Using an identikit system rather like the one in Midwinter 2, you get to design your brave lads. Normally you have to choose your adventurers, but not in Shadowlands - here you have to make your own. Just like Dungeon Master and all its contenders, you start the game with four intrepid adventurers. Hyou must guide them into the Shadowlands where they must search and find your natural remains and from there take them to the altar to be reunited with your spirit in an ancient ceremony. New supernatural powers give you the ability to control the minds of others. Drowned while fleeing enemy hordes who have invaded to find that your spirit is still very much alive and lusting for vengeance. Are you sitting comfortably? The story follows an ancient legend. Well hold on to your hats, helmets or whatever you're wearing on top of your head and all will be revealed soon. You are now probably wondering what the hell Akira, the cult Japanese cartoon/ film epic, has got to do with Shadowlands.

It's a sort of, err, umm, isometric Dungeon Master with a mere shade of Akira thrown in for good measure.

I don't really know how to describe Shadowlands, but I'll have a go. Following quick on the heels of Knightmare, Abandoned Places and Moonstone (OK, it's more action than adventure, but who cares) is Shadowlands. I don't know, you wait ages for a role- playing adventure game to turn up and then you go and get four in two months - it's just not fair.

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