$25, Milton Bradley, 1-4 players.

Summary An evil computer virus threatens to take over a defense satellite and destroy the earth. Players battle the Virus and each other to claim control of the station for their own purposes before time runs out.

Play: High
Complexity: Medium
Strategy: Low
Realism: Low

Game Play

Players search rooms for access cards (keys to locked rooms) and anti-Virus weapons. They then try to find where the Virus hides, and destroy it. Players also fall into traps, and can attack and steal items from each other. Meanwhile the computer counts down how many minutes are left until the game ends (Varies with the number of players and the skill level from 10-35 minutes), As the Virus gains control of the station, it shuts down life support to sections of the board, removing them from play.

The included game computer is the central feature of the game. It manages the bookkeeping of searching, attacking, which players have access to rooms, items a player has, and which room the Virus is hidden in. It is very easy to use since all of the codes for use are found on the board. Also, it uses digitally recorded sound to create two game characters: The pleading station computer ("Help me! We are running out of time!"), and the Virus ("Fool! How Amusing!"), complete with curt and taunting arch villian voice.

Components

The layout of the board is attractive and well thought out -the necessary computer codes are always within reach. The board is full color hard back with metallic detail. The components are detailed full cast plastic pieces that add to the character of play. The game looks good.

Review

The method for keeping the Virus' location secret to only the searching player is great, and works quite well in game play. So is having players find different results for the same room. This way they can't avoid traps by watching each other. Searching all the rooms in the time limit can be tough.

The the computer generated characters really adds to the setting. The Virus gloats and boasts throughout the, game, and really builds the tension in the last few moments. Whoever was the voice actor, well done!

While the solo game is good, it needs higher difficulty settings for experienced players (See Variants). The multiplayer game's time limit is excellent and allows mayhem between players (which the Virus encourages) while building the tension.

There are some great tradeoffs to be made in the last few minutes. You know the Virus is going to blow up your probe soon. Do you launch it against the other players in a suicide attack, or do you risk searching more? Life support has been shut down to the sections holding the items you need. Attack other players, risking you'll destroy the items instead of stealing them? Do you let another player defeat the virus, or do you attack him and chance that no one wins the game? When the computer ..is screaming out that you know the location of the Virus, how do you throw off the other players from your tail?

There are three levels of play to keep the game interesting with experience, but I found significant tradeoffs between the higher two skill levels. While skill level 2 is the shortest, there is no risk that a section of the board holding an item you need will be shut down. On the other hand, while planning is needed, the other levels corral players to the Virus sector by the end of the game, making the search easier. Overall, I find level 1 the most challenging, since in our games the players have figured out where the virus is hiding by the end of the game the game anyway, and we like the extra risk getting caught without essential items.

Overall, an enjoyable quick game that leads to several sessions in an evening. Quite recommended.

Variants

Force players to search all rooms they pass through. Players who attack the virus and fail are transported to the nearest docking bay. Players choose each other's secret code or someone outside the game chooses (or try closing your eyes) so players must gather all the antiVirus weapons before they can find the Virus. (Much more difficult level 2 game)

For a more cooperative game, have everyone choose the same secret code.

The Level 2 solo player game is too easy with experience. The best one player game I've found is playing on level 1. You goal now is to destroy the Virus before it announces "Five minutes left".

Some minor spoilers follow.

Spoilers

The game computer shuts off all traps when there are six minutes left, usually announced by a laugh. The intent was to clear space for the players to attack each other, but in a one player game this leaves the station rather empty. This is why in playing level 1 from 15-5 minutes the Virus is a much more aggressive opponent than in the level 2 ten minute solo game.

Holding down '0' at powerup enters Button Check mode. Holding down '1' at powerup enters Chip Check mode. The computer repeats every phrase used in the game.

Waiting until the second call for players to enter their secret code seems to make the Virus more aggressive.