Previous Next

Hey, I must have gone through a time warp or something! I am playing Galaxians, aren't I? No. The box says Lightforce. Well, it feels like Galaxians to me. Lots of fast moving spiralling aliens and that stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not moaning or anything. Lightforce is a mega-blast of the first order. Pretty graphics, smooth scrolling and enough action to keep even the most demanding zapper happy. But you have seen this sort of game before.

Maybe not so polished or attractive - but when it comes to originality Lightforce can't claim much.

The aim of the game is to simply blast everything you see. Certain things grant you extra lives if you zap enough of them. Landscapes may change but the object remains the same.

The game scrolls horizontally and you can move your Lightforce space cruiser around at will.

Learn the waves is the best advice we can give at this stage. Work out where to position your ship to best advantage to tackle the various alien attackers and asteroids.

You launch your ship Uridium fashion from a mothership - which also has a little bit of writing on it explaining what you are about to experience!

The thing that really keeps you playing is the irritating hi-score chart. If you fail to get on it, the program tells you your score with the words "Not A High Score" beside it. Talk about frustrating!

Graphics are excellent - as you'd expect from the Gargoyle Games people - for it is they who are behind the new FTL label. The aliens are landscapes are colourful, solid looking and well drawn. Sound isn't bad either.

Lightforce is an arcade blast from the past with some nice touches which bring a classic game up to date. If you're into shoot-'em-ups then Lightforce is the game for you.