Eight Bit Magazine


Mono

Categories: Review: Software
Author: Merman
Publisher: Clay Spoerri
Machine: Commodore 64

 
Published in 8 Bit Annual 2019

Mono

This shoot-'em-up arrived suddenly in the summer of 2018 with very little fanfare. A strange name for a new release commercial game that sported a unique marketing presentation, so how does it measure up to other releases from 2018?

The aim of the game is to help Space Cadet Mono save the universe in her space fighter. Six vertically scrolling levels await. As the player shoots enemies, his score increases (and is shown scrolling down the screen – there is no score panel/display). As the player takes hits from enemy bullets or crashes into enemies, the score is decreased (shown as a minus figure). Attaining the 'P' for power-up increases the number of bullets the player's craft fires. At the end of each level is a boss, with each one having a unique attack pattern. The final level features a slight twist to the gameplay that will not be spoiled here.

What I Like

The packaging of the game is very good, including a "Mono" pin badge and folding manual. The etched logo on the cartridge shell is another nice touch. The graphics themselves have a simple but effective style and the scrolling is smooth. The advertising made a lot of the unique scoring system and it is quite clever. The title tune/riff is alright and there are some above average in-game sound FX. The boss fights at the end of each of the six levels are nicely done too.

What I Didn't Like

The biggest drawback is how easy the game is. I was able to complete it on my first play, giving just fifteen minutes of gameplay! The other major flaw is the way the gameplay changes on the last level; it feels very unfair and detracts from what has gone before. The price is expensive for a very limited game.

Verdict

With more polish and more levels this could have been a hit, but it falls short of commercial quality in several ways.

Merman

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