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This game proves to be a bit of a puzzle. The cassette inlay burbles on about you being an explorer of unknown lands in the past whilst the game is more of a shoot-em-up scenario.

The screen gives a view from behind your ship - a leeper - whilst the landscape moves towards you. The feeling of motion is given by coloured bands which move down the screen. The landscape is littered with weird walls which you must negotiate.

The idea is to explore the many sectors of an area of terrain collecting artefacts. These must be delivered to bases and stations. Most of the areas have some degree of radioactivity and your ship will only tolerate a certain amount of exposure. The level of radiation can be reduced by shooting hovering crystals or by using some of your ship's protection systems. To make life a little more interesting alien ships appear occasionally and endeavour to destroy you.

Graphically this is a tour de force with smooth scrolling and marvellous animation. Shadows are used extensively to enhance the effect and everything oozes class. Sound on the other hand is passable, not outstanding.

Notwithstanding the quality graphics, the game seemed to lack that special gripping element. It was fun to play but not enthralling. Another drawback was the lack of turbo load. I'm surprised that Activision doesn't use one on all its games. At the price, rather too expensive and only a little better than average.

A.W.