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Remember that old 8-bit chestnut Ballblazer? Ever wondered what it would be like converted to the ST? Wonder no more, for Rainbow Arts in their wisdom have done that very thing. Now you've got the chance to play that oldie on your ST - except this time it's called Masterblazer.

Set on an asteroid far in the future, Masterblazer is a game for two players. You can play against your ST or another human opponent - with each player having half of the screen for his display. You play the game on a large pitch bounded by energy walls - try to leave it and you just bounce back.

The object of the game is simply to score as many goals as possible. In your Rotofoil, basically a sort of hovering Mini, you must take control of the ball - or Plasmorb - by getting close enough to it so that the forcefield surrounding you can pick it up. This happens automatically. Then you must pelt towards your opponent's goal faster than a very fast thing, stab the Fire button and whack the ball between the goal posts - sorry, Goalbeams. You can't get much simpler than that, can you?

Luckily, you're always facing towards the ball - your Rotofoil snapping round 90 degrees if necessary. You also face towards the goal area whenever you get hold of the ball. Fortunately, you can't damage anything because the forcefields that surround your ship protect you on all sides.

If you do happen to get bored with the normal game, then try racing against an opponent or take time off to visit the museum of Masterblazer history.

It's quite amazing to watch the chequered pitch scrolling at such an incredible speed and yet moving completely smoothly as well. Even so, this is probably because there are so few objects on screen to move: you, your opponent (each of you displayed only in the other's hald of the screen) and the ball.

The impression of speed is sustained well throughout the game - particularly when you're racing. The most impressive graphics are those of your vehicles, but you don't get to see them much - you're too busy trying to avoid your opponent.

Sound is fine as far as it goes - a couple of tunes at the start of a round and when you win. Apart from that, there are only "shoosh" noises during the game. Overall, then, the effects are more functional than impressive.

You can become totally involved in Masterblazer because the illusion of speed is excellent. What's more, the difficulty level isn't so high that you give up after two goes. If screens full of icons and huge manuals appeal to you, don't expect to like this - it's not that sort of game. Long-term appeal is limited, but for a quick half-hour session Masterblazer keeps you more than happy.