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We've had BMX This and BMX That, skateboarding games aplenty and umpteen simulations of popular sports on the C64. But of all the crazes to be turned into computer games, roller skating seems to be the one which escaped software houses' attention - well, with the exception of Epyx's simplistic obstacle course in California Games. And, of course, Gremlin's latest - Skate Crazy.

Skate Crazy is a rip-roaring roister doiser roller skating romp featuring eight levels split into two loads, each representing a distinct game style. The Car Park Challenge is set, unsurprisingly, in a car park - a disused, three storey one at that. Each level comprises a multi-directional scrolling course to complete. A course is conquered when you pass through all the gates (marked by flags) and collect enough performance points - awarded by four computer judges, who are just as keen to dock them when you screw up. Points are scored by performing stunts - such as jumping off ramps, turning in mid-air and landing safely - and passing through gates. However, if you fail to acquire enough points, all is not lost. The designers of Skate Crazy have been considerate enough to give you the chance to make amends by picking up 21 pieces of litter dotted around a directional scrolling course in one minute.

Having completed a course, Freddy (that's you) skates on screen and stops at a junction in the car park, waiting for you to choose whether you want to continue with the Car Park Challenge or have a bash at the Championship Courses - the second load. Let's take the Championship Courses, shall we?

Coo-ee. The four Championship Courses are horizontally scrolling obstacle courses, similar in some ways to the aforementioned roller skating event in California Games - only these are considerably more varied and playable.

Control of the skater is also similar, verging on a realistic feel. Left and right movements on the joystick correspond to leg movements to build up speed, and despite being a little tricky to grasp initially (it's sometimes a bit too easy to move in the opposite direction), once you get the hang of things it's wonderfully gratifying to complete a course.

There are holes to jump, birds, snails, mice, frisbees and thugs to avoid, and most importantly, litter to collect. Some pieces cause previously hidden bonus symbols to appear, such as extra lives, but the real reason for this Branson-esque clean-up campaign is that you are given money - dosh, spondoolas - at the end of the level. And with the money you can buy equipment, like protective pads to stop your - ouch - rating increasing so quickly, better quality roller skates so they don't wear down so soon, and well-posey gear to increase the all-important credibility rating for extra points.

This half of the package is the best of the two, although it must be said, both are very playable and compulsive. The slightly unusual control works well, and there are some teeth-clenching hazards to negotiate.

The graphics are first class throughout, with detailed, cartoon-quality sprites, colourful and varied backdrops and smooth parallax scrolling. Sound, too, is competent - a suitably funky title tune and some effective spot effects. All in all Skate Crazy offers bags of entertainment and represents great value. I'm not going to go so far as to say you'd be Skate Crazy to miss it, 'cos that sounds crap, and this certainly isn't.