Previous Next

Mined Out is a refreshing change from the usual "blast 'em out of the sky" derivatives. The object of the exercise is to get safely across nine minefields to rescue our poor hero Bill the Worm.

The mines are hidden from view but a 'beep' warns you if you move near one or more of them and the screen status line tells you how many (one to three) are in the immediate vicinity. Hitting a mine is fatal, but with a careful blend of backtracking and logical deduction, you can slowly carve a safe passage through the minefields. A couple of damsels (who wave tantalisingly at you) are trapped within each minefield, and extra points are yours if you can rescue them.

To stop you taking too long over each move, a number of additional hazards come into play. Periodically, a mine-laying creature flits across the screen, laying a carpet of extra mines, visible this time. At level four and above a bug chases you along the path you are clearing through the minefield. Although it moves rather slowly, contact is deadly. A further hindrance is an electrified fence which occasionally materialises. It doesn't kill you but you can't get through it.

If all this seems impossible, it's worth remembering that the minelayers not only add extra mines but also remove some of the hidden ones. So paths do not necessarily remain blocked.

One small complaint is that demonstration and instruction files have to be loaded before the main program can be executed. The demonstration is quite entertaining the first time through but quickly wears thin. It would be helpful if the game could be loaded and run in isolation.

If, like me, you find 'invader' variants a little fact and prefer time to think about your moves, then Mined Out is certainly recommended. Although loading seems unnecessarily long-winded, the game has lasting appeal and is good value.