Push It provides a fresh take on the Sokobad genre for Amstrad CPC puzzle lovers. Spread over 40 fiendish levels that ramp up with difficulty as the player progresses, this mind-boggler is guaranteed to result in hair being pulled out (if us retro oldies have any left to tug). As the player, you control a little yellow potato-like fella and his friend (on select levels) and must figure out how to get to the exit.

Sounds simple but barring the way are various obstacles that range from blocks and chasms to rotating shapes, which all inhibit your progress. The key to success lies in taking your time and flexing the old grey matter - this is no rush job. There are some levels where it's just the blocks you have to push out of the way in the correct order, but there are also other ones where you have to pick up and take a block with you to fill the void and create a bridge. This seemingly simple task soon becomes increasingly more taxing when the player has to alternate between the two characters in the game; a task which requires great care and attention for a solution that gets one character to the exit doesn't necessarily mean it's a route for the second person.

Thankfully there is a handy reset feature, and it's a given that by the time the beginners' stage is complete, you'll be very familiar with the level reset button.

It's the simplest ideas that are often the best and few things get simpler than this 'push this thing to progress'. Don't get me wrong, there's a sharp difficulty curve after level six but by then you're already well and truly hooked. It'll only take a few hours to complete, but those hours will be full on 'one more try' fun that puzzle game fans adore. Play it!

I genuinely through that I was somewhat jaded with this genre - I have played many and become disinterested in games of this style. Then Push It comes along and actually delivers the fun.

Many Sokoban games tend to be a bit dry and unimaginative, whereas this title is cheeky, cartoony and very well thought out. The proof is in its level design. And in that, the game is crafted masterfully - it will make you think, ponder and probably fall out with your Amstrad.

There is so much variety going on that I found myself stoked to see what the next level would deliver. The rotating, pivoting shapes will end up getting interwoven with each other if you're not careful, forcing your hand to reset and try, try again.

And, if you think it's taxing during a solo mission, wait until you have to swap between Mr. Potato and his chum - working in tandem adds another dynamic altogether. Man, it so makes me furious at times! Oh, and the game has a step counter - just to annoy you to try and repeat the level with fewer steps.

Presentation 75%
Lovely bright loading screen and inviting title page.

Graphics 79%
Really cute but basic sprites - plenty of variation for the background tiles.

Sound 75%
A cheeky chirpy tune plays along in the background that fits in with the visual frame.

Addictiveness 90%
Can't help but have just one more try! Sleepless nights guaranteed.

Lastability 80%
There are 40 levels to play through which will take a good while to finish.

Overall 80%