ZX Computing


3D Monster Chase

Author: James Walsh
Publisher: Romik
Machine: Spectrum 16K

 
Published in ZX Computing #12

3D Monster Chase

The idea of 3D Monster Chase is not to chase a monster, as the name rather implies, but to collect seven keys which are hidden in a three level maze. Unfortunately, there are complications: key one has to be fond first, you then return to base. Once you have made it back, a bomb is triggered. If you do not find the bomb before it explodes, a life is lost. If the bomb is found in time, it must be taken back to the start. Here the sequence starts all over again but this time both keys one and two must be found, and in that order only.

Just to make it that bit more difficult, as if it needs it, at least one monster is always likely to be following you. Obviously, their sole aim in life is to end your life!

All this goes on in a 3D maze, and although the monsters themselves do get bigger as they approach, they are still flat. There are five levels of play, even on the lowest level I have yet to find the second key. At the top of the screen is a radar, showing your position and those of the monsters and you have a small supply of grenades which are used to destroy monsters at the correct range.

Verdict

The game is fast, though inherently jerky due to the nature of the maze. Finding the keys is no easy matter, let alone disposing of the bomb. Killing monsters is a matter of luck to start with as you are told that the grenades work at the correct range, but what *is* the correct range?! The chance of finishing the game, even on level one seem pretty small. Personally, I feel the game should have been made a little easier on level one so as to stop the novice giving up in despair. On the whole I felt that 3D Monster Maze is a good game, but not particularly original.

James Walsh

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