Home Computing Weekly


Planetoids

Categories: Review: Software
Author: C.L.
Publisher: Sinclair Research
Machine: Spectrum 16K

 
Published in Home Computing Weekly #7

Meteors, Asteroids, Planetoids ... software companies are fast running out of synonyms for drifting space debris. In this version, twinkling stars form a backdrop to yellow planetoids, which pass by smoothly and quickly while you try to destroy them with softly clicking bullets. Sometimes a mystery ship appears.

Z and X control your rotation, SPACE is for firing, and ENTER is for thrusting. You access hyperspace by pressing H, necessitating a sudden swipe at the centre of the keyboard in an emergency.

Your ship moves responsively in all directions, and the graphics are generally good and colourful, despite a disappointing explosion effect. The sound could be improved, though - and why is there no high score facility?

Planetoids

As for bugs - try hyperspacing while thrusting, or accelerating over the mystery ship's bullets (it's safe!). And a position of total safety can be found at the screen's edge.

There's a tedious and incomprehensible game called Missile on the other side of the tape.

Planetoids is an average adaptation of the arcade game, but Psion has not fully debugged it or presented it at its best.

C.L.

Other Spectrum 16K Game Reviews By C.L.


  • Roulette Front Cover
    Roulette
  • Meteor Storm Front Cover
    Meteor Storm