You've seen PD games opening with the slinky graphics which flatter to deceive once you've passed the options screen and are faced with a game resembling something which probably brought about the ZX81's demise.

Then there are those PD games with the slinky graphics and the silly name but aren't bad at all. And this is one such game. Marbleous (a clever play on the word 'marvellous' ho-ho) involves using a mouse to guide a ball around various mazes and suchlike, with the aim to collect power objects before retiring to the exit. As in Ballunacy, the only method of directing the ball is by placing a series of signs for it to follow. Failure to carefully negotiate a clear pathway for the ball to follow will result in the ball careering into the side of the maze and blowing up.

This demo version of the game leapt from a very easy first level, devoid of any obstacles and an obvious appetiser, to an abomination for the second which required not only placing directions for the ball to follow but had the added difficulty of not being able to change any of the existing directions. At least, not being able to change them indefinitely - they soon change back to their original positioning. An element of skill involved, then.

Still, despite its daft name and the pretty opening graphics which usually denote a real stinker, Marbleous is actually very good and comes highly recommended. By me.