Personal Computer News


Psytraxx

Author: Bob Chappell
Publisher: The Edge
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Personal Computer News #085

PSYTRAXX

Described as a mega game, Psytraxx boasts 1,000 screens of playing area, something unknown to the Spectrum.

The hero is a small, dome-headed, pincer-handed robot who has been let loose inside a gigantic network of rooms - the 1,000 screens. The entire network is supposed to be the internal circuitry of a tyrannical Emperor Robot who created and placed the microdroid there.

Now the microdroid has decided to avenge his fellow oppressed droids. To complete his mission he must seek out the key program cards to deactivate forcefields, gain access to the CPY and pull the Emperor's plug.

Psytraxx

The game has a basic similarity to Berserk - you have to move from chamber to chamber, dodging or firing at the inhabitants. Although the microdroid can move in any direction, he can only fire his tiny bolts to the left or right.

The opposition turn out to be animated chips, transistors and sundry other computer components. Each of these appear first as dispersed molecules before forming into a more solid and mobile state. Contact with the enemy spells immediate loss of one of three lives.

Each room has several obstructions and at least one exit. This may be blocked by a forcefield which can be deactivated by collecting program cards. Once an exit is used, the screen changes instantly to the next room. The microdroid can recharge his ever-draining batteries by passing over little green fuel cells.

The graphics are colourful, if fairly simple, and the animation of the various enemies is neatly and humorously done (chips with moving legs!). The game theme can hardly be said to be original, but it has been implemented with style.

Bob Chappell

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