A&B Computing


Pentiles

Publisher: Silverlind
Machine: BBC Model B

 
Published in A&B Computing 1.06

Pentiles is a strategy game in which you have to fit combinations of 8 different tiles (Pentiles) onto various sizes of playing area. Points are awarded depending on the time you take, and how many spaces left in the playing area.

Each pentile can be rotated either four or eight times depending on the shape of the tile; with the exception of the 'cross', which does not need to be rotated as it is symmetrical. Shapes are rotated by pressing a key, then the pentile is moved into position with the cursor keys, and 'fixed' in place with the COPY key. The depth (really the vertical width) of the playing area can be altered. The length alters proportionally to the width, therefore there are always the same number of spaces on the board.

There are three skill levels. On level one the area can be covered by 12 Pentiles, but the player is given 15 to allow for mistakes and misjudgements. A bonus of 200 points is awarded for using all of the types of Pentile. At this level, all pentiles are worth 20 points.

Level two allows you only 12 pentiles, but three can be 'bought'. This variation lets you choose from five pentiles displayed. After five turns in this manner, the computer allows you to change any of the five pieces; however each change 'costs' five points.

Level three is the same as level two except that after each move, a barrier across the screen builds up until you are no longer able to move your pentile into position.

The final score, if good enough, is displayed along with your name on a top five high score table. Sound is well used, and graphics are fairly good in Mode 5.

Pentiles is a good game with excellent response times for a Basic program: good value.