The President of the United States has really been having a bad week hasn't he. Either he has a suppressed desire to be kidnapped and tied up all the time or certain members of the Secret Service aren't doing their jobs properly. Maybe their sunglasses are so dark they can't see the a guys comin'!

This beat 'em up is played over seven mean screen levels. All the maiming features are here punch, kick, jump, flying kick and a very useful super punch. The numerous dark assassins come from all directions as do the leggy females. They all want a piece of your ass, but dinner and sweet conversation is the last thing on their minds. By standing still and holding down the fire button for few seconds the super punch can persuade most of your assailants that you're no push over.

Dragon Ninja hammers a path across factory platforms, juggernauts and various other extremely well drawn backdrops. His adversaries are equally nice to look at, especially the end of level barbarians. Take care though they may be pretty but they all have a secret weapon. Some of the rascals breath fire whilst one giant ninja suddenly multiplies into an army (shouting two times two, four times four...)

Control over your main man is a little sluggish and quite often you'll be surrounded by nasties and pressing the fire button vigorously whilst wrenching the joystick out of its housing. All you will achieve is a half-bad impression of Michael Jackson's dancing. With practice you'll learn to conserve your energy for more calculated attacks.

B.D. vs D.N. takes a worn out idea and somehow makes it fresh again - a very, very, good game. Personally I couldn't care if the president does get rescued. the silly sod will only go missing again next month.

Label: Hit Squad Memory: 48K/128K Price: £2.99 Tape, £NA Disk Reviewer: Steve Keen

A definite addition to your budget collection. The beat 'em up will be with us a lot longer yet and this will be nearer the top of your games pile than most.