The Micro User
1st December 1986
Author: Mad Hatter
Publisher: U. S. Gold
Machine: BBC B/B+/Master 128
Published in The Micro User 4.10
Save the galaxy
In this text adventure your task is to save the galaxy from the nasty Arcadian Empire by penetrating the building housing the queen computer and destroying it before it destroys you.
The pressure is on from the word go. Firstly there is a move-counter ticking away (disguised as a pre-programmed flight plan for your ship Caydia). Secondly, it is a game where some sort ofa puzzle isto befound at almost every move.
Be warned, it is essential that you save your position at regular intervals as you make the preliminary exploration of the scene.
You will rapidly find out, as I did, that you have left undone those things that you ought to have done! I spent almost as much time backtracking as I did going forwards into the game. You *must* examine every item you meet, as there is nearly always a clue to its use in the way it is described.
The first maze you come across can
be mapped by noting the exit directions
the tails of adventurers.
The background and playing details are well set-out on the insert with clear information for the newcomer to adventures. A clue sheet is also on offer.
Rebel Planet uses the split screen method of display and different colours for location descriptions and objects found. However at least once in the ship an essential item is "hidden" in a location description. As the authors say: "We don't want to make things too easy, now do we?"
To help you disembark, I'll give you a clue. Make sure that you take an inventory at the start. SS means Ship's Status, PS means Personal Status, IH means Inner Hatch and OH is Outer Hatch.
Good humour, tricky puzzles and sensible back-up assistance make this a good, workmanlike adventure that is well worth buying. If I were to give it a general rating, then I would classify it as well towards the top of Division Two.
It should particularly appeal to those who like a combination of science fiction and occasional deft humour. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
Other BBC B/B+/Master 128 Game Reviews By Mad Hatter
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