MACHINE: Disk only on wide range of computers
SUPPLIER: Infocom
PRICE: Varies with version

Ballyhoo is the latest adventure from Infocom, set in the world of the circus, and is described as a Standard level adventure, ideal for beginners.

The story unfolds as the curtain falls on the big top. As I followed the outflowing crowd, I was more than a little disappointed with the experience of the circus, All the ballyhoo promising wonderment, somehow fell a long way short of the mark.

It was not just the outrageous prices, the shabbiness of the acts themselves, or even the fact that the audience were more savage than the bons. Deep down, I knew it was because of my secret desire to steal the spotlight, defy death, and bask in the thunder of applause.

As I left the crowds and looked around the circus and its sideshows for the last time, I came across Colonel Thumb, one of the midgets, who was having difficulty thinking from a fountain nearby. I helped him up, so that he could have a drink, and he saluted me for my kindness, before waddling off into the darkness. Maybe somewhere else in this adventure he would return the favour, but for now, I would have to wait and see.

Moving on, I passed the white wagon belonging to Mr Munrab the circus owner, which also doubled as a ticket office. Now it was locked up, and all in darkness. Eventually I stood outside an old tent.

Once inside, I found there all the props used by circus acts, I started looking around, but hadn't got very far before two ominous shadows appeared against the wall of the tent. Talking in whispers, they were clearly coming this way. If I didn't act fast, I'd be caught red-handed, so I found myself a hiding place.

As the men entered the tent, their conversation made it clear that one was the circus owner, Mr Munrab, and the other, a private detective. Munrab's daughter Chelsea, it seemed, had been kidnapped. Unconcerned, the detective appeared ready to suspect anyone Munrab suggested as the kidnapper. Clearly this detective lacked any kind of professionalism or passion.

Handing over a recent photo of his daughter, Munrab and the detective left the tent and walked out into the warm summer night.

Since the detective seemed to be doing little to find the real kidnapper, here was my chance to help, and, in so doing, maybe get an opportunity to do something in the circus.

Those of you out there who have played Hitch Hiker's Guide will remember the scene in which you have an argument with the game while on the Heart of Gold, when you try to enter the drive chamber. This time, you'll have one over an Egress, What is an Egress? I'm not telling, suffice to say, if you follow the argument through, you'll find out!

Once more Infocom have come up with the goods, to maintain their position as number one adventure creators. The wealth of information provided, and the almost human quality possessed by the computer when one of their games is loaded, never ceases to amaze me.

Reviewer: Steve Donoghue