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Earth's future isn't a very bright one according to Gryzor, apparently a race of aliens called the Durrs (they sound a bit thick to me) have infiltrated the Earth's defences and built strongholds in uninhabited areas.

They have also assembled an Atmosphere-Processing Plant which allows them to control the planet's weather conditions; indeed, they plan to use it to create another ice age. Not the ideal scenario you must admit, so the powers that be have brought in the FEDs (Federation Of Earth Defences), and it is you as Lance Gryzor who must infiltrate the Durr stronghold and destroy the APP. The game is split into three sections, in the first two you must destroy the outposts set up by the Durrs, whilst the third takes you into the APP.

You start off with a low-powered rifle, but by shooting the weapons carriers (glowing jewel-shaped containers) and collecting the red sphere you could be the proud owner of a super-powered weapon (any lewd remarks by Phil will result in a black eye).

Of course, the obligatory enemy forces are on your tail, and this is what annoyed me greatly about Gryzor: it's initially too tough. Game after game I was stuck on the first section and I can tell you this is very frustrating, though the fact that I persevered says a lot for the game I suppose.

I've never played the arcade parent but I'm assured that this is pretty close. In Issue 38, the game earned 86% with Gordon commenting, "The programmers have managed to capture the spirit of the arcade original".

Paul Glancey found, "The graphics aren't bad and sound is pretty mediocre but the gameplay is addictive to the point of obsession".

Overall then, Gryzor is worth a budget tag, but only if you aren't as short-fused as Mr. Gryzor!