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The plot is simple. A bevy of beautiful girls have been abducted to Planet X by evil reptilons. A disgrace! Utterly immoral, and downright evil! Clearly something must be done. And you're just the man to do it - but time is running out!

A massive factory complex stands boldly against the flame-lit sky. Your eyes are fixed on that building and what you see sends a tingle down your spine. You see the place is absolutely crawling with robot monsters (Reptilons, actually). And they are waiting there just for you...

Your objective in Escape From The Planet Of The Robot Monsters is to rescue those enslaved hostages and then make your escape. Either one or two players must work their way through a large factory complex of factories, destroying as many Reptilons as humanly possible on the way.

To help you wipe out these mechanical monstrosities you have just a ray gun and a few bombs, but inside the lockers you find on your way there's food, extra energy, more bombs and even some special weapons. Also, some of the Reptilons leave behind green crystals when shot, and these crystals enhance your 'ray power'.

To make your way round the factories you'll need to use the escalators. These can only be activated by finding the power switches. You'll find one or two escalators on each level as well as a few ladders. Surely a factory run by robots would use elevators? Hmm...

The different levels you have to conquer each have a variety of hazards to overcome. These include deadly moving floor tiles and large metal spheres that'll flatten you in seconds unless you're quick. The robots come in all shapes and sizes, and each type has its own characteristics. One particular type resembles, well, a Weetabix man, complete with sunglasses. Amusing they may be, but don't you laugh at these robots for long or you'll end up cooking in a fireball!

Most of the robots encountered will keep re-appearing after they're shot, which makes your task twice as difficult. Plenty of shooting practice is needed to make much progress, and a hasty retreat is certainly advisable once you've cleared the screen. The obligatory end-of-level baddies put in an appearance too, but only every three levels. Probably just as well, as these are real tough critters. This is where the bombs come in - without them you're in for a rough ride.

You have three energy squares representing your life force, and once all three of these energy squares are lost - bang! - one life gone. You lose energy by clashing with the robots and in some cases you can lose a whole life in one go, depending on the nastiness of your opponent.

The robots aren't the only problem, either. The isometric 3D factory consists of series of raised walkways and platforms. Get too close to the edge and your little man falls off, only to hang on by his fingertips. Give him a few moments and he'll scramble his way back up again - a fun bit of animation, but since he's never actually in danger of falling off it's a bit of a timewaster really.

Whenever you come across a hostage you simply run into them to beam them aboard your waiting ship. Sometimes, however, they will be imprisoned inside glass cases. You'll have to find the nearby computer console and then obliterate it with your ray gun (real scientific stuff!) to set them free.

Escape features a good deal of quality programming. The sprites are well-drawn and animated, and the graphics as a whole conjure up the style and atmosphere of the scenario well. The isometric mock-3D layout harks back to games styles of a few years ago, but it looks good and plays well, so don't let that put you off. Sound is good too.

Overall, Escape From The Planet Of The Robot Monsters is a polished and entertaining games. The one-player mode is good, but the simultaneous two-player option will make for many a long hour of happy blasting. (Oh, and don't forget the hostages...)

It looks a bit old-fashioned at first with that isometric 3D style, but it's very playable, great fun, and that two-player mode adds an extra dimension to an already fun game.

Destroy an end-of-level Reptilon

Loses a lot of its appeal.

Graphics 82%
P. Bright and colourful.
P. Detailed structure and layout.

Sonics 66%
P. Reasonable combat effects.

Grab Factor 76%
N. Controls are difficult at first.
P. Two-player exploration is fun!

Staying Power 80%
P. Lots to explore.
P. High-speed excitement.

Overall 78%
Have you had your weetabix? You'll need it!