Computer Gamer


Beach Head
By U. S. Gold
Enterprise

 
Published in Computer Gamer #9

Beach Head

US Gold claims that this game was first for the Commodore 64 to get to the top of the charts. This is a bit debateable as at the time there were a number of competing and wildly inaccurate charts, but Beach Head was certainly very popular and did get to the top of the first definitive (CSR/Gallup) chart.

The Enterprise conversion is true to the original which, broadly speaking, is five subgames rolled into one.

Initially, you must choose to send your naval task force through the secret passageway or direct confrontation with the enemy, the passageway has the advantage of surprise and the enemy are less ready in the next stage, making it a bit easier. Though there is a price to pay as the secret passage is mined and has torpedoes running across it (if the passage is secret, why would the enemy mine and torpedo it?).

The next stage is the naval battle, where you have to fend off attacking bombers with your anti-aircraft guns. You must then shell the attaccking ships before they get you.

When this naval force has been dispatched, you get to land your forces on the beach. However, you are only allowed to land a certain number of tans on the beach - however, you do get a bonus for each tank you could have landed.

After that you have to traverse a battlefield with various obstacles until you get to the fortress, there you have to shoot out the gun ports, but only when they are open - so you have to be quick. After a few shots the main gun gets your range and blows you up; you must then send out another tank. Each time you send out a tank it gets harder and harder.

Eventually you can knock out the fortress and are rewarded with a white flag and a firework display!

The Enterprise version of this game is as good as any of the others and it is full marks to the converters.