Zzap


Robozone
By Image Works
Commodore 64

 
Published in Zzap #79

Robozone

Yep, it's post-apocalypse time again folks, this time in the Big Apple itself, roasted by an ecological crisis. You control the sole-surviving Wolverine robot and not only must you contend with civil unrest but also the Scavengers. These towering robots constantly scour the city for scrap metal to melt in a huge furnace - which you must destroy before the pollution level gets too high.

The first of three multi-loaded levels is a largish maze of horizontally scrolling subway tunnels, linked by shafts which you can fall down or jump up. Energy-draining Scavengers, mutants and gun-toting humans can be shot with your built-in machine guns or, if you can find them, grenades and lasers.

Your stomping walker-type sprite is undoubtedly the best thing about the game. While the backgrounds on Level 1 are quite nice, the single-colour, Spectrumesque enemies which run through the whole game are very disappointing. Moreover, the size of the Wolverine means you can't dodge missiles easily - skill isn't nearly as important as making a map and following the quickest route.

Robozone

Find and destroy the pathetic end-level baddie and you go above ground for the second level. This, however, is even worse: stomping around a grid of streets in search of the required EFA component is very dull.

The EFA allows entry to the final level: a horizontally-scrolling shoot-'em-up inside the furnace. Get to its heard and you'll face the huge, heavily armed Protector. Although little better graphically, this straightorward shoot-'em-up works reasonably well - even if it looks like something from 1986.

Verdict

Presentation 44%
Speedy multi-load with intro screens, weak animated title screen, continue plays.

Robozone

Graphics 43%
Attractive Wolverine sprite, but otherwise poor.

Sound 63%
Atmospheric loading tune, good weapons FX.

Hookability 48%
Dull shoot-'em-up action on first level, but basic mapping challenge provides some interest.

Lastability 44%
Level two is dire, but level three provides a decent, if basic, shoot-'em-up.

Overall 45%
A bleak vision of the future!