Amstrad Action


America's Cup Challenge

Author: Bob Wade
Publisher: U. S. Gold
Machine: Amstrad CPC464

 
Published in Amstrad Action #17

America's Cup Challenge

If you thought the America's Cup would be a tough simulation to put on computer, then give yourself a round of applause because that's how it's turned out. This is a very polished simulation with plenty of attention to detail but, unless you are a sailing buff, it's going to be hard to get to grips with.

You can hardly have failed to notice the America's Cup going on in Australia this winter. Now you can sail the course against another player or the computer. You can sail at one of three skill levels but you'll find all of them tough. At its most basic, the idea is to sail your yacht around a pre-determined course and cross the finish line before your opponent.

The instructions are very daunting unless you're familiar with sailing, even though the actual controls are quite straightforward. Unfortunately this also means that anyone who might be in a position to enjoy the complexity of the simulation may be disappointed with the controls.

America's Cup Challenge

The graphics as the yachts travel the course are reasonable, but there's not a lot of noise except for the wind. This can be a very enjoyable long term challenge if you can get to grips with it, but I wish the control methods had been simplified by more use of the keyboard instead of trying to operate everything with the joystick.

First Day Target Score

Complete the course.

Second Opinion

I don't like sailing, and I don't like this game.

Green Screen View

America's Cup Challenge

Ahoy, I sea green.

Good News

P. Very detailed simulation.
P. Will absorb you for hours.
P. Well presented, masses of background info.

Bad News

N. Very complicated for the beginner.
N. Bad choice of control mechanism.

Bob Wade

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