C&VG


Zig Zag
By Mirrorsoft
Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Computer & Video Games #74

Zig Zag

Don't worry, Zig Zag isn't a re-release of the infamous DK'Tronics game which was written on the Speccy all those aeons ago!

The game is set in a 3D landscape, with plenty of puzzles to solve and aliens to zap. You are in control of a small, elongated ship which moves across the Zaxxon-style, scrolling playing area. Your tasks include collecting all eight crystal fragments which are scattered across a quantity of sixteen different zones, and then making your escape by finding the End Zone.

There are two different built-in versions of the game, an arcade version and an arcade adventure version. This gives you the choice of being an all round blaster or an intrepid explorer. In each version, you will come across a variety of corridors, junctions and prisms which should be approached with great care and accuracy.

Zig Zag

You control your ship down four-way, diagonal scrolling corridors which are connected by cross and t-junctions. The single, double and triple grouped prisms are positioned at right angles at the appropriate junctions.

The arcade adventure version consists of a host of logical problems to solve. These come in the form of hidden junctions, corridors and prisms. These can be revealed by passing over small touch pads, which are found scattered along the chequered floors. Successfully operating the correct touch pads will ensure that you are able to delve deeper into the maze and achieve your goal.

All junctions of the maze are open, and all hidden prisms are revealed. There are no logical problems to solve, just pure alien zapping from start to finish. There are seven types of aliens, each with three unique ways of attack. Each time you kill off an alien, you get a certain amount of points and cash. When you have accumulated enough cash, you'll be able to stop off at your nearest shop. You can buy anything from extra power to weapons.

Zig Zag is one of those games where it has to be played first before buying it. It will probably appeal to people who like games that are original and full of new ideas.