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Roy Of The Rovers is a game of two halves, just like the game on which it is loosely based. Following the threat of a takeover by city property developers, Roy Race, the clean cut, comic strip hero, has organised a 5-a-side game in a bid to save Melchester's famous ground.

If the team can't raise enough money by 5pm the bulldozers will be moving in. But the team has been kidnapped, and Roy is racing against time to rescue his other four players. He faces constant threats from booby traps, ambushes, numerous hoodlums, heavies and opposition supporters. Only Roy's mum is there to help with refreshing cups of tea.

The game is played in the streets surrounding the Melchester ground. Roy's actions are controlled through two menus, which enable him to walk, run, smile, fight and pick up, drop or use various objects. Options can be selected using the keyboard or joystick.

The classic strategies of all good adventure games are needed - exploration, character interaction, the use of collected objects at the appropriate time - and all the time the clock is ticking away.

The characters Roy meets must be approached in the correct manner if they are to be persuaded to part with information. Some will respond to Roy's charm, while with others his flashing smile produces a more robust response.

Sometimes violence is the only recourse, although if you pick a fight with the wrong man you will end up with a severe pounding and a telling off from Roy's mum.

This part of the game is great fun to play. It has been produced with refreshing style and wit.

At 5pm it is on to the match with as many players as you have been able to rescue. When it can be persuaded to load, the 5-a-side match is something of a let down, although it is slightly more fun if you are forced to play the opposition on your own.

Having said that, Roy Of The Rovers is worth playing for the adventure part alone.