Commodore User


R.M.S. Titanic

Publisher: Electric Dreams
Machine: Commodore 64

 
Published in Commodore User #33

RMS Titanic

C'mon, admit it, you can't help being fascinated by the demise of the splendid liner - the Titanic.

It was only a matter of time till the computer game appeared, and now it has - and I would like to say, right at the beginning of this review, that Electric Dreams have made an excellent job of a fascinating piece of maritime history.

Your aim in this game is to raise the Titanic from her watery grave and claim the jewels, cash and gold reputed to be stashed away in the ship's safe.

R.M.S. Titanic

As captain of the salvage vessel, you use the TSI (advanced salvage device equipped with robot arm and cameras) to explore the Titanic.

Time is crucial to you as you need to show results quickly to generate good press and keep your backers happy.

The TSI can only be sent down once a day - so you have to make sure each visit is productive. The device is in two-way communication with the ship, so that you can decide what to do with an object when it has been identified.

R.M.S. Titanic

The TSI also has its limitations and can only carry four objects at a time - so you have to think carefully before using the robot arm to pick something up.

The screen display on the main salvage vessel shows a calendar with the current day ringed, a dive icon for using the TSI, a finance icon for talking to your backers (you have to keep them sweet), a press icon for talking to various reporters about the story (this is big news, and you need to keep the press interest going), a moon icon which enables you to move time forward quickly to the next day and to give your crew a good night's sleep, and finally there is a save game icon.

Each of these leads to more screens depicting that particular aspect of the game.

R.M.S. Titanic

In order to get the Titanic back to the surface you will have to infiltrate eight bags placed at strategic points around the ship. When they have been filled with air, the Titanic will float to the surface.

I haven't managed this yet. Its tricky because you don't know where the previous TSI left the bags. You have to find them, and quick, before the backers get cold feet.

This is a great game. It's tough, interesting and addictive. A bit of simulation, and a bit of arcade adventure-style puzzle. Definitely not for shoot-'em-up nuts, but if you like your games challenging and stimulating then don't miss it.