Previous Next

Lucasfilms' latest offering allows the player to take command of a Boeing Marine Systems' Patrol of Hydrofoil Missile Craft over eight different scenarios.

The main screen shows a view from the hydrofoil's bridge, with a radar screen, direction indicator, speed, fuel and damage meters and weapons display beneath.

Whenever a signal is detected by radar, the targetting computer is initiated and a binocular view of the opposing vessel appears above the main viewscreen. If there are many ships within targetting range, successive key presses cycles through the available targets.

The hydrofoil supports a fierce armoury, including 76mm cannon, Harpoon, Gabriel and Exocet missiles, plus chaff rockets to confuse attacking missiles. The available weaponry is toggled via the function keys and only becomes effective once the targetting computer is activated.

Each of the eight assignments are loaded separately, and their aim and survival tactics are outlined in the accompanying manual. Once the vessel and its workings have been familiarised on the training missions, one of the assignments is undertaken. A specific goal is achieved within a time limit, and includes such diverse events as tracking down terrorist craft, travelling through a sensitive war zone and providing support to a convoy.

An Operations Map is accessed and displays an overhead view of the present locale, and the relative positions of the hydrofoil, plus patrol helicopters and a convoy on later missions. A time compression function is included to speed up the gameplay up to 128 times normal speed.

Lucasfilm's latest is reminiscent of Epyx's Destroyer, insofar that it looks very complicated, but is in fact very straightforward to play.

The graphics are quite convincing, and the action is fast enough to keep the player occupied. The big problem is the rather repetitive nature of the gameplay.

Although the separate missions offer plenty of long-term challenge, they're all ultimately similar and may become boring when a few have been completed.

PHM Pegasus is enjoyable, but is only recommended to hardcore action simulation fans.

I was quite surprised to find PHM Pegasus is nothing more than a fast moving shoot-'em-up. The player targets an opponent, chooses a method of blowing him up, and moves onto the next opponent.

As this is just about all the action amounts to, other than hurling chaff at incoming missiles, I found the play became repetitive and somewhat boring far too quickly.

On the technical side, the graphics are not incredibly sharp, but fairly effective, while the sound is all effects, and none too good at that.

PHM Pegasus isn't a bad package if you like naval combat, but as a game in its own right, it's not that hot.

The Lucasfilm logo is usually one to watch out for, and while this isn't as innovative as their previous releases, it certainly has a professional and polished feel to it.

Tracking and blasting enemy ships in the practice modes is good fun, but when playing out a scenario you often find yourself speeding along with little to do.

The time compression makes up for this to a large degree, but this 'realistic' aspect is slightly annoying. I'm not sure how long PHM Pegasus will hold the attention but it's certainly immediately enjoyable and worth purchasing if you have half an interest in combat simulations of this type.

Presentation 88%
Contains a demo, pause mode, good documentation and a summary of the available controls.

Graphics 63%
Simple, but adequate.

Sound 37%
Weak title tune, whining engine sound and minimal sound effects.

Hookability 72%
Once the controls are mastered, the ordered chaos of battle proves stimulating and genuinely exciting.

Lastability 57%
The different scenarios provide a decent - if possibly short-lived - challenge.

Overall 71%
An enjoyable, although occasionally sporadic, strategy shoot-'em-up.