Who remembers Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice in Fantasia? Other than the Ed, go on, put your hands up? Well, it seems nothing's changed much. Wizards are still feisty so and sos and apprentices lazy lads likely to be laid off (or laid out) at a moment's notice. Of course, the world of Disney innocence is now long gone. Bug Byte's sorcerer is charmingly named Sodov and his three apprentices are all on YOPs courses.
    But despite this humourous nod to the present, this game's as old as, if not the hills, then at least the earliest sword and sorcery arcades. The wizard defends the castle ramparts whilst his proteges toil and trouble in the courtyard. Dragons attempt to swamp the castle but you can zap them with a shouted spell (mmm, now I wonder what that could be, - is there a clue in the Wizard's name?). The spell turns the dinos into dosh, but at great expense to your energy - which can only be replenished by shouting another spell at the star over the tower.
    Miss the dragons though and they'll make yum-yums of your YOPs - and if you don't pick up the cash pretty slick, then an ostrich will. So there is a (marginal if not magical) touch of strategy - you'll have to make a decision as to when you whizz out of the castle - or do you stay and protect your apprentices.
    Sounds familiar? - you bet. But while Bug Byte keeps the emphasis on the cheap and cheerful rather than pretentious and pricey then I won't hear a word against them.

Ratings given by other magazines

7/10      9/10    Crash Review SU Review

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