A&B Computing


Monaco

Publisher: Alligata
Machine: BBC Model B

 
Published in A&B Computing 1.06

Although this new racing game from Alligata is very nippy, it remains rather one dimensional. The graphics are well drawn and movement is as smooth as you would expect it to be harnessing the BBC's hardware scrolling capability. However, it really is only a matter of going full tilt in one direction on the sort of straight highway you find only in a desert and the three keys (Z for left, X for right and RETURN to accellerate) indicate the scope of the game.

There are certainly plenty of other cars around to get in the way of your rapid progress. They do little manoeuvring but sometimes dramatically and without warning swerve into your path as you attempt to squeeze by. Unfortunately, there is no brake facility so it is important to take it easy when encounteriing traffic up ahead since it is all too easy to fatally shunt into the rear end of a fellow traveller.

The most difficult aspect of the game is avoiding the - wait for it! - ambulances which come speeding up from behind, sirens blaring. This aural warning sets the hairs standing on the back of the neck as you wonder from which direction the ambulance is coming. A most surprising and disarming elements, since the ambulances don't pick you up, they run you down!

The game then is fun to play and attractive to watch. The colours are certainly well chosen. However it does not compare well with car racing games which offer alternative track patterns, three dimensional effects, great changing and braking. Fast and furious but eventually monotonous.