Acorn User


Demolator

Author: Bruce Smith
Publisher: Visions
Machine: BBC Model B

 
Published in Acorn User #024

Holocaust In The Hold

Demolator

The Demolators are ghost-type nasties whose sole aim is to destroy the human cargo held in cryogenic suspension aboard the Battle Star Quinn (Visions denies that it is aimed after AU's illustrious editor!) as it transports the last remnants of Homosapiens across the galaxy.

Patrolling the cargo bay is the Phobe, the ultimate robot, and you have to manoeuvre it around (with keyboard or joystick), picking off the aliens. The Demolators have the advantage, though, of being able to move through any objets they encounter, whereas the Phobe must dodge these obstacles, at the same time taking care not to blow itself to bits on any of the mines lying around.

Points are scored by zapping the Demolators with the inevitable ultrasonic cannon.

Demolator

The Demolators have their allies, too. The Minor is a real blast. He appears randomly and if you don't zap him he mutates into a deadly mine which cannot be destroyed and eventually the Phobe can be hemmed in. The Protector is a bit like a mobile Minor that fires back (not very nice), while the Tracktor actually homes in on you.

Demolator is well-presented, making good use of sound and colour. The graphics are very good, and excellent, flicker-free use of sideways scroling gives a good impression of travelling down a long cargo hold.

The game gets more difficult as you progress and its apparently has 24 stages - I couldn't get past stage 4 after about an hour's practice. The game is complete when you have used up your available lives, of which you have three.

The verdict: slightly above average, with good graphics.

Bruce Smith

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