C&VG


Firetrack

Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Electric Dreams
Machine: BBC Model B

 
Published in Computer & Video Games #70

Firetrack

Feeling murderous? Like to go out there and blast away at everything in sight? You'll love Firetrack!

Yes, it's another zipping through space/guns blazing/tally-ho shoot-'em-up, with the usual feeble plot to justify the mayhem. It seems you're a 22nd century space pilot caught up in the pirate wars, and your job is to destroy the colonies of the 'Pirate Industrials'. You've also got to find a mysterious White Light before the baddies do.

In other words, you go out there and blast everything in sight.

Firetrack

I gasped at the game instructions, which at first reading seemed very complicated. The playing tips were enough to frighten me off. But you actually get to grips with the action very quickly. You view your ship from above and the ground scrolls down the screen below you. The trick is to negotiate your war round the hectic airspace, with your finger firmly on the firing button.

You can use keyboard or joystick, but whichever you choose, your trigger finger will suffer. Fortunately, you can give it a rest by using the auto-fire facility.

Firetrack may be nothing new, but it's an excellent variation on a tried and trusted theme. The game was created by Orlando, so it's no surprise that the graphics are smooth, fast and colourful. There are plenty of different scenarios to add interest.

And watch out, it's addictive. Your nerves will be in tatters after a few games. If you like your action fast and furious, with a dash of variety, add Firetrack to your collection without more ado.