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Rat Splat is, as the description accompanying it says, a truly revolting game for the rodent psychopath.

Apparently there has been a violent increase in the rat population and it is your job to enter the sewers and destroy them. The screen presents the player with various platforms connected by ladders. After the initial tune is played the action begins. There are 32 pieces of cheese scattered about the platforms and these are bait for the rats. The rats move quickly around the screen and on meeting a piece of cheese they immediately begin to devour it.

The rats can be killed by hitting them with a hammer but you must be directly next to the rodent so split second timing is crucial. However, there is a monster that inhabits the sewers and he has sentimental feelings towards his furry friends. He pops up in random positions and chases you - his touch is deadly. You can kill him by swapping your hammer for an aerosol can and squirting a repellent at him. As time progresses so the smell of the cheese overcomes you (as shown by the smellometer) and if it becomes too strong then you die.

By killing fifteen rats you move onto a different screen. You will also die if all the cheeses are eaten. You have three lives to play with.

The graphics are very good indeed and the use of colour enhances it even further. The sound is superb and there is even a satisfying 'squelch' as each rat is killed. There is a hall of fame and also a very useful sound option of three levels.

Rat Splat is an original and very addictive arcade game and is certainly value for money. Its ease of use and compelling action make it an asset to any Oric software collection.