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Not only do the Germans make obscenely delicious cakes and gateaux but they code a pretty mean puzzle game too. Granted, The Power has nobbled its style from several other puzzle games (Puzznic and Atomix to name but two) but it merits at least an equal crack of the whip.

Over a scrolling backdrop pattern sits a framework of blocks. Within this area is a collection of items such as moveable and fixed blocks, hearts, a girly (your beloved) and yourself. The simple aim is to collect all the hearts before meeting up with the girl of your dreams. By manipulating your sceptre of satisfaction [I think he means joystick - Ed] you can send your character hurtling in one of four directions. Once set in motion he won't stop until he comes up against an obstacle. Absolutely everything that isn't a heart constitutes an obstacle.

Completing early levels is as easy as counting the hairs on our editor's head but things soon get more than a little confusing.

Blocks placed with guile and cunning around the play area make certain hearts appear uncollectable. Often, Minnie, your sweetheart, is in such a position that you can only reach her by manipulating the moveable blocks. Trying to figure out the combination of moves necessary can take time, and with a time limit intent on diminishing fast, that's the one thing you haven't got.

Another minor problemette is the volatile nature of the manoeuvrable blocks. There are three types; red, green and blue. Slide a red block into a green block and it destroys it. Slide a red one into a blue block though and nowt happens. Why? The rules for block explosion go thus: red destroys green, green destroys blue and blue destroys red. Remember this and everything will work out just fine. Well, maybe.

It's a simple affair but the neat way the game's few basic elements have been arranged presents a diabolical challenge. There are a hundred levels, each with a password to save you the hassle of playing through it each time you boot up.

There are two game options worth noting. The first is the game mode option. In arcade mode the play area looms so large you have to scroll the screen to see all of it (but you get the benefit of seeing all the sprite and block detail). In taktik (you what?) mode, everything is incredibly small but the whole level sits neatly on one screen. The other option is the built-in screen designer. You can chop and change existing levels or even create brand new ones with it. Not bad, eh?

If your software shelf is already packed with a plethora of puzzle games, the wisdom of buying The Power's questionable. But if you missed out on last year's puzzle game glut, this is worth closer inspection.

The simple graphics work well, the sound is great and the playability is absolutely mammoth.

1. Stonkworthy soundtrack!
2. It'll keep you going for a century (well, 100 levels, that is)
3. Two playing modes cater for individual tastes
4. Password system is invaluable
5. A screen editor awaits your creative talents
6. Graphics: simple but fun
7. Weird and wonderful background textures
8. Difficulty has you gaggin' for another go
9. Puzzles become fiendishly, er... fiendish

1. Originally is not its middle name
2. Limited number of elements makes complex levels repetitive