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Not many people know that Popeye is a bit of wrestler. Sure, he chucks Bluto around, but he never seems to take grappling too seriously. Let's all hope he's been taking lessons on the quiet though, as there's a lot riding on his next few battles - like the future of the Earth!

Well, let's get a few things sorted from the start. In this game, it appears that Popeye is out of his league. He's not just scuffling with Bluto over Olive Oyl. Not at all; he's actually fighting to save the world (nay, the entire solar system). Popeye has suffered one of those annoying events that happen to everyone occasionally. He's been kidnapped by some aliens. D'oh. Anyway, these aliens are called Kraggs. Don't ask why. They wish to take over the Universe, as most aliens do.

But being incredibly cunning, these aliens have decided to find out which planets are the easiest to beat, so they can take them on first (obviously smart guys - TMB!)

Obviously there's only one way to do this. An intergalactic wrestling contest. Popeye has been selected to represent Earth (hence the abduction). Why Popeye was chosen is a mystery, as he's only got one eye. But if he can win four out of five bouts, he's saved the planet and everybody can go back to their humdrum lives. If he wins all five, he's saved the complete solar system and, such will be our gratitude, we'll give him a year's subscription to CF free.

Each wrestling bout takes place at a different location. The moon, other planets, Earth itself. There isn't really a shortage of places in the Universe to do stuff like this. Unfortunately for Popeye, some of the planets have massive gravity and are as dense as water. This puts him at something of a disadvantage. Luckily, though, he's got spinach and his friends to support him.

On with the game itself. The aim is to pin the opponent (be it alien, humanoid or just repulsive sponge-creature) to the canvas. Once you do this, a count-down starts and you must try and keep the fellow held pinned cleanly for three whole 'Earth' seconds.

Sounds clear enough, but things start getting a bit more confused when you come up against hideous other-worldly creatures which have their own special moves, abilities and strengths. So it comes as a bit of a relief when Olive Oyl and Wimpey start handing spinach and hamburgers into the ring. Popeye can collect these and get a much-needed energy boost.

But there had to be a downside, didn't there? Yes, that mountain-sized ruffian Bluto is also present at most of the bouts. His evil little trick is to set bombs which explode at the struggling Popeye. Boo, hiss and so on. Luckily Popeye can steer his opponent into the path of the bombs (using a tactical combination of skill and luck). This means that the baddies can also collect the nosh that Wimpey and Olive hand out.

Watching all this is a massive collection of aliens. They all look a tad weird, but what doesn't come across on the grabs here is the amount of movement. As Popeye and his opponent chase each other around the ring, all the creatures watching move up and down, from side to side, wiggle their eyes and throb their earlobes. It's a heaving, seething mass of otherworldly lifeforms.

And the game itself? Well it's a multiload, which is only to be expected, with vastly different aliens to find in each bout, and it's pretty good. There are two styles of gameplay - you're either moving tactically around the ring, trying to get food and spinach, or you're waggling like mad to get a headlock or a pin.

Popeye 3 is also a bit of a challenge. You might beat the first two opponents on the first day, but you won't beat the third. There are a load of spectacular moves done by the aliens, and you've got to be quick and have a very waggle-able joystick.

Popeye isn't earth-shattering, but it's great fun and really gets you involved. You'll knacker your hands waggling for all you're worth. It's a lively, humorous game too. If you don't laugh at Popeye beating up Alien, you're too miserable. Lighten up.

1. It's action from the word go.
2. There's a great Popeye tune, as you'd expect.
3. The spectators are totally crazy, and they all move.
4. Nice animation, especially when Popeye bounces on somebody's head.
5. Collectables such as spinach and burgers do make a major difference.
6. The bouts start off easy but get real tough. So it's got that "have one more go" feel.

1. The graphics of the grappling are sometimes difficult to see.
2. The waggling can really wreck your hands (and joystick).
3. Not really enough foes or moves.
4. One loss and it's game over.