A&B Computing


The Complete BBC

Author: Dave Reeder
Publisher: Audiogenic
Machine: BBC Model B

 
Published in A&B Computing 3.10

The Complete BBC

The title is, of course, a misnomer. What we have here is a good collection of recent releases (mainly of Icon software) which could still sell at full price. Seven games (rather more if you count International Megasports as more than one) is a bargain, even if the price seems like a lot to shell out at once.

The games on two cassettes and, confusingly, Audiogenic have also just released a twin

The Genesis Project

Yet another Star Trek game but above the average quality. A detailed control panel and nicely scrolling stars soon make you forget the search for Trilithium crystals and concentrate on shooting aliens, etc. Yet more evidence of The Art Crew's talent and a game that repays extended play.

Flip

Remember a card memory game called Pairs, where you have to pick up two cards at a time and try to recall where the pairs are? This is a computer version with stunningly competent little cartoons instead of cards and a range of well-programmed theme songs as well.

Play against the computer or an opponent, but however you choose to do it, this is one of the very few games that will entrance non-computer lovers. Great for parties.

This deserves a much wider exposure than it received as an Icon release and a big tip of the hat to programmers Adrian Stephens and John Dale for taking a simple idea and turning it into an understated display of very fine talent.

Chrysalis

Dave Mann, of Contraption fame, again displays his wacky humour, excellent use of music and large flicker-free objects in an oblique variant of Pacman. Outwit the mutant worms in a garden maze with swinging gates. A lot of fun - you'll play this one again and again.

Drain Mania

A fairly standard platform game that plays well enough but doesn't inspire me, I'm afraid.

Bug Eyes

The original Bug Eyes was compulsively playable with simple left/right controls as you directed a little spaceman through caverns of descending pistons, flying monsters, etc. Bug Eyes 2 is an instant classic. Much the same plot and gameplay but, with extra puzzles and keys to collect.

Mapping is essential here. Shingo reviewed Bug Eyes 2 in A&B in July and liked it. I agree.

International Megasports

Yet another collection of sporting events; this time with Running, Skeet Shooting, Long Horse, Archery, Hurdles, High and Long Jump as the events.

Nicely programmed but rather a poor relation of Tynesoft's Commonwealth Games. Still, there are some nice touches of humour here and the game is quite playable.

Verdict

So, in total, we have four outstanding games here with two reasonable and one

to you will depend on what you already have in your collection.

Certainly worth geting if you haven't any of the Bug Eyes series and fancy Flip and Chrysalis as well. A nice package.

Note: Scores based on the package - some games score higher, others lower.

Dave Reeder

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