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This is a conversion of one of the big Ultimate hits on the Spectrum of late 1984. At the time it was somewhat overshadowed by the more innovative Knight Lore released just afterwards, but I've always found the game playable, entertaining and addictive.

The conversion does it full justice. Although only minimal attempts have been made to exploit the Commodore's superior capabilities, the effectiveness of Ultimate's original graphics and game-design will be enough to satisfy most people.

Unlike Sabre Wulf which now seems a little dated in its gameplay, Underwurlde contains a surprising number of elements which haven't so far been copied to death by other software houses. Take, for example, the role of the various, strange enemy creatures you encounter. Instead of killing you or sapping your energy on contact as in x thousand other games, here they simply knock you head over heels (in super-comical style), preventing you from going where you want to. You only die if they knock you off a ledge and you fall too great a distance.

The game is set in a castle perched on top of a massive labyrinth of underground passages. You, taking the role of Sabreman, have to escape by finding a route through the passages, and tracking down the weapons required to get rid of three different guardians blocking your way.

The castle screens are bright and colourful with objects such as tables, clocks, pictures and eagle crests, all of which serve as platforms for you to leap onto as you make progress. In the earth-yellow screens of the underworld, jagged rock ledges served the same function.

But although Underwurlde is, in a sense, a platform game, it feels very different to most, because it takes place on a much larger scale. A single leap can take you right across the screen. There's also plenty of shooting to be done to keep those pesky aliens at bay.

Other pleasing elements include ropes to lower yourself on, volcanoes which emit rising bubbles you can jump on to, and eagles which can grab you and fly off on the wrong route.

It appears that the layout of the 500+ screens of the Spectrum version has been copied precisely, right down to the locations where you're likely to find the weapons - so if you can dig out one of those maps that was published a year ago, it could come in handy!

In my view, Underwurlde has stood the test of time remarkably well.