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When PowerMonger first appeared, a number of data disks were promised for it that would provide whole new worlds in which to monger power. Only now has the first - and probably the last - appeared. It transforms the twee medieval woodland of the original game into the muddied battlefields of the First World War.

The basic concepts of the game remain the same, so if you don't know how PowerMonger works - er, this review isn't going to make much sense to you. As before, the idea is to work your way through 175 territories by conquering at least two thirds of each. This time the map covers the whole of Europe and a lot of the surrounding countries.

Most of the changes on the data disk are in the graphics. Instead of cute little villages, you have bunkers, hospitals and factories. The generals are replaced by mean-looking gentlemen in military uniforms. Instead of producing catapults and pikes, you make rifles, biplanes and tanks. Rifles are your basic weapon for giving to each soldier. Biplanes buzz over enemy territory and strafe them, but can be shot with good markmanship. The meanest weapons you can have are tanks, but they take ages to build.

Apart from this, it's mostly the same. The samples aren't much different and the gameplay's still as taxing in the later territories.

Probably not worth getting hold of if you've already bought Populous 2. PowerMonger never really stood much of a chance against this competitor - and the data disk doesn't do much to improve its chances. Only the graphics have changed, and even having the new weapons doesn't really make the game feel very much different. Save your £15.00 to put towards Populous 2 - PowerMonger is looking past it already.

1. Looking quite dated now with the likes of Populous 2 around, and at this price it's not really worth it.