Personal Computer Games


Attack Of The Cybermen

Categories: Review: Software
Author: Shingo Sugiura
Publisher: IJK
Machine: Oric 1/Oric 48K

 
Published in Personal Computer Games #11

Attack Of The Cybermen

Before all you Dr. Who fans rush out to buy this latest game from IJK, let me tell you that it has nothing to do with the Doctor's old arch-enemy.

Instead the aim is to make Percy destroy all the Cybermen who swarm towards him in great numbers. He fires automatically in the direction he's moving and must avoid contact with any of the monsters or with the very annoying deadly bouncer.

All you arcade junkies will now have realised that this is a version of the William Electronic classic megaspectacular Robotron, but before you go after the Dr Who fans to buy this game, please note it is a very watered down version.

Attack Of The Cybermen

Graphics are poor, even by Oric standards and there aren't half as many meanies as in the original. The realistic explosions that were almost a trade mark of William Electronic games have gone. Nice addition is that on each alternate screen, you have to guide Percy through obstacles to his home and the excellent background music is always different.

This game includes a joystick option, variable sound level and the obligatory hall of fame feature.

However, there are quite a few bad points as well. There is no loading screen, freeze option or quit option. The original spindly character set has been used and the pause between successive screens is far too long.

Attack Of The Cybermen

I'm sure all Oric owners are as keen as I am to get a good version of Robotron and get down to some really great zapping. You may find this half fits the bill - but wait a little longer and maybe there'll be a definitive Oric version.

Peter Connor

The first screen's a pretty enjoyable blast in the Robotron mould. The bouncing circle which flies around makes it pretty difficult, especially as your own movement is rather sluggish. Other screens were less fun. Best thing about the game was the intro music - the best version of Bach I've heard on any micro.

Bob Wade

The game obviously does not attempt to be a direct copy of Robotron despite having the same basic scenario.

Attack Of The Cybermen

The character are smooth, moving even if you do look like you've got piles as you walk.

The bonus screen is pretty basic but difficult to complete and seems to be an effort to get away from the Robotron label the game inevitably gets.

Samantha Hemens

Percy, your character, is particularly endearing with his little chunky body and huge grin. However, the Cybermen look more like manic blobs (perhaps this is the face of aliens to come!). The sound isn't enthralling but the bonus screen adds a little something and I must admit I quite enjoyed seeing Percy wipe the screen clean.

Shingo Sugiura

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