Sinclair User


Pi R Squared

Author: Chris Jenkins
Publisher: Bug Byte
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Sinclair User #86

Pi-R Squared

OK, first things first, it's called "Pi-R-Squared". not "Mister Two". Secondly, it's not a conventional arcade adventure, but a unique and maddeningly addictive challenge of skill and forward planning.

Well received on its full-price release, Pi-R-Squared (the name's based on an equation for calculating the area of a circle, in case you didn't know) takes place in a strange universe of spinning cogged wheels. You control a robotic sphere which travels around the spinning wheels, changing direction and jumping from one wheel to another in search of sections of geometric formulae.

Stray thoughts interfere with your progress, draining your IQ, which can be restored by freeing books from the centre of wheels. There's also a calculator which improves your speed, and other bonuses and hazards.

Graphically smooth, cleverly designed and very unusual, Pi-R-Squared is worth a look if you're bored with the run-of-the-mill shoot-'em-ups.

Overall Summary

Strange but fairly enjoyable test of skill and strategy.

Chris Jenkins

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