Computer Gamer


Octagon Squad

Publisher: Mastertronic
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Computer Gamer #18

Octagon Squad

Only 26 survivors are left after a chemical attack on planet 54.7. As commander of the Octagon Squad, you receive a priority red message to go to the planet and beam out the survivors at the teleport fence. The only problem is that the survivors all have severe brain damage and are located deep within the reactor maze.

As the name suggests, you have eight squadroids at your disposal and you must deploy them at strategic points throughout the maze. The game is icon-driven so that you can manipulate the appropriate droid and make it pick up, unlock something (the doors all have colour-coded keys), drink at a fountain (to counter the energy draining chemical residue) or move. To use one of the actions (not move) you select the icon of your choice and then specify the direction that you are interested in. This is necessary as you may be at a junction in the maze with two objects available for picking up - you are limited in what you can carry.

You get to see the maze in two forms. In the bottom right of the screen is a picture of your immediate surroundings and above that, a map of your immediate area. A series of information boxes are top left and the various icons bottom left. The whole appearance is very cluttered and, as the gameplay is also rather lacking, Octagon Squad cannot really be recommended.