Previous Next

Looking at the screen shot, all you hardened games addicts will realise that Defender-time is here again. Yes, Alligata have improved their range of software considerably in past months, and with Guardian that trend continues... It's a straight arcade copy, but succeeds where many conversions fail, as speed and addiction are still evident.

The basic idea of Defender is to patrol a planet surface inhabited by humanoids (one-legged by the way!) who are under attack from jellyfish-like Landers and numerous other alien growths. If the Landers abduct a humanoid, it is your job to stop them reaching the top of the screen.

If one does, it then turns into a fast, vicious Mutant which is intent on destroying one of your three lives. Fortunately your ship can fire lasers, move bi-directionally using full screen scrolling, warp and use three devastating smart bombs. Phew!

The graphics are almost exactly the same as the arcade machines' but with a dash of colour added here and there. Above all, the movement is smooth and fast: just watch those Mutants go! However, although all this is very laudable, the micro is capable of more.

The sound is the perfect match for the graphics, and conjures up the 'arcade feeling' during the game. It also adds rather than detracts from the zap, even if it is a little scant at times.

All in all, Guardian is extremely addictive and a necessary buy for anyone trying to assemble a decent arcade copy library.

At least there is a Defender on the C64 that really challenges BBC Planetoids. By the way, you'll need a joystick. It's no fun untangling your fingers after a game using seven keys!

All those happy memories of mutants mutilated, pods pounded, and landers liquidated will flood back to devotees of Defender at the first press of the fire button. The graphics are unadventurous, the sound limited but the feeling of pure joy experienced after destroying an enemy attack is incredible.

The ultimate in shoot-'em-ups has at last arrived on the C64. You'll still be playing after your millionth ship has been vaporized.

Must be one of the best space games for the C64. It has excellent graphics (except for the humanoids which look like matchsticks) and is extremely fast. In fact, it's a little too fast to begin with.

It's a great family game too, since apart from your joystick controls there are also smart bombs and hyperspace keys. So with Dad to control the smart bombs, Mum on the hyperspace key, and with you controlling the movement, there shouldn't be a problem getting a high score!