Crash
1st June 1991
Publisher: Enigma Variations
Machine: Sam Coupe
Published in Crash #89
Escape From The Planet Of The Robot Monsters
Disaster has struck on Planet X! The human colonists have been captured by an evil race of aliens - the Reptilons - and are being forced to create an army of killer robots with which the Reptilons plan to destroy Earth!
But help is at hand with the arrival of Jake and Duke, two tough, square-jawed interplanetary SWAT men. One or two players choose a character and are briefed on their mission: rescue the hostages, destroy the Reptilons and rescue the beautiful Professor Sarah Bellum. Planet X is a big place, so is split up into many levels, filled with robotic guards.
Each level is split into several sections, each part accessed by ladders and escalators. There are several types of guard including the infamous Weetabix character, but both Jake and Duke possess a ray gun and a limited supply of smart bombs, so get blasting. As guards are destroyed glowing gems appear - collect these for increased ray power. Lockers can be shot to reveal such goodies as food, energy and smart bombs.
But it's the hostages you're here for, and these are usually found slaving away at computer terminals. Just touch them and they'll be transported to your ship for a hefty end-of-level points bonus.At regular intervals you meet up with a Reptilon, big, dinosaur-type creatures that take a lot of hits to kill. But to save the lovely Prof and the Earth, you must battle on.
When Escape From The Planet Of The Robot Monsters first appeared about a year ago on the Speccy, I played it to death, and now the SAM game is here, more late nights are on the cards. Graphically, the game is identical to the 16-bit versions: colourful and beautifully defined characters leg around the screen being very anti-social indeed.
The control method is a little on the frustrating side: the character spins when the joystick is moved left or right and it takes a bit of practice to get him heading in the right direction. For the first few games, you end up giving the robot guards lessons in breakdancing. If you own a SAM, this game is an essential purchase.Nick
Escape From The Planet Of The Robot Monsters is the first of a run of games for the SAM Coupe using the excellent Atari ST graphics and Spectrum code. This creates a game that wavers in quality from one second to the next. For example, the introduction screens are all from the Spectrum, with the usual colour clash and shading you would expect. Moving further into the game, you have sprites and backgrounds that look like they have come from the ST and in between levels you have ST character graphics.
The game itself is excellent, full of action and adveture, but the control method takes some getting used to.
Verdict
Overall 86%
A great game that arrives on the SAM Coupe with considerable style.
