Amstrad Action


Quattro Power

Author: Frank O' Connor
Publisher: Codemasters
Machine: Amstrad CPC464

 
Published in Amstrad Action #72

Quattro Power

Racing is the name of the game in this Codemasters back-catalogue extravaganza. As usual, the value is incredible. Can you say the same about the games...?

Twin Turbo V8

Twin Turbo V8 contains quite a few surprises. Firstly, it's from Codemasters and it isn't a platform game, nor is it a vertically-scrolling race game, nor does it have the word "simulator" bolted onto the title! The latter point especially is the most interesting, especially when you consider that this is the closest the Codies have ever got to a true simulation of a sport...

When the game is loading, you are treated to a spectacular loading screen; the game runs and brilliant music plays an intro. The game itself is a 3D first-person-viewpoint racing game, with you at the controls of an immensely powerful driving machine.

Accelerate away from the start line and you soon discover TTV8's best feature. The road moves faster and smoother than anything else you've ever seen on the Amstrad. It really is the slickest, swiftest piece of games programming you're likely to see for a long while.

The backgrounds lack detail, but the road surface gives a very nice sense of realism. It's a bit of a shame then that there isn't that much to do. The race is very boring after a while and only the incredible speed makes things even remotely difficult. Still, it's fun for a while and it looks blimmin' spanky.

Pro Powerboat

Pro Powerboat is a vertically-scrolling race game - you control a souped-up speedboat, racing against time, as well as against some very nasty opposition. These guys will try to ram you as they overtake and can often smash your boat against rocks in the process.

Fortunately for you, it's not all racing. Your boat is equipped with a rather large contingent of floating mines. A press of the Fire button drops the mines in the path of any approaching boat. Contact with the mines leads to an explosive finish. Be careful not to hit any yourself.

There are other obstacles to avoid in the meantime, including the entire Oxford/Cambridge boat race team, who apparently took a wrong turning at Tower Bridge and have found themselves in deep trouble. It's often a good idea to bomb the spineless wimps or bash them off the river.

The graphics are completely spectacularly OK. They look good, they scroll well and are very colourful. Good tunes, nice sound effects and brilliant presentation makes this game a joy to play. The action is intense, the pace frantic and the game challenging. Easily the best of the bunch on this compilation.

ATV

Well, there had to be one rotten egg in the pack. That's not to say ATV is bad, it's just that it doesn't really come up to the standard of the other games in the pack. We actually reviewed this one last issue when it was a part of the Quattro Racers collection. So here it is, a month later and, spookily enough, it hasn't changed a bit.

It is still a horizontally-scrolling racing game, much in the mould of Kikstart or even Moto X.

The poor graphics and dodgy sound don't help, but it ain't that bad at the end of the day.

Moto X

Moto X is horizontally-scrolling race against time looking uncannily similar to that ancient title Kikstart. As you ride along the rugged and eminently dangerous terrain, you will come across various obstacles. These include barrels, logs and some very steep drops.

The game is actually in two sections. The first is a time trial, the second is a kind of bonus stage where you have to perform various stunts for points.

The main element of gameplay is the control method. It will take you quite a few tries to get used to it, and even more to get past the first obstacle.

The bike goes at a set speed in the first section. You can't brake or accelerate and your only worry is jumping and hopping over the obstacles.

The graphics are actually very nice. They scroll smoothly and are, for the most part (Well, the bike anyway!), well animated and detailed. Sound is a bit lacking, but there's an excellent intro tune, just in case you lost your entire record collection.

It plays well, looks good and by golly, it does you good!

Verdict

Overall 81%
Quattro Power offers a variety of different game styles - and you can't argue with the value for money.

Frank O' Connor

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