. Click on the 'Go To Car' icon and, instead of just crossing the road and getting in, he'll more often than not walk in the opposite direction, right around the block and then get in. If you can overlook that small point - and you don't mind a real challenge for a change, then Hill Sreet Blues will provide a tough, but pleasing, change.

You have the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney, you also have the right to an identical version as any Amiga owner, at the same time and the same price. There's also a specific version planned for ST equipped only with mono screens - Hill Street Greys, anyone?

The only query still remaining is whether to include sound board support. Other than that, all colour graphic cards are included and nothing else changes.