ZX Computing


Backpackers' Guide To The Universe

Author: David Harwood
Publisher: Fantasy
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in ZX Computing #18

Backpackers' Guide To The Universe Part 1

This game bears no relation whatsoever to The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, which I am sure is where Fantasy Software pinched this title from.

Side one of the tape is the Guide, which takes you pleasantly through your mission of saving the creatures on this planet, where the evil Scarthax threatens to pull the plug out in 24 hours time, and a magnified picture of each creature is given, along with a description.

Side two of the tape is the actual game, and you start off by selecting either the keyboard or joystick option and then fire away. You are equipped with one of the most advanced creations of your time, the backpack, which takes you around the planet, provides storage for the creatures and a flame thrower, which is your own weapon in your plight.

Backpackers' Guide To The Universe Part 1

Damage to the backpack will not only take you back to the ship for repair, but also if too much activity occurs while fighting the fireball enemy, the creatures that you have saved will perish, and you will have to start afresh. You can also choose to go back to the capsule for repair, but as there is a time limit of twelve hours per game and repair always costs time, it is advisable to do this only when absolutely necessary.

As you travel along the passages of the planet, various objects can be picked up for later use, keys, indicator discs, which will help you find the location of the exit key, transporter crystals and dynamite. All these will help you travel across the planet and rescue as many creatures as possible.

At the end of the adventure, when you go back to the capsule for backpack repair, a score is given and also the option to save the state of the game so far.

This game is truly another arcade adventure and, although the graphics are not up to the standard of Ultimate, they are still superb. The security coding at the beginning of the game is a very good idea, where you have to enter a code from a special grid, but I did find it a trifle confusing.

David Harwood

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