ZX Computing


Octagon Squad

Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Mastertronic
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in ZX Computing #30

Octagon Squad

This is one of those games that does not fit cosily into any of the usual categories applied to games. Mastertronic themselves describe it as an "icon-driven arcade adventure" which just about covers all the available options.

However, to narrow it down a little, it is a maze game with strategy and adventure elements. I suppose that if one was being generous, the rather primitive moving graphics (I draw the line at calling it animation) would qualify it in the 'arcade' section.

If up to now I sound a little less than enthralled with the game, please do not be misled. It is a good program of its type and slowly grows on you. But first you have to overcome the cryptic and limited instructions, then get to grips with the screen display and icon system then srt out who is who and what you are trying to do and how to do it.

Octagon Squad

After that, it is a straightforward seek, collect and survive exercise.

Taking this program a step at a time pays off, I rushed straight from the menu to the game and missed some further instructions that are displayed automatically if you wait - they helped a little.

The main screen is bright and colourful, action is controlled by ether five keys or joystick and is mastered after a bit of trial and error. The lower half containing a panel of twelve usable icons and three non-usable ones and on the right a birds' eye view of your character in the maze. At the top is a mini-map and set of info windows.

You control a commander character and eight droids, one at a time, by using the icon selection routine, and you move them around in a reactor maze to rescue 26 survivors of a heavy chem attack.

One of those games where patience and persistence is required to get the most from it, for the price and for fans of this kind of game I recommend it.