Bouncing Along

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In Omega Orb, you play the part of a spherical, robotic travelling salesman.

The aim of the game is to find objects which open doors, and ultimately you'll need the twelve core pieces to mend your ship. All this is done in true Thunderstruck style. Unlike Thunderstruck (1 and 2), the game allows you to get your own back on meanies which maraud around the rooms. This is done by giving them a good zap with your laser gun. Unusual that, a travelling salesman carrying a laser, but it does add a little more life to the game.

Movement is not walking as you would expect, but bouncing. A 'super bounce' is also incorporated to help you get up on to those high ledges. The movement is very well done. You actually see the ball compress as it hits the ground.

Once found, objects can be used by bouncing into a terminal and then entering commands like USE, INPUT, CODE, QUIT, MAP and so on.

The nasties make an appearance in almost every room. If you bump into them you'll find they blow up, but their explosions remain on the screen until you move away. All the time you are in contact with this explosion your energy decreases.

The graphics in this game are very good, the sprites are well-defined and large. The sound is nothing to write home about.

Unlike similar games, the puzzzles within Omega Orb seem to have very little logic behind them. This means a lot of trial and error is involved.

Overall, I found the game more challenging than its predecessors. If you enjoy a good black and the odd head-scratcher then I'd say this game is for you.

Gavin Gillings