It's a kind of magic. Immortals are not just the stuff of legend, they actually exist and roam the Earth engaged in a never-ending battle to decide who will be 'The One'. The immortal who succeeds in this titanic struggle will become the holder of 'the knowledge', and either the saviour or the destroyer of the world.

In Highlander, you take the part of the immortal McLeod; born originally into an ancient Scottish clan, and now a respected art dealer in New York. In order to save the world, McLeod must do battle with three remaining immortals and kill them in the only way possible - by removing their heads. Remember 'there can be only one'.

Highlander is a sword fighting game which can be played in two ways: either against a series of increasinlgy nasty computer opponents, or as a two player head-to-head. The action takes place over three different, separately loaded scenarios. In the first stage you face Ramirez, the least skilled of your three opponents. This stage can be used to gain experience and develop skills in attack, defence and swordplay.

There are fourteen different moves at your disposal, all accessed via combinations of joystick directions and presses of the fire button. McLeod can be moved left and right across the screen and made to kneel by pulling down on the joystick. A forward push lifts him off the floor and back into a standing position.

While standing, McLeod has two defensive moves (allowing him to defend his head and bloody), and six for attach. Each move is executed by keeping the fire button pressed and moving the joystick in the appropriate direction. In the kneeling position there are three attacking moves, and three defensive moves which allow McLeod to defend his neck, head and feet.

McLeod's energy status is dsiplayed at the bottom of the screen in the form of a bar which shrinks to a fatal zero as hits are sustained or when an attack is unsuccessful. The enrgy slowly recharges itself, so if the bar is a bit on the low side, McLeod can back off from the fray and wait until his strength returns.

The second opponent is Fizir, an ancient and skillful fighter who is vicious with his swordplay and completely merciless. In the thrid stage, set high on the rooftops above the city streets, you battle the mighty Kurgen, supreme swordsman and a deadly enemy. Beat him, and you become the keeper of the knowledge. Fail, and the world is damned.

This is simple a tacky fencing game with the name Highlander tagged on, almost as an afterthought. I mean, this could just as easily have been called 'Robin Hood' or even 'Star Wars' with only a few minor changes in the graphics. No atmospehere and no inspiration leads to a dull and repetitive game. Give it a miss.

A reasonable rendition of 'It's a Kind of Magic' plays during the game, and the spot FX are rather good. Otherwise, Highlander is drab. I dare say some people will enjoy the limited challenge, but there's no way I would fork our the nine quid asking price for such a slow and boring game.

The graphics are very poor - the main sprites are extremely blocky, and the backdrops are dull and lack any interesting features. If you're after a fighting game then look elsewhere - there are many others on the market which offer a lot more in the way of excitement and challenge.