Around The World in 80 Days is one of my favourite stories and I was hooked by the story, the Michael Palin documentary and even a sucker for that animal version featuring Willie Fog and his pet rat Rigadon.

This game tries to capture the spirit of the Jules Verne classic by challenging you to an Around The World voyage in the late 19th Century as the great Phileas Fogg. Unfortunately, it generally falls a considerable distance short of achieving this aim. Many reviewers have already compared it unfavourably with The Rise of Atlantis except finding this less challenging which is certainly one accusation which can be levelled at it. There is very little difference in much of the gameplay compared to The Rise of Atlantis although the graphics are certainly better and there are a few bonus levels to keep your interest going.

However, the game comes across as nothing much more than a glorified puzzle game that occasionally educates you with a few facts on the various countries you visit after solving each challenge. The early levels are too easy although the puzzles do become increasingly tricky after the first 10 minutes or so.

Don't pack your bags just yet - this is one round the World voyage that may not be the trip of a lifetime but just about scrapes the ticket fee together.