This is a very playable version of Robotron, an old arcade favourite where you
rush about the screen blasting away at robots.
Anirog's turbo loading system is a boon for games players, and you can sit down to this game in less than two minutes after hitting the RUN STOP key.
There are two control options. Using one joystick, you move and fire simultaneously in the same direction. Using two joysticks, you can move with one
and fire with the other.
That means you can develop some pretty nifty tactics, running one way and shooting over your shoulder at the pursuing droids. There are four different
kinds of robot, each adopting different tactics. Some of them tire back at you.
and their missiles bounce around the screen, making life extremely hazardous.
To get a really high score, you must also rescue humans as they wander around carrying suitcases. Pick them up before the droids get them and you get a large bonus, depending on how many you've already rescued on that particular screen.
What really gives this game the edge is the size of the challenge. There are no
less than 100 different stages to the game, if you include the occasional
bonus screen which gives you extra humans and therefore the chance to score more bonus points.
The sound is exciting and the graphics clear if a little uninspired. Okay, so the
screen gets very crowded at the higher levels - but it all adds to the fun.
Cybotron is very much an arcade player's game. Action all the way, and real compulsion to master the necessary technique. You won't get far without losing your three lives at first, but you won't need much persuasion to have another crack at it.