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Let's not beat around the bush - if Fred wore a red cap and grew a ridiculous moustache he couldn't be much more like Mario than he already is. In fact, wearing a moustache and red cap would be a distinct improvement because Fred is, without doubt, one of the most hideously ugly game characters ever. But then, I don't suppose Fred wants a visit from Nintendo's lawyers.

Fred's Back 3 is another one of those German games that The Electric Boys will be releasing some time in the very near future (contracts have been signed, but you know how it is with this international wheeler dealin'). And it's definitely one of the better games that's making it our way across the channel. Okay, it owes a debt about the size of the US trade deficit to Mario, but there's no denying it's an immensely playable romp.

Luckily for you, I haven't got a clue what the plot is, so you don't have to sit through a couple of paragraphs of pseudo-fantasy, cutesy-wootsy nonsense. Suffice to say, it's set in a colourful world of floating platforms, secret rooms, collectable fruit and exceptionally dim nasties and that Fred's aim is to get from one end of a level to the other in one piece, collecting all the crystals along the way.

Fred's weaponless to begin with, and can't even nobble his enemies by bouncing on their bonces (phew, so he's not a carbon copy of Mario, then; that'll keep Nintendo's lawyers away). But firepower is waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is bounce under the suspended platforms to knock the bonuses hidden inside out into the open. It's then just a case of nipping up to the top of the platforms to collect the things - but you can bet there'll be some blobby nasties around trying to make this apparently easy task a darned sight more tricky!

Also dotted around the levels are various trampolines, uplifting gusts of air, extra energy potions and other platform game cliches. It might not sound that exciting or original, but believe me, the elements have been combined in style. The fact that the graphics are excellent, the general quality of coding is extremely impressive and the controls are extremely responsive also helps.

But it's not all good news. The gameplay is relentlessly stuck in a rut; it never develops much beyond what it presents you with on the first couple of levels, and there are few surprises. At times its slavish adherence to over-familiar gimmicks makes your subconscious cry out for it to come up with a gimmick of its own. The other main problem is far less pragmatic - the first guardian is far too difficult to tackle, mainly because there seems to be little pattern to his attack. After about the twentieth attempt to get past him, you wonder if it's worth the bother (and resort to a poke like I did).

Fred's Back 3 is great, so long as you haven't played too many platformers before (in which case it's merely pretty good). The initial hit is impressive because the game looks so lush and plays so fluently. But as the levels progress, it loses its way a bit. It's never less than enjoyable, but it's not the sort of game you'll resent being dragged away from.

1. The graphics are immensely impressive.
2. Loads of bonuses and power-ups.
3. Fast-paced and action-packed.

1. Loses out badly in the originality stakes.
2. The gameplay doesn't develop much.