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It is the future (Where else?) and the sky and high seas are under the control of the terrorist elements. So, what do you do when you want to get a top secret package of mutant viruses or confidential dossiers delivered? You call in Hydra, of course.

As special courier Hydra, you are in control of the turbocharged Hydracraft, capable of extremely high speeds along the waterways of the west American coast.

Indeed, so fast are these speeds, that you get the option of taking off for short bursts, through careful use of your supercharge, allowing you to see off any hostile helicopters on your case.

What do you do when you get into your Hydracraft? You set the controls to maximum and do your best to blast the terrorists sky high, on your way to delivering your latest, sensitive cargo.

All in all, there are 31 levels to complete, each containing nine missions. As you can expect, the first few are pretty easily accomplished, but the higher you climb, the further you fall, as they say.

The race isn't against the clock, but against fuel, a very rare commodity in the future.

Run out, and you won't complete the mission, so be careful to collect the crystals en route to stock up.

Avoid collision with enemies or obstacles, as you will instantly lose your vital cargo, which will be picked off by the terrorists.

Dust yourself down, get on the chase and obliterate him to regain your load. Completed your mission? Right, get to the briefing room and pick up your next cargo.

At the end of each level, you get the chance of an excellent bonus round, where plenty of money can be earned to spend in Ziggy's Weapon Shoppe. Reef up your wagon and get out onto the water for even more sizzling chase action.

Cassette owners may want to note that Hydra is a multiload blast but, that aside, it's a corker of a game. The graphics are exceptionally clear and scrolling is smooth enough to give you a real feel for the action.

Joystick response is pretty quick, so you won't have to struggle too much getting , to the controls, while the sound effects and music won't get on your nerves too much.

All in all, Hydra is a shoot- 'em-up with a difference, with plenty of variety and colour to keep you coming back for more.

If you like your action red hot, with a neat futuristic twist, give Hydra a try, it'll be well worth it.