Acorn User


Bug Hunter In Space
By Minerva
Archimedes A3000

 
Published in Acorn User #102

Bug Hunter In Space

At the start of the game, Repton himself makes a surprise guest appearance, only to be squashed by a one ton weight. This short statement resounds throughout the game for Bug Hunter In Space makes Repton seem like a short stroll through a patch of polystyrene rocks.

With a ba-doing! the star makes his first appearance and begins his little dance, moonwalking along the screen and jiggling in time to the tuneless, but cute, music.

The story? Aliens have formed a fleet just beyond the Earth, waiting for the moment to attack. The earth federation decides against nuking the fleet and sends in our rather helpless looking hero instead. With substantial help from you, he must kill the slimies and shut down the ship's engines, rendering the fleet harmless.

Bug Hunter In Space

In the final stage of each level, you must set off a chain reaction to blow the central power plant, destroying the ship. Make sure you've got your exit well planned of course, or you go up with it.

The sound, well I turned that off and listened to a CD, nuff said about that. However, the graphics are so cute you'll just want to hug them. Parallax stars float behind the windows in the ship and little aliens busy themselves in keeping the fleet moving. The puzzles are of the highest quality and I can't help wanting to solve them, no matter how many attempts it takes, and believe me, it takes quite a few.

This game is something special. It's not taxing the Archimedes, but it shows a finesse and style that's rare. For old Repton hacks like me it's a very welcome change as the puzzles are very different, not to mention pleasingly (im)possible. I love this game so much that I refuse to see the codewords. Oh well, it's 4am and I've got to go finish level sixteen by bedtime. Time to go!