Zzap


Web Dimension
By Activision
Commodore 64

 
Published in Zzap #1

Disappointing musical amusement

Web Dimension

This somewhat strange program is a mix of puzzle, music and light which is intended more as an executive time waster than as a game in its own right.

The web in question is in 3D perspective stretching away to the back of the screen. On it appears a musical note which you control and enlarges to a cluster when the fire button is held down. Also on the web appear creatures which move about following different but regular patterns.

There are six creatures on the web at one time and you have to touch each one with your cluster of notes to paralyse it. The webs take two main forms, one in which the creatures leave a trail and one in which you leave a trail.

Web Dimension

Both trails are fatal to you so you must avoid them depending on which of the two is in operation at the time. Collision with a trail will send you back to the start so that you have to freeze all the creatures again.

When the beasts are leaving a trail it will disappear when they reach the end of their pattern and double back on themselves. The best way to stop them is to stop at a junction of web lines and let them hit you. When you leave a trail you can just run into them anywhere.

At the end of each of these webs you get a musical and graphic interlude which changes as you progress. The patterns which the creatures follow also change from turn to turn.

Web Dimension

Getting around the web is a little tricky at first since the junctions and directional control are complicated.

There are no lives or end to this game; it just goes on and on until you switch it off.

JR

Intrigued by the game's description I loaded the 'experience' with great expectation and was horrified with the result: one boring screen with six different things trundling about. All you have to do is run into the things without going into their trails. This is then followed by the same screen only this time you run into the things without crossing your trail. There is no score or aim to the game and lives are unlimited. A stupendous soundtrack does not compensate for a hugely boring game. An advanced stage of rigour mortis set in during the first game and I haven't been back to it since.

BW

As games go it has to be said that this won't interest you for long. However as a thing to doodle with while you try and relax or take your mind off something else it does has its merits. The music is impressive although the graphics weren't

the stunning revelations I was expecting. On the whole the program is more of a failed game than an attempt at entertainment software and I can't see it being a success.

Gene Machine

The creatures in Web Dimension take the rough form of a Darwinian evolutionary cycle moving from atoms, through molecules and ova to foetuses and finally a full blown astronaut.

This concept was used in Deus Ex Machina but you'll find this game a touch more tasteful, except for the wiggly things which we are convinced are sperm and not the claimed germs.

Some of these biological sprites are nicely animated as they weave around the web, particularly an egg-like wobbly amoeba.

Verdict

Presentation 75%
Presented as an entertainment rather than a game

Originality 64%
In some ways similar to the arcade game Amidar.

Graphics 54%
Evil looking web but little else.

Hookability 42%
Control is awkward, and play not very addictive.

Sound 81%
Terrific tunes but repetitive at times.

Lastability 32%
Action lacks variety and seems ultimately pointless.

Value For Money 27%
Very little to offer apart from the music.

BW

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