Vortex is a Mode 4 three
dimensional space game, in
which your spacecraft is pulled
with increasing speed into a
vortex, dodging marauding
aliens as you go.
You have the obligatory laser,
but the enemy's return fire
depletes your protective shields
quickly - and they don't often
miss!
If you can survive this section,
you then weave your way
through an asteroid storm with
no help from your laser. Should
you get through unscathed you
face yet more and faster
invaders and asteroids.
Death results from a collision
or being shot with no shields left,
but you do have five ships. Your
score depends on how long you
survive and how many aliens
you shoot.
The 3D effect takes time to
get used to, as does the way your
ship arcs up the screen as you
move left and right. The fire
button is auto-repeat so saving
keyboard wear - a thoughtful
feature.
The game is original, with
clear, fast graphics - especially
the moving background - com
plemented by exciting sounds. It
is well presented and profes
sionally written and is as good
as, if not better than, previous
Software Invasion releases.
The on-screen instructions are
very clear and concise. The
game supports joysticks in
addition to keyboard control
and there is a sound on/off
option.
My only criticism is that all
the stages are similar in screen
format - they just get faster -
and this tends to monotony.
Overall though, nice one.
Software Invasion.