Hostages on the Beeb was reviewed in September, and explained how the mission before you is to assault a terrorist-saturated embassy and rescue numerous hostages. The Archimedes version has exactly the same plot but the graphics and sound have that extra oomph.

The sprites are very detailed, especially once inside the building, though you could be forgiven for thinking the hostages themselves are all related. While the graphics do look very pretty, the speed of animation is a bit coarse.

It could have been perfection with a bit of extra effort. The sound is alright, but the keyboard response on level three is so aggravating that I find it virtually unplayable.

I'm tending to point out the minus points, and these only deduct from a reasonably good game overall. I have mixed feelings, but found Arc Hostages was basically fun to play. It's certainly good value for money.