C&VG


Stryker's Run
By Superior/Acornsoft
BBC B/B+/Master 128

 
Published in Computer & Video Games #63

Stryker's Run

Oh brill, a new game from Superior! Looks good, usual classy packaging, usual competition to put all us Beeb owners on our mettle. And yet...

This is Superior's attempt at a good old-fashioned war game, one with soldiers, rifles, grenades, helicopters and land mines. Being Superior, it's all done in very good taste, unlike some games I could mention. No true-to-life baddies. The good guys might be called Allies, but the enemies are Volgans, not Germans or Russians. You are Commander John Stryker, and your mission is to take top secret information - the complete plans of the Volgans' next offensive, no less! - back to Allied HQ. Needless to say, the Volgans will be doing their best to stop you.

It looks good. The graphics are way above average, as you expect from Superior, with a colourful scrolling background and some nice detail, although I have seen smoother animation. In the course of his run - well, more of a toddle, really - Stryker passes cities, ruined buildings, trees, gravestones, despatch-posts and more.

If you have a Master, you can take advantage of a special enhanced version with an even more varied scenario.

There is plenty of action. You shoot it out with the Volgans, who have an extensive armoury at their disposal. You can requisition an aircraft and shoot up the enemy in the sky, or drop bombs on them. Back on the ground, you can jump, duck, chuck grenades and fire your laser pistol. And yet... I was disappointed. The game moves at a leisurely pace, and with all its polish it failed to grip. Take the polish away, and there's not really very much there.