Computer Gamer


Spy Hunter
By U. S. Gold
BBC Model B

 
Published in Computer Gamer #16

Spy Hunter

Spy Hunter was one of the earlier imports in US Gold's history. Now, with their relatively (by other company's standards) large entry into the BBC market, comes the conversion to the Acorn format.

The game converts over well and though only a four colour mode has been used, it has been used well. The action takes place in a window a half of the width of the screen, in the middle of the screen - though there is an option to fill the whole screen. This doubles the width of everything and makes it all look rather fat! I prefer the thin version.

The graphics are highly detailed - again offsetting the lac of colours, and the speed of movement is exceptionally fast, though some flickering can be detected on the edge of the screen when it is scrolling fast.

Spy Hunter

The key layout is fairly well thought out, but one or two of the control keys could do with slight re-positioning, there are eight to use, and the combination chosen couldn't suit everybody.

The conversion itself sticks close to the original coin-op favourite, oil slicks, smoke, rockets and helicopters, machine guns, boats, etc. Nothing is missed out.

The music too is true to the original, and the arrival of weapons vans is greeted with the same amount of glee, remembering what extra weapons they bring.

An excellent game, full marks to Micro Power, for an excellent game and to US Gold for daring to market a BBC game.