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So rare is it that you see a good game coming from Europe that the first thing I would like to do is congratulate newcomers Micropool on an excellent debut.

A glance at the screenshots will suggest that this is a clone of the arcade game Elevator Action. In fact examination of the game proves Micropool's effort to be far more of a thinking man's version.

A spy colony has overtaken the FBI headquarters based in a plush hotel, they have placed a bomb somewhere on the 62nd floor and unless the FBI release a number of imprisoned spies, the hotel goes up in smoke!

That's where you come in, but to deactivate the bomb you have to find the code. There are sixteen parts to the code and there's two hidden in each of the hotel's eight levels. To find the clues, you must search behind any of the items of furniture. However, you'll encounter many shocks and surprises with anyone from drunk barmen to nude women all of which will set you back a hundred points.

To help you with your tricky task the FBI have thankfully armed you with a shooter. You also just happen to be a black belt in karate and can put any spy six foot under with just one flying kick. Don't think this makes it easy, because although your opponents cannot kick they are also armed. This is where ducking comes in.

You are given eight lives to help you with your task but these will run out sooner than expected. At the bottom of the screen is an information sheet which will provide you with any facts or messages you may receive. To the right of that is the time you have left before the building becomes the first hotel in space! To get around the hotel, you can use either the stairs or the lifts but, to get out of the level you will need two kes: one to open all the doors to the hotel, and another one which will get you out of the level. This is to be found behind one of the doors but in this game you don't know who or what may be lurking behind it so keep your gun at the ready.

Don't be fooled into thinking that shooting the spies is the only way to complete the game because, like our editor, the spies are very vulnerable to the odd bribe or two [Ooi! - Ed] But realistically before you can bride, you have to obtain the money.

If you fancy yourself as a gambling man, you can always have a go at the dice games which are to be found frequently in play around the hotel.

The sound is only average but the rest of the game is top notch. Great graphics, addictive gameplay. One up the nose for the cynics who seem to think a game can't be any good unless it's an arcade conversion... imported from the USA... two for the price of one, etc. Buy this game!