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Maybe the lizard has finally run out of steam, but I found this latest chapter in the Repton life story just a little disappointing.

Superior are to be commended for two things - firstly, the nice cheaper price, and, secondly, the inclusion of the Repton 3 program and editor as part of the package. The 40 new screens by Matthew Atkinson are split (as they were for the last release) in five levels of eight screens each, but this time the graphics have been completely redrawn.

As the title suggests, Repton has been let loose upon the world and both he and the ubiquitous objects (diamonds, lizards, boulders, etc) have been redefined for five new areas - Africa, the Arctic, the Far East, America and the Oceans.

This at least makes the game fresh - I think the screens are simpler than before (I haven't tried all 40 yet but solved the first three I tried quite quickly) and it is only the sock of not recognising the relevant objects that introduces that old Repton adrenalin rush. Interestingly, the disc version includes different loading screens for 40 or 80 track - something new, I think.

It must have been difficult to come up with something fresh after three previous Repton releases and Superior have, at least, avoided the easy path of simply supplying more screens. The cheapness of the package does somewhat imply a slightly inferior release and, despite the welcome inclusion of the full price value Repton 3 game and editor, this is really only for Repton completists and badge collectors (free Repton badge with every purchase!).

As always there is a competition for completing the 40 screens - see our Hints 'N Tips column for all 40 passwords and editing codes; although there is a detection routine that checks to see if you have cheated in completing the game.

In summary, great fun for manic lizard fans, disappointing for the casual buyer.

Dave Reeder