Previous Next

It seems that space games are back with a vengeance... The software shelves are beginning to groan under the weight as hopeful authors try for a ride on the Uridium bandwagon. Erebus comes from Steve Lee who of course was responsible for Falcon Patrol, one of the first really good shoot-'em-ups for the C64 (still worth playing if you can sniff it out).

There's got to be a good storyline too. And this is what you're lumbered with. Alienshave invaded a celestial chemical plant and clever clogs has volunteered to give 'em the big elbow. Stifling a yawn you set out to clear the twelve sectors of cosmic occupation forces. It won't be easy, that's for sure, but thankfully not hyper-impossible. After wishing you had plumped for a classier space ship (I'm entitled to a few moans!) you make a start on getting those laser tubes white hot. Each sector is theoretically a circular tube as seen from above, with your position marked off on a convenient gauge.

There is a port leading to the next level but this remains closed until you have created several tons of scrap iron from the enemy flotillas. The alien formation let fly with ordinary laser pulses and twisting discs. While you are dodging these, take care to avoid buildings and installations that cast a shadow or you'll never get to check out my description of the juicier levels.

Between each sector there's a real old-fashioned bonus game where you stand at one end of the screen spitting fire at the alien hordes silly enough to try and wipe out a galactic hero.

Now to outline the levels which obviously have to be just variations on a theme unless you get into the realms of multi-part loading. I reckon the graphics bloke has used the C64's memory very well to produce the impression of twelve fairly distinct regions.

Starting off in the brown Arid Zone you take pains to avoid the boulders strewn about everywhere and blast away at space ships that look like they have come straight off a British Aerospace drawing board.

Arriving at the Shloop Tube, which is constructed of grey metallic plates there's a gaggle of whacky aliens to hot things up. Oblongs and zigzags pollute the level called Poofa Pods which is purple with the buildings painted pink.

Aqua Vats has pools of shimmering liquid with aliens disguised as soap suds while the next zone, decorated with blue honeycombs, has plenty of structures that need blowing away.

Next you arrive in Arid Zone 2 which is the same as the first but with different coloured buildings. The Hot House is highly effective with its pulsating red background and bow tie fighters. Four more regions bar your way to the final showdown in the tube called Hula. Here there are plenty of odds and ends to shoot at, plus laser gates to trap the unwary.

The verdict? This is not the best thing to hit the C64 nor is it really original but it's good enough to brighten up a few dreary winter weekends.