ZX Computing


Room Ten

Publisher: CRL
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in ZX Computing #32

Room Ten

This game, glowing described on the inlay as being "the stunning game of the future" could more accurately be summed up as Pong Revisited. There's a sophisticated split screen display with 3-D graphics but even after a few moments on court it's apparent that the ghost of Pong has returned.

The aim of the game (you've guessed it) is to get your bat in the way of the oncoming ball and direct it back up court. Gone is the tiny oblong of yesteryear as now you've got a good-sized bat which you can move around in space. One limitation is that you are stuck on the back wall and the main challenge of the game is adjusting to the angles of the ball as it bounces off the wall - if it gets past you, your opponent scores five points and the first one to reach 35 wins.

There's an adequate variety of game options, with five speed settings and a computer opponent who can play on three levels of skill. Playing the computer is okay (It's very sluggish on the low setting and very Beckerlike at the top level) but this is the sort of game, like the original Pong, which is best played against a human opponent. Room Ten will definitely appeal to those who like instantly accessible competitive games, and as an update of Pong it suffices. It would have been nice though to have seen a few changes to the rules and gameplay to make it more interesting and the split screen, although necessary, gives the game a claustrophobic atmosphere that could become wearing after a few games.

If by any chance you missed out on the simple pleasures of Pong or want to rekindle memories in a 3D court you may want to sample Room Ten, but if you want something more than following the bouncing ball, go elsewhere.