Blueprint A charming little classic sleeper, Blueprint is basically a memorization puzzle contest with enemies and maze action to keep things more interesting. The little houses contain either a piece of an anti-monster gun or a bomb, which must quickly be disposed of in the monster/bomb pit. Construct the machine, shoot the monster before he grabs the chick, then do it all again. Ah, the life of a video game hero! Too bad this was J.J.'s first and last game. I wish they'd made a sequel or follow up just to see this diminuitive, obese, overall-wearing, mime-faced, grinning little man with the straw vaudevillian hat in a game with better graphics. Rating: 6

APB: I played this a lot in arcades and on the Lynx. An overhead driving game (in a manner anticipating Grand Theft Auto, now that I think about it), you were a rookie patrolman with a different quota every day. Arrest such criminal scum as litterbugs, speeders, hitchhikers, and drug abusers. APB's are issued out against hardened criminals such as terrorists, arsonists, dealers, and prostitutes.

Audiovisually, APB delivers in spades. Nice details included the closeups of you and your boss during level intermissions, mugshots of all the crooks, and different voices on many people/cars. APB was challenging that you had many hindrances and obstacles including the timer, quota, making sure you had enough gas, and avoiding too many demerits. Donut shops gave extra time, your cruiser could be upgraded, and hidden items were some other nice touches. Good game. Rating: 8

NARC: I don't remember this one too well, but it's basically your Final Fight/Double Dragon/Golden Axe/Alien vs. Predator/Simpsons/X-Men/TMNT/Combatribes/Crime Fighters/Renegade-style pseudo 3-D player(s) vs. armies of enemy clones. This one was distinguished only by its overt "JUST SAY NO" message which depicts vigilante-style warfare against sellers and consumers of illegal psychoactive substances.

Not a bad game, though not a terribly good one, either. And remember, my vicarious friends and readers, HUGS NOT DRUGS. Rating: 5