However, no matter how charming the little critter is, he creates problems. You see, the level structure has been completely altered from previous episodes. Rather than the simplistic 'get key, open door and then escape within a time limit' which we experienced in its forefathers, it's now a series of semi-puzzle-based exploits.

The problem is that most of the time you haven't got a clue why you're doing something, or how it relates to your overall mission. You just order the guidebot to take you to the next important place, fiddle around until something happens and repeat. He's your trusty cybernetic guide dog and you're just along for the ride.

However, the guidebot does highlight Descent's greatest strength. No, not the dual-engine graphics system that allows you to soar through the external skies, nor the occasional imaginative level, like the timed defence of your base. Instead, it's the AI: the guidebot follows logical paths and very rarely gets confused. The same intelligence is visible in every foe who dodges hides, runs away and generally makes your life a misery. In a good way, of course.

But, ultimately, Descent 3 fails to bring full-3D action to the masses. Its fault is half-created by the previously discussed guidebot dependence and is completed by you having infinite lives. This means there's never any tension flowing through Descent's weary heart. No matter how bad things get, you always know that, if the worst comes to the worst, you can wear the foes down piecemeal. The best way to destroy any of the (tedious) end of level bosses is to simply charge at them, fire your missiles, die and then repeat the process with your new load.

I mean... why should I bother? The game might as well play itself. I'm off for a drink.