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How does the idea of another platform game a la Jet Set Willy grab you? It doesn't sound too exciting I'll admit, but Monty On The Run is, quite simply, the best platform game I've seen in a long while.

Probably the best thing about it is the music, a word you couldn't use to describe the irritating noise that accompanies so many similar games. Yes, Monty has Real Music. It's actually got a beat. Probably the best I've heard on the C64.

Eager followers of the exploits of Monty Mole will be aware that after a period on the run he was captured and sent down for a spell. Unable to bear the strain of prison life he escapes - this is where you come in.

First of all, you have to pick up your freedom kit. This consists of five items that will come in useful in your bid for freedom. There are twenty-one items to choose from, including a gas mask, passport, gun and hand grenade. Which five you take is up to you. Suffice to say that some are essential, others utterly useless.

There's not much point in describing the various screens in detail because if you've seen one platform game you've seen them all. What is worth pointing out is that the quality of the graphics is brilliant, as is the imaginative use to which they have been put. So, as well as the standard teapots, fried eggs, waving hands, flying clocks, etc. there are some nice touches like olde worlde lifts and incredibly realistic transporter beams. (By which I mean this is how I'd expect them to look, if there were such a thing!)

By the way, the object of the game is to get to the boat and make your escape to another country. One that, presumably, doesn't have an extradiction treaty.

Monty On The Run isn't the best platform game ever invented in the history of the universe, but it's not far off. The only thing I can see putting a dent in its popularity is the ten quid price tag. Ouch!