Amstrad Action


Acro Jet

Author: Simon Forrester
Publisher: Kixx
Machine: Amstrad CPC464

 
Published in Amstrad Action #96

AcroJet

Danger! Beware low flying aircraft. Okay, so we're only talking about pixelated planes in a computer game here, but the danger is real enough. Prolonged exposure to AcroJet could serious damage your sleeping pattern: your body clock will be convinced that you've been asleep for the last few hours.

If you're looking for a flight sim with a difference AcroJet, in concept, seems promising. The gimmick is that you have to compete against other pilots, flying your jet through a series of tricky manoeuvres, trying to impress the judges with your stylish execution and more importantly, trying not to crash.

Y'see, there manoeuvres are all low level which makes them very tricky - you even have to fly under ribbons suspended between pylons. There are ten different manoeuvres and you can compete in a decathlon, a pentathlon or a single event. There's even an option called 'Unlimited Event' in which you define the manoeuvres.

AcroJet

AcroJet is one of those sims that you have to spend hours, days, maybe even weeks mastering, and, frankly, it doesn't reward the effort. It's what you might call a worthy game - it's got more options that maths multi-choice exam paper, it's fast and the controls are responsive - but ultimately the thrill you get when you complete the manoeuvres and rack up impressive scores just isn't very... well... thrilling. It rates about as exciting as watching GMTV during a power cut (which is marginally more exciting than watching it when there isn't a power cut).

The graphics are functional, but hardly inspired, and some of the option screens are especially lacklustre, pretty much like the game itself. Don't get me wrong - AcroJet's no turkey, and flight sim fans will probably love the different slant it gives to their favourite genre, but it's not going to convert any unbelievers.

Verdict

Graphics 70%
Functional, but uninspiring.

Sonics 40%
Is that an engine or a crowd?

Grab Factor 51%
It never really takes off (Groan!)

Staying Power 75%
Could do with a lot more variety.

Overall 59%

Simon Forrester

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