Fantastic Filmation

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It's quite some time since Ultimate first introduced us to 'Filmation', a remarkable way of producing three-dimensional animation. On first seeing Alien-8, however, you will still wonder: "How do they do it/2

It is set in a vast spaceship, within which is a huge number of chambers: some safe, some occupied by nasties and some inhabited by "Cryonaughts". The Cryonaughts are the beings that you, Alien-8, must ensure reach their destination in good health. This requires that you activate each Cryonaught chamber by collecting the appropriate block-type key and using it to activate the life-support systems in that chamber.

Alien-8 certainly preserves all the charm of Knight Lore. The nasties still possess their own characteristics. Some will push you into corners while others will simply vaporise you on contact. In some chambers, the only way across from one door to another may be via a block on the head of a particularly unpleasant-looking, Dalek-mouse hybrid, pacing the floor below. Rarely have I seen such a variety of truly "intelligent" characters in a game. Alien-8 also contains many new features, including my favourites - remote-control droids which you can guide into hazardous areas.

The only criticism I could possibly make of Alien-8 is the same as the sole complaint I expressed about Knight Lore - namely the poor use of the Beeb's excellent sound facilities. But this is only a small niggle. In every other respect Alien-8 is quite excellent and I would recommend it highly to anyone looking for something new and challenging. If you haven't played one of Ultimate's Filmation-style games before, then Alien-8 is a must. The graphics really do have to be seen to be believed.

David Acton