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Mastertronic, £1.99 cass
After the success of Nonterraqueous, Mastertronic has quickly followed on with Soul of a Robot, Nonterraqueous II.

After the abortive attempt to destroy the super computer, with its steel grip over the unpronounceable planet Nonterraqueous, by a team of dedicated rebels, the computer's stability has taken a turn for the worse as it lapses into binary senility. Old, ill and repaired, the computer threatens to destroy itself and take the planet with it. Obviously the people are desperate and are ready to try anything to save their planet. They don't seem willing to risk themselves thougn and instead of destroying the mega machine with their bare hands, they create a robot with the mind of a man to realise their hopes for them. Fully aware of its masters' wishes, the robot is troubled at the thought of destroying anything and seeks death for itself. But death is only attainable once the robot reaches the mega computer. Upon meeting, the robot's internal bomb will explode and save the planet.

The course to be taken by the robot is split into a 16 x 16 maze, each segment sub-split into three sections. Cast into the first section you must find a way through to the third section. Travelling through sections is achieved via the teleport sys-tem. Use of the teleport is only possible once you've managed to collect the transporter key. Throughout the different sections there are obstacles and creatures barring your way and some manoeuvres are needed to outsmart them.

This is the follow up to Nonterraqueous and the presentation of the different caves shows it. The screens are flicked between as you pass the edge of a screen. Only the top two thirds are dedicated for the display of the caverns, the bottom third displays various meters and status readings charting your progress.
The robot has a number of different modes of transport. Its most basic movement is left and right along the floor of the different caverns. Jumping is also available in true Underwurlde (Ultimate's spectrum hit) style, with the hero taking a flying leap every time you press up or run of the edge of a platform. Pressing W allows the height and length
of the jump to be altered, handy when leaping berween different height platforms. If you wiggle the joystick up and down in a Decathalon style frenzy it causes our metal friend to manically wave his arms, each arm stroke
pushing him higher into the air. The trouble is that this somewhat jerky flying method drains psyche.
Psyche is a measurement of the robot's energy level and generally how well he's doing. If it does get to zero then the game's over. Falling too far is deadly as well and after a lengthy tumble you may well find the 'Game Over' message flash up. Around the maze tne robot is troubled by the obligatory nasties, robot drones patrolling the platforms and coridors. Also a deadly fungus is placed about the sheets and this is best avoided.

CRITICISM
As the follow up of Nonterraqueous I think this game is quite good. Although it is completely different in graphics and format to its parent, it has the same feel about it and the same infuriation factor. Graphically it resembles Underwurlde on the Spectrum. Your man jumps and bounces off things in virtually the same manner as Saberman. Generally though, the graphics are not breathtaking but they do their job all the same. Controlling your man is hard, even with the keys. With a joystick it is awful, as you have to keep one hand on the keyboard to fly or to after the length of your jump. Add this to the fact that you bounce off walls and objects when you misjump and you have a potentially unplayable game. Sound is a little disappointing. There are only a few spot effects here and there. On the whole I found this game too infuriating to be very playable or addictive.

As a follow up to Nonterraqueous, I felt Soul of a Robot fared pretty badly, since it didn't really live up to the example set it by its predecessor. The graphics are of a similar style but the movement is terrible with the main character unevenly jerking and stumbling across the screen. The game tends to be a bit boring as well, despite the huge number of screens present. All in all, pretty dull stuff, though it may be worth a look at for £1.99.

I never really liked Nonterraqueous all that much — a lot of game and all of it very similar. Nice graphics though, and decidedly good value at the budget price. This follow up is somewhat disappointing, with poorer graphics and movement, and if anything even less game content. Still, its a good price, so possibly worth forking out for.

Presentation 67%
Effective loading and title screens but a few more options would have been appreciated.

Graphics 79%
Very good in places though the effect is spoiled by the repetitive] nature of different screens.

Sound 43%
Beeps and barps In the right places but could have been better.

Playability 62%
Initially a bit awkward but you soon gel used to it.

Addictive qualities 64%
A lot of challenge for a little money.

Value for money 81%
Despite the moans and groans, if you haven't got vast sums of money, you could do a lot worse than buy this.

Overall 77%
A shame about the movement and tedium. Spoils an otherwise reasonable game.