Electron User


Drain Mania

Author: Phil Tayler
Publisher: Icon
Machine: Acorn Electron

 
Published in Electron User 2.12

When I first loaded this game into my computer, I wasn't particularly impressed. It appeared to have shades of Killer Gorilla, although in a novel setting. Since then, however, playing it and getting the hang of it rather better, I have rapidly become hooked on this game.

It has that fatal quality of all super games - it becomes truly addictive, being easy to play yet difficult to master. The rather unusual scenario is a system of underground sewers in which our hero, Theodore, has to counter the attentions of such noxious creatures as Inky, Dinky and Pinky.

There are platforms on to and from which Theo can leap with either a small or a large leap. Movement is also possible to the left or right, and these keys may be selected once only during the loading of the game.

Drain Mania

Moving from the initial platform, which promptly vanishes, Theo has a habit of travelling continuously. But with practice, his speed can be adjusted, and he can even come to rest. As the creatures bounce their way from top to the bottom of the screen, there are two courses of action open to the player.

You can merely avoid them, or gain points and sweet revenge by jumping up and knocking the creature above off its feet. But some need rather more persuasion than others to topple. If Theo can then leap on to that level and kick the stranded creature off, there are bonus points to be had. But too long a delay brings a metamorphosis into an even more deadly beast.

The authors have also kindly included a Zap button which, on being headbutted, has the effect of scoring for all the animals currently on the screen, and also any coins. These tend to appear in the oddest places and bring you further points.

However, this little kindness on their part is countered by the malign fireballs, which bounce strangely around on the more difficult stages. It's a little strange to begin with, but it will soon become a favourite in your collection.

Phil Tayler

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