Computer Gamer


Rasterscan
By Mastertronic
Spectrum 48K/128K/+2

 
Published in Computer Gamer #27

Rasterscan

Rasterscan, a large spaceship, has been damaged after a skirmish and is now drifting dangerously towards a star. It s imperative that it be repaired as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, the ship wasn't the only thing damaged during the attack. The repair robot, MSB, lost most of its programs and is only capable of servicing toasters now. The question is do you have the necessary extra brain power to get everything shipshape again?

Described as an animated adventure without text, Rasterscan puts you in control of MSB as you attempt to repair the damaged items. The game claims that no arcade skills are required and this is largely true, but the MSB is a large bouncing sphere which steadfastly refuses to go where you want it to. So, delete Mastertronic's wonderful description and insert 'arcade adventure'.

The MSB can teleport items for you so it is a case of picking up an object, working out where you want to put it and then relocating it. Once repaired, objects then become functional and you must decide how best to use them. Typical problems include repairing the generator, engines and scanners and working out how to get through locked doors.

The game is similar in style to hundreds of others - find an object and discover how to use it! The bouncing ball I found to be intensely frustrating and added nothing to the gameplay. Even at a budget price, I found nothing in Rasterscan to recommend it.