ZX Computing


3D Monster Maze
By New Generation
Sinclair ZX81

 
Published in ZX Computing #10

3D Monster Maze

After a four minute loading time, the program auto-ran and the message "Anyone there?" flashed onto the screen. After a while, it said "Well, press something then". I pressed a key and a man appeared on the left of the screen and "Roll up, roll up, see the amazing Tyrannosaurus Rex..." scrolled up on the screen, along with instructions, if you require them.

Next the message "the mists of time passed over" comes up, and after another thirty seconds, the maze appears on the screen... in 3D! "Simple," I thought. Until I saw the message "Footsteps approaching" and I spotted a T-Rex marching towards me. It was not long before I was posthumously awarded 35 points. And there I was, back in the maze.

I was very surprised by the graphics - they are excellent! All the walls facing you are shown as grey, whereas the wall at an angle to you are coloured black - providing an extremely good 3D simulation. And the T-Rex! Every step further towards you reveals more detail of the monster until only its teeth can be seen as you are being 'eaten alive'.

3D Monster Maze

As you travel down corridors, you see more passages to your left and right, any of which you can choose to go down. The graphics of the maze alone are great, without the added bonus of the T-Rex and the exit.

Ah. Did I mention the exit? Yes, somewhere in the maze is an exit, but the maze is very complex and the exit is extremely difficult to find. And the exit is sited in a different place each time you play the same so it's no use trying to remember a formerly successful route. When the exit is found, it is easily recognisable by the rings of random characters moving outwards from the centre. Quite spectacular really!

If you are told to 'RUN' at any time during the progam, then it is advisable to do so as it is possible to outrun the T-Rex. You can alter the speed of the game easily, but be warned, it gets very difficult to play the game at the higher speeds.

When you see the words 'Rex lies in wait' printed up on the screen, you must be very cautious. This means that the T-Rex could literally be 'just round the corner'.

This is definitely not a game for those of a nervous disposition. But for anyone else, it is an entertaining (and highly recommended) machine code game, which at £4.95, is good value for money and 'the game to top all others'.

John Hall