Previous Next

Laser Snaker is written for the 48K Spectrum, and is based around the theme of the traditional snake game in which the snake must eat the eggs. Fortunately, Laser Snaker has a few added extras. The scenario goes as follows:

The laser snake must penetrate the hidden depths of the egg plantatin and discover the secret symbol which is your key to success and fortune. Fortune? Yes, there is a £100 prize to be won, not quite a fortune but very nice for just playing games. Lurking in the plantation are Aggronoids, vicious green monsters. There is also the snake's arch enemy the Blue Viproid, who also spends his time eating the eggs, and will cause you to be destroyed if you hit him. Your snake has a laser, this is definitely a mutation of the technological age, as I am sure that when I was taught about snakes they still used venom! Anyway, this laser is capable of slicing up a Viproid or destroying an Aggronoid. If a Viproid is hit straight between the eyes he will return to an egg, which can be gobbled up. Death chrystoids appear and must either be shot or avoided. Many mazes must be penetrated before heading for the power crystal. This rejuvenates the snake, and puts you to a higher status level.

Though the idea of the game is not particuarly original, this is, for the most part made up for by the colourful graphics, lightning speed and versatility of play. As a beginner a training level may be selected to give yourself a decent chance. Speed may be increased up to a near impossible level. Difficulty can also be selected independently of the speed. A problem is caused by the rather thoughtless selection of the cursor keys for controlling the snake - they are far from logically placed for movements. Obviously the use of the correct joystick would solve this problem.

Apart from this flaw the game is colourful, exciting and a pleasure to play, even if it is not the most innovative piece of software on sale today.