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Germans are very keen on computer puzzle games. Actually, they're fanatical about them, which is why we're continually subjected to a stream of such games from the Fatherland. Not all are good, naturally, but a fair few provide an excellent mental massage. Logical is a Teuronic tantaliser which, like all good puzzle games, is an absolute pain to describe, easy to grasp but almost impossible to master.

Every level consists of a number of wheels, each with four holes. These wheels are connected to each other by alleyways, intersections and other parts. Along the top of the screen is a tunnel, before dropping into one of the top wheels. You must "blow up" the wheels by filling them each up with four balls of the same colour.

You rotate the wheels by clicking on them with the right mouse button, and eject the ball using the left button. In this way you can move the balls around the screen until every wheel has been blown up at least once. Then the level is completed, and you're given a password to continue onto the next.

There are restrictions: colour changers, traffic lights, and so on, an overall time limit for the level and a limit on the amount of time a ball can bounce about in the top tunnel before you lose the level. This is indicated by a bar graph in the tunnel. There is also a limit on the number of balls you can have in transit at any one time - it's usually four.

Effects are functional to say the least. Everything is clearly defined and well drawn, with some impressive graphics - the shine on fht balls and the way you can change the background texture for instance. As always, though, you don't need detailed graphics with a game of this nature. However during play it is sometimes a bit difficult to see if a wheel has been blown up or not.

Sound is much the same: a choice between a pleasant little tune (for the first few games at least) or simple spot effects. There is also some sampled music over the intro screen.

Logical doesn't pretend to be anything other than a puzzle game - there's no ridiculous plot or stupid name for instance. The game is simply there for you to play. Taken like this, it's excellent at what it does - providing a real test of your forward planning and common sense. The password system is a boon too, and effectively prolongs the game life.

If you're of a methodical and meticulous nature (and completely impervious to mental torture) you may just finish all the levels, but be warned: it's a task for die-hard puzzlers only. Highly recommended for total Tetris freaks (and German puzzle fans).

Because most puzzle games have simple concepts and graphics, it's easy to incorporate an editor - Logical's editor enables you to design your own levels.

1. When - no sorry, it's definitely if - you manage to complete every single one of the 99 levels, you're given a password to get to the editor. This enables you to tinker away with the layout as much as you like. So what's the password?
2. The main editor screen presents you with all the bits you need to make up those impossibly complex screens that even you can't complete. All it takes is a few clicks and a ridiculously low time limit. Akrakadabra! A complete mess.