Timeline

After writing such huge blockbusters as Jurassic Park and also scripting and directing several big 70s films, such as Coma and Westworld, it was only a matter of time before Michael Crichton made an appearance on the PC. The fact that Timeline, his latest novel, wasn't immediately snapped up by Hollywood is proof enough that the story is pretty shoddy. But, as a computer game, it's an oddly endearing and simplistic first-person adventure that should appeal to adults who normally only ever play golf sims - attracted by Crichton's name; and children who have yet to master Quake III- attracted by the juvenile story.

You're a young archaeologist excavating an historic region of France whose professor disappears leaving only a videotape behind. In it he explains that he's just buggered off to the 14th century with a newly created time machine (imagine Steven Spielberg turning that into a movie). As you follow him into feudal France, you have to complete a succession of simple puzzles and sub-games as you search fo him and make sure no one discovers your Identity. If it all sounds like Disney TV series, it's because that's what it plays like. In fact, you're not even allowed to kill anyone because this would have catastrophic consequences to your timeline.

The surprising thing is that, taken on its own simplistic terms, it's not a bad lunchtime romp. The subgames include sliding down an icy slope, participating in a jousting tournament, winning an archery contest and riding wildly through a village under siege. On their own, these games are pretty pathetic but, combined with some undemanding tyle sneaking around, it makes for some pleasant entertainment.