Big K


Pi-Balled

Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Automata
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Big K #3

Pi-Balled

The diminutive Q-Bert's triangular stomping ground is the latest locale for Automata's ubiquitous hero, the Piman. Yep, the little horror is busy causing trouble for the hapless Bert as he hops merrily about, carelessly colouring the great Pyramid of Pi.

The gameplay is, of course, pretty familiar stuff. However, it's set apart from other Spectrum Q-Bert clones by some truly splendid graphics. Vert has been skilfully drawn and his army of assailants are smoothly animated. Alongside Pi-nose, you'll have to content with the Bouncing Ball brothers, Sid the snake and Jas and Col (the authors?).

As you might imagine the pyramid soon becomes mighty crowded.

By way of a breather you can hop Bert onto one of two spinning discs which will return him to the peak of the pyramid. This provides the most spectacular graphic routine in the game. Bert spins, in full perspective, majestically through the air. It's genuinely impressive. At the end of each bash you're given your score over a drink in the Automata bar, a nice finishing touch. Written in machine code (unusual for Automata) the game offers quality arcade thrills.

Hardly original I know, but certainly entertaining.

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