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Get Dexter was the "Mastergame" game back in issue eight and the sequel has made it across the channel. Dexter the android has a new mission on the planet of Kef and his podocephalus friend Scooter has again joined him.

Kef is inhabited by two races, the Stiffiens and the Swapis who had until recently been on good terms. Amongst the Stiffiens a new religious sect has developed and things have begun to deteriorate, with the Swapis being the first victims. The sect is centred around a mysterious building called Antines and your task is to discover its secret. Entry into Antines is through a secret passage that is known only to the Swapis. Since you're a stranger on their would, they have little confidence in your abilities to solve the mystery and so they have decided to test you before they'll let you into Antines.

Three tasks have been set for you, one in each of three buildings. A plaque on the wall of the building tells you what the task is and then all you have to do is complete it. The three tasks can be done in any order, so you can work out how to do each of them before going for the whole game.

In Get Dexter, you wandered around a 3D isometric complex solving problems and using the various objects littered about. The same style of game has been used, but there are some differences. The one that stands out the most is the way that everyone on Kef can move from location to location. Most of the games of this type restrict characters to one room and this is the first one that I know of where that restriction does not apply.

Many objects that you find can be picked up, dropped or thrown. Some of the heavier objects like book cases and tables can't be carried, but they can be moved around. This often lets you reach a doorway or something else that you may need. Don't jump on everything that you see because swivel chairs send you spinning to the floor and your batteries take a power loss. Run out of energy and you're doomed. Fortunately, you can recharge your batteries by plugging yourself into the mains supply.

In Get Dexter, Scooter was little more than a pest, only being useful occasionally, in the sequel however he is more helpful. If you whistle him, then he will make his way towards you and you can tell him what object to go and fetch. Ever willing to please, he hops off and will eventually turn up with the object balanced delicately on his head, and then drop it at your feet.

There are basically three sorts of being on the planet: animals, Swapis and Stiffiens. The animals and Stiffiens drain your energy when you come into contact with them, the Swapis on the other hand are more friendly. They enjoy conversing with you and if you have an object with you they will trade the item that they're carrying for the one that you have. One object that you'll find useful is the mousetrap that kills off the animal life when it steps on the trap. Dynamite can also be thrown to blow up all robots and animals in the vicinity. A laser gun can be used to kill too, if you have it with you.

Once all three tasks are completed, you will be led into Antines where the final stage of your mission lies. Discover the secret of the building and you can return home a hero with the knowledge of a job well done.

No tune plays during the game, but there is a great tune before you begin your mission. The sound effects are good and the whistle for Scooter is nicely done. The graphics are very similar to those found in the original with the improvements being that you can see a short way into the adjacent locations. Colour is used very well with a lot of detail used in the graphics. The graphics get a little confused sometimes when you pass behind the scenery.

Cassette and disk versions of the game are slightly different, with the disk game being a little larger. The extra space on disk has been used to add a few more rooms and sprites, but the cassette version plays just as well.

The gameplay has been improved with Scooter being much more use. Comparison with the original is inevitable and you can do that for yourself because you get Get Dexter supplied free with the game. You'll spend many long hours puzzling away at this one, and it will all be time well spent.

Second Opinion

The original game was a big step for 3D arcade adventures. The sequel isn't as innovative but it's still full of the sort of special touches that made the original so enjoyable. The graphics are exceptional again - why can't more software houses manage this sort of quality? This one is really going to keep you busy for a long while. It's a tough game to crack but it's so easy to get started, explore and perform some of the more basic tasks. Super stuff.

The Verdict

Graphics 93% P. Nicely animated and very colourful sprites. P. Detailed, colourful backgrounds.

Sonics 71% P. Jolly little tune. P. The spot effects are good too.

Grab Factor 86% P. Puzzle solvers will find a lot to like. N. The feeling of getting nowhere fast may put some people off.

Staying Power 89% P. Three missions to solve and then onto Antines. P. Lots of variety and surprises to keep you interested.

Overall 88% Excellent value because you get the original as well.

GBH