Penguin's Problems

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You'd think by now people would be running out of ideas for games programs. In fact someone told me the other day that there were only really three original games programs and all the rest were variants of them.

Well maybe "Pengo" from H.Soft is the fourth, because it's certainly different from any others I've seen. The idea is that you have control of a cute little penguin called Pengo who lives in a maze of ice cubes. The problem is that he's not alone.

There are some rather unpleasant creatures called Snobees who enjoy eating the ice cubes. They also vary their diet with the odd Pengo or two! The poor little bird has to run around the maze, dodging the Snobees and hiding behind ice cubes. As they're eating the ice cubes this gets quite difficult after a while.

Happily, it's not all one-sided as Pengo can push an ice cube over a Snobee and freeze it.

And, if an unwary Snobee gets too close to the edge of the maze, Pengo can stun him by pushing on the side of the walls.

I know that the story line doesn't make all that much sense. But who cares when the game's as much fun as Pengo?

The graphics and sound are outstanding and the game gives you the choice of using the keyboard or joysticks. You can also freeze the program - no joke intended - while you go off to have a cup of coffee and calm down.

It's fast and furious, the sort of game that keeps you having "just one more go" while someone is telling you that it's their turn.

If you want an arcade game that's original and entertaining, with a lovable penguin thrown in for free, then Pengo is the one for you.

Trevor Roberts