Commodore User
1st April 1986
Berks Trilogy
The Berks games were first reviewed about a year ago in Commodore User when it wasn't trendy to review C16 games.
CRL were amongst the first to bring out half-decent games for the baby Commodore and now they have done it again by coming up with one of the first compilations.
Here is what our reviewer had to say about Berks I, II and III when they were first launched.
Berks I
The Berks - robots to you and me - are infesting your monitor screen. Destroy them using your 'terror tank'. You have a major advantage in that the Berks can't fire back, or perhaps they are just too stupid.
They do have their faithful drones for protection though - that follow you around the screen trying to get you - one touch and you're dead. You can stun them by firing at them, but only temporarily. If you can exterminate them all before running out of energy or losing all five lives you go to the next screen which is just that bit harder. If it's arcade action you're after you could do a lot worse than Berks.
Berks I Scores
Presentation 50%
Skill Level 50%
Interest 50%
Value For Money 50%
Overall 50%
Berks II
This is one of those games where you have to score points by painting blocks on a grid. Supercool bears, wearing shades and gold medallions try to thwart your efforts by repainting your work. Blast these with your "fast-action, high velocity, belt-mounted laser cannons".
Talk about heavy on the arrangements, I must admit feeling a bit sorry for the supercool bears, up against that lot, with only a pair of Raybans to protect themselves.
The re-appearance of the homing drones from Berks I does little to enliven a basically lukewarm game.
Berks II Scores
Presentation 50%
Skill Level 30%
Interest 30%
Value For Money 30%
Overall 35%
Berks III
Berks III is without doubt the best of the bunch.
You must penetrate the Berks' inner sanctum and steal the source of their power - hoards of treasure.
On the way, keys must be collected from each room. A more difficult task than it sounds, as each key is surrounded by a barrier of protective blocks, through which a path must be blasted.
To add to your problems, hordes of Berks and their faithful homing drones are in hot pursuit. You start with a generous five lives and can gain an additional four by collecting the various hearts dotted around the place.
A game of frantic action and certainly the most fun I've had with my C16 so far."
Berks III Scores
Presentation 50%
Skill Level 30%
Interest 30%
Value For Money 30%
Overall 35%
Conclusion
Two excellent games, and one-so-so one, all round a must for C16 and Plus/4 games nuts.
