Take all of the action from the hit movie True Lies, subtract the romance, and you've got one of the most exciting games ever encountered.

Take charge of gun toting Arnie in this top down omni-scrolling action shooter. Arnie takes on the terrorists using a variety of weapons in all the locations from the movie of the same name. In each location you have a mission such as retrieve data or capture a terrorist. This usually involves searching around for your goal while dispatching enemies and trying to minimise civilian casualties. The emphasis is on action and weapons, in particular Arnold's favourites: flame thrower and the uzi. He also has a diving roll to help him dodge the enemies bullets and come back guns blazing..

Melbourne's very own Beam software has done a fabulous job converting all the action sequences from the movie into the game. The action follows the movie closely, with a few extra levels thrown in for good measure. True Lies game is a top-down shoot-'em-up adventure, sort of like Commando with mission briefings or the on-foot sections of Urban Strike. You control Harry Tasker (Arnie) and begin where the film does in a Swiss chateau. Harry has to connect a modem to a PC in order to get information on bad-boy Crimson Jihad. To get to the computer, Harry must terminate lots of baddies but avoid popping any of the waiters or party guests. After downloading the information, it's time to get out of the chateau and head down the slopes towards your buddy Gib (Tom Arnold) who is waiting in a nearby truck. Tom gives you instructions as you complete each mission, and unfortunately isn't afraid to give the odd sarcastic wisecrack as well.

Next comes the mall (watch out for the shoppers), the park, the subway, docklands, China, and the refinery. Then the actions really hots up, with the exciting battle at Florida Keys complete with Harrier jet, and the final confrontation with Jihad in a city office building.

In all levels, Arnie has to find certain items, battle armed hoodlums, and pick up enough ammo, weapons and medikits to escape alive. Weapons range from puny pistols to powerful shotguns and awesome grenades.

True Lies features:

• Big-screen excitement
• Cool characters
• Awesome weaponry
• Secret missions
• Two-player action

True Lies is basically an overhead scroller with endless shootouts in places such as a chateau, a mall, a park, and a refinery, among others. The excellent controls include a diving roll and a strafing move that's incredibly useful. There's no shortage of ammo, and Harry is armed with uzis, flame-throwers, shotguns, and grenades. Enemies splatter with blood and fall to the ground when shot. But be careful! If you shoot three civilians, you'll need to restart the level. The game even incorporates Harry's partner (Tom Arnold), posting advice on the bottom of the screen. The background music is good, and the sound effects are remarkable. For example, when on the docks, you not only hear the water, but you can even hear the rats! The game climaxes with an exciting overhead shooting stage. A password saves your place. True Lies is an original game that really captures the spirit of a great film.

Enter never-before-seen secret missions in an attempt to overthrow your archrival and ensure safety for the rest of the world. You might have the assistance of your buddy, Gib, and some impressive artillery, but that doesn't mean this trip's going to be a cakewalk. With heavily-armed terrorists, surprise attacks, and devastating boss levels, True Lies delivers all of the action of the movies without the sappy endings and the expensive popcorn.

With detailed graphics, plenty of levels and lots of variety, True Lies should keepaction fans happy for a long time.