A&B Computing


Pengwyn

Categories: Review: Software
Author: Dave Reeder
Publisher: Postern
Machine: Acorn Electron

 
Published in A&B Computing 1.07

Not a spelling mistake but a cute little creature from Antarctica. The game is set somewhere near Pengwyn's abode amidst ice and snow. Scattered throughout a maze of ice-blocks are three multi-coloured, flashing squares. At a touch of the RETURN key, Pengwyn can push these blocks around the screen in pursuit of his aim which is to line them up in a row. If he touches an ice-block, he does not suffer frost-bite but instead melts the block in question. If you think it sounds easy, you've reckoned without the two rather bulbous blobs which masquerade under the title, 'monsters'. These are extremely speedy across the ground and have a tendency to devour the poor bird before he's even had a chance to plan his strategy (at least that's what happened in my games). The monsters can also plough their way through the blocks and can only be destroyed if struck by a moving block, propelled by Pengwyn.

The whole proceedings are very similar to those in Psion's Saloon Sally. However, this program has none of the special features, nor the appeal, of its predecessor. The main reason for the lack of playability is that it is almost impossible to avoid being snared by the monsters within ten seconds of the commencement of the game - they home in on you and leave you with little chance. Hence the manoeuvring of the blocks scarely enters the game and thoughts of actually posting them in a line are no more than optimistic speculation.

The graphics used in the program are fairly ordinary apart from Pengwyn who is nicely created although the choice of red to colour him is baffling. The white ice blocks have tiny patches of cyan in the corner to create a gleam but this effect is hardly convincing.

Overall, a most disappointing game; a great pity too, for with a little more work and effort, Pengwyn would have captured the hearts of BBC owners in much the same way as the hero of Psion's Hungry Horace enraptured Spectrum games' players.

Dave Reeder

Other Reviews Of Pengwyn For The Acorn Electron


Pengwyn
A review by Geof Wheelwright (Personal Computer News)

Pengwyn (Postern)
A review by Phil Tayler (Electron User)

Pengwyn (Postern)
A review by Paul Richard (Acorn User)

Pengwyn (Postern)
A review by SC (Personal Computer Games)

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