Amstrad Action
1st March 1988
Categories: Review: Software
Author: GBH
Publisher: Loriciels
Machine: Amstrad CPC464
Published in Amstrad Action #30
This is a compilation of six games from the French software house Loriciels. Two of the games have been released in the UK before, Soccer and MGT. The other four are 3D Fight, Billy, Flash and Zox 2099.
3D Fight is a Buck Rogers style game in which you fly over the surface of a checker-board planet, shooting the rapidly approaching aliens and ground-based forces that try to kill you. Meteors drop in from the top of the screen in some stages, and they also have to be dodged.
Billy is an exploration game where you have to find the four video games that are hidden in the city.
To do this you move around, picking up objects on the way to give to people who will then disappear, allowing you access to other parts of the city. If you don't have the object that they want then they'll beat you up.
In Flash you're trying out a new military weapon which enables you to change from a man into a jeep, tank or helicopter. You have to put the equipment through its paces by wiping out enemy forces and their bases.
All of the inhabitants of the planet Hullm are being held hostage by Zox on an asteroid. Zox 2099 is split into two parts: a fight in space and then an exploration stage on an asteroid. The space fight is a 3D shoot-'em-up with aliens coming in one at a time shooting bolts of energy at you. Once on the asteroid you have to penetrate Zox's guarded labyrinth and free the people of Hullm.
MGT (reviewed in Amstrad Action #19) is a 3D exploration game. You drive around rooms in a tank shooting at invading alien bacteria and solving puzzles to get you further into the complex.
Soccer (reviewed in Amstrad Action #12) is a football game where you control one of four European teams. Either a second player or the computer can control one of the other teams. You can alter the difficulty level to make play easier or harder.
The graphics in all the games are colourful, although they are chunky and don't look brilliant. Tunes play in most of the games and they're good. The sound effects are generally disappointing.
None of the games are particularly outstanding, but as a pack of six they are good value for money. Take a look before you make a decision.
Second Opinion
Not the best compilation of games I've seen but it's got plenty of variety and enjoyment to offer. MGT is probably the best of the bunch but the others wil also keep you occupied for a time. The shoot-'em-ups look dated, but the arcade adventure elements are still quite interesting.
Green Screen View
No problems on any of the games.
The Verdict
P. Good use of folour on all games.
N. Graphics are very chunky.
N. Flash has the worst graphics; they are small and indistinct.
N. Animation in Billy is poor.
P. Great music in all the games.
N. Sound effects are in general of a lower standard.
P. The best game if Mgt.
P. Flash is the worst of all the games.
P. Don't wait for the trophy!
N. Good value for money.
