Personal Computer News


Firequest

Author: Bob Chappell
Publisher: The Edge
Machine: Commodore 64

 
Published in Personal Computer News #085

FIREQUEST

The Edge, a new division of Softek, have released this sequel to Ugh, and what a splendid entry to the market it is.

Ugh, if you didn't know, is a caveman and in Firequest, he's searching for fire, of course. The game makes use of the whole screen for each scene; you won't find any half-pint picture at the top with a score/status panel occupying the rest of the screen.

The game takes place over seven different screens, each of which must be conquered before you can get to the next. As an added incentive, if you make it to the end, The Edge offer you the chance to enter a competition. The idea is to submit a title for a sequel to Firequest, based on the final scene.

Fire Quest

Screen one features a large cavern. Ugh has to climb and jump around, dodge intelligent spiders, swing on creepers, and make it to the volcano across the ravine. Next he must tote three bundles of faggots to the volcano which is spitting out fireballs. Fumeroles (vapour-puffing crevices) and a neanderthal man add to Ugh's problems.

Later screens feature earthquakes, more volcanic eruptions, electrical storms, bats and a startling sabre-toothed tiger. Each scene is full-size and quite different. A demo mode provides a fair preview of all the scenes - but only a glimpse of the last, for obvious reasons! All of the screens present a touch challenge so don't expect to get to the last one without a fight.

You can switch between musical and other sound effects (all of a high standard) and may use the keyboard and joystick. Quite the most impressive feature is the animation of Ugh - himself - almost of cinema cartoon quality.

With more games of this quality, The Edge are going to be a force to reckon with. Firequest is a great start.

Bob Chappell

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