Previous Next

Tetrapod does not boast the most staggeringly colourful display familiar from some current arcade games. It goes rather for some more subtle blue/green mixes. This is symptomatic of the game as a whole. Tetrapod displays an original approach.

The one link with other BBC games of the past is an interestng one, the fact that the programmer's other work for Acornsoft was 'Snooker'. Not surprisingly when you see the Tetrapod "eggs" floating around the screen and consider the number of rebounds being calculated at any one time during the game. Snooker has stood the programmer in good stead.

At first sight and first play, Tetrapod can seem somewhat limited. The player, controls a small craft with rotation left and right, thrust and fire. To be honest, the positive feel of the keyboard controls suited me much better than joystick, but the option is there to be taken by stick wizards.

Two (first screen) opposition craft roam the screen, occasionally taking pot shots at your good self. These craft rove about amongst a number of "eggs", knocking them out of the way as they go.

But watch what happens when a shot from your cannon (not the opposition) hits an egg. It is all too easy to do since shots stay "alive" within the screen area, bouncing around until they hit something! On impact, the egg immediately hatches a Tetrapod, a lizard-like creature, swift on its feet and homing incessantly upon the craft (yours or the opposition's) nearest to its hatching point.

When you first play Tetrapod, the subtleties of the game take a few moments to sink in. A clue arrives on the second screen with a new opposition creature which is immune to your cannon fire. It can only be dealt with by the lizards themselves and it is your job to release them at the right moment, in the right place.

If the player is being chased by a Tetrapod, then a direct hit will re-encase the little lizard. Rebound shots can also be stopped by further fire. As the screens progress, the opposition increases with Killer Bees, Red Devils, and Poison Orbs. The Tetrapod eggs are less and less affected by frictin, floating uncontrollably around. The answer is to be very selective about what you shoot at and when. Filling the whole screen with cannon fire is suicide, but a necessary releases of tension now and then.

Tetrapod uses colours rarely seen on BBC games, and sound which adds emphasis to event during the action. The scenario and nature of the play are original. Smooth movement, homing and rebounds are all masterfully implemented. A great game for any player who relishes a new challenge.