Home Computing Weekly


Ciphold
By GB Standard
Commodore 64

 
Published in Home Computing Weekly #118

From the name of the publisher of this game, I assume that this is part of an antidote to US Gold. But, if that's the case, then I doubt that our US friends will be too concerned.

Superficially, this game holds much promise with its claims for hi-resolution 3D graphics. In reality, this means a well drawn, multicolour bit map backdrop which gives a pretty good 3D view of a planet surface. As the game starts this view scrolls to give the impression of the sun traversing the sky. Unfortunately, the scrolling is rather lumpy and unconvincing.

The idea is to repulse a wave of attacking space ships. This is achieved by lining up a set of cross hairs and zapping. The space ships also shoot at you, their shots appearing as spheres which grow bigger as they approach. Once you have cleared the space ships, you must destroy a mothership with 10 well placed shots before it breaches your defences. Fail, and Earth is destroyed.

The attempt to achieve a 3D effect is laudable, with well drawn space ships which swoop as they attack. The explosion effects are fair and look quite impressive, albeit a little static. The main problem is that the game is boring with little to do other than destroy alien ships. True, the action is quite demanding, but a little more variety would have helped. I don't think I'll be playing this game too often, I'm afraid.

A.W.

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