A&B Computing


3D Ice Hockey

Publisher: Computersmith
Machine: BBC B/B+/Master 128

 
Published in A&B Computing 1.08

In these days of sophisticated games depicting combat with aliens of every shape, size and form, the original video tennis games seem rather anarchronistic. However, this offering is little more than that.

Each side has two players; the figures representing these are quite reasonable but unfortunately opposing layers are coloured cyan and dark, thus making it awkward to distinguish between them. The two players of one side are moved by one set of controls. The attacking player may move in any direction whereas the goalkeeper does not move up the pitch and has only a small modicum of mobility across the goalmouth.

Puck control is rather difficult at first although presumably one becomes more skilled with experience. However, once in possession of the puck, one can driblle it at will until tackled. One of the most disappointing features, is the shooting. Instead of being able to shoot in the direction of present motion, which is the logical arrangement, two controls, "Shoot up" and "Shoot down" are provided. This means it is only possible to fire in two particular directions; a straight shot is completely impossible for example.

The end of the game is most disappointing. No music signalling the finish; or even a congratulatory message to the winner is produced; instead, the screen simply returns to the starting menu after a short while.

Therefore, sadly perhaps, my final message has to be one of warning: Not a worthwhile buy unless you feel particularly nostalgic about that oldest sort of pub video machine.