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Not the first deep-space epic to reach our screens, but Starship Andromeda could prove to be a tough nut to crack, even for battle-hardened Elite commanders. The game has rigid objectives, although unlike Elite, no clear strategy is visible at the outset.

The Galaxy is being run by the Federation under the evil eye of a tyrant named Alana. Her power emanates from a necklace which also happens to be the security key for the Mindlord computer, which controls the Galaxy.

Your task is to locate a proton lance and the materials (Zyron and Trysst) to power it, destroy a sufficient number of Federation starbases to corner Alana, cut the necklace from her and reprogram the Mindlord computer for the benefit of mankind.

Starship Andromeda is a game of many scenarios and much exploration. To complete it, you will have to play and complete each of the five 'Warps' in sequence. Each warp is loaded from the double-sided disk provided, and a password system allows entry to warps two and above. This password system also permits continuation of a game at a later date.

While in normal space, you will find an assortment of enemy craft, planets and asteroids. Applying full thrust will project your craft into metaspace, where cast distances can be covered in a relatively short time, and the effects of red giants and blue dwarfs (types of stars) take their effect on your time and energy reserves. Running out of either, or losing all your crew members will cost you the game!

Warp 1 contains the planets from which you collect Trysst and Zyron (the two elements needed to power the proton lance), requiring you to descend treacherous chasms, and scour the surface while avoiding meteorites.

Warp 2 contains the 'where-with-all' to acquire a proton lance.

Warp 3 contains the starbases to attack and hold.

Warp 4 is Alana's starship which you will need to overcome and enter.

Warp 5 holds the conclusion to the game, the Mindlord computer, and the fate of the galaxy.

The graphics are simply wonderful: full colour solid objects here, not just stick-like transparent representations. Admittedly, you don't get the full 3D effect of being able to view an object from different angles, but the effect is pretty stunning all the same.

Soundwise, you get all the usual lasers, explosions and crashes, with musical interludes (the type that don't great on your nerves) at appropriate moments.

Although I've only scratched the surface of this epic adventure, I think you'll agree that cracking this nut is going to be quite a challenge, it certainly has enough action to wear out my best joystick!