Combining strategic thinking with action, Covert Action puts you in the role of Max/Maxine Remington, expert agent for the CIA. National security is threatened by terrorists and it's your job to stop them. Covert Action weaves an engrossing plot each time you play, randomly generating terrorist "wires" and Interpol reports.

To accomplish your task you will have to place wiretaps, decode messages, break into strongholds and interrogate prisoners.

Following is a list of some of the game's features:

• Random plot. Each playthrough is unique, adding to the replay value.
• Random gameplay. Every wiretap, every floor layout is random.
• Perform numerous espionage activities, from wiretapping to turning double agents.
• Travel between over a dozen cities in your quest for justice.
• Encounter over a dozen criminal organizations.
• Varying difficulty levels -- from local crisis to global disturbance.
• Limited time -- Everything you do takes time, so you must choose your moves wisely.
• Agent score -- once the crisis is averted (or not) you are rated on your performance.

This is not to say that Covert Action is perfect. The plot, while random, can become tedious after numerous games and I often find myself not paying much attention to the details. Also, while there may be varying difficulties, don't expect to pass this game the first time through, make no mistake, it is a difficult game. That said, difficult or not, Covert Action is a game that will have you coming back for more.

The world holds its breath. Do you have what it takes to save it?