C&VG
1st June 1987Xor
After Repton, it's difficult to see where maze games can go - and there have been three Reptons! According to the blurb, Xor is an attempt at a "totally new concept" in mazes, although I have to say the game itself doesn't bowl me over with its originality.
Suppliers are far too fond of saying things like that. A game doesn't have to be mind-blowingly different to be enjoyable. The screens in Xor are strongly reminiscent of Repton, as are many of the puzzles. You roam around the maze collecting masks, avoiding such hazards as forcefields, spring-loaded chickens (well, OK, that's new!), bombs and more.
Once you've gathered all the masks on each level, you can go on to another one. Each level comprises about sixteen screens, so you get a lot of maze for the price. There are fifteen levels in all, and at the end of each one you get a letter. Together, the letters make up an anagram.
Complete all fifteen levels and solve the anagram, and you can become a Member of the Order of Xor, with a certificate and badge to prove it. But as you progress through the levels, remember you only have 200 moves at your disposal.
Although the basic concept is pretty old hat, and the design very Repton-like, there are one or two nice features that help to enliven the game. You explore the Xor mazes using two heroes, for example, both of which can be used to pick up masks and solve puzzles. You toggle from one to the other.
I also liked the map quartile feature - in each maze, you can collect four maze segments which show the layout of the maze, including the position of the masks and the exit door. The graphics are easy on the eye, with smooth animation and scrolling.