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As pilot of an interceptor spacefighter, your task is to protect your mothership from attack by Cylons. After launch from the mothership, you have full control over your fighter and must hunt out and destroy the four varieties of Cylon attack craft.

The cockpit display is largely composed of a view of space immediately before you. Above this is a useful long range scan, similar to Defender-type games. Various scores, meters and status indicators are positioned around the main display.

Once launched out of the mothership, your fighter proves very responsive. The external view shows a backdrop of stars and various other space debris, which move smoothly when you manoeuvre your ship. The Cylons attack rapidly, turning from mere dots to full-blown nasties in a moment. At the first level they shoot one bolt at you when they are as close as possible. Later on, they fire whole streams of high energy bolts. Your own lasers are effective, once you've lined up the offending alien in your sights.

Overcome a wave of attackers and you must relocate your mothership and lock on for landing. Your shields and fuel are replenished and you're ready for the next wave - a pity there's no way of pausing between attacks. The game ends when you're hit with your shields exhausted.

A rare phenomenon: a computer game which exceeds the promise of its publicity and packaging. Cylon Attack sets a new standard for space games on the BBC. The graphics are smooth and convincing, the sound effects are good and, above all, the sense of realism achieved by the game is impressive.

There is the option of loading a hall of fame, on which up to 50 names can be held. A&F is offering a £200 prize for the highest score sent to them on cassette.