Computer Gamer


Off The Hook
By Lightning Distribution
Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3

 
Published in Computer Gamer #15

Off The Hook

One of the major problems amongst the youth of Britain is a growing dependancy on drugs. Off The Hook is a compilation of ten games for the Spectrum and C64 with all proceeds going towards helping kids kick the habit. Certainly, it is a cause well worth supporting and even if you have seen a couple of the games before, you should still seriously consider getting a copy.

The C64 collection starts with Pitfall II from Activision, a ladders and platforms variant where you collect gold bars and try to rescue your friends whilst avoiding scorpions, electric eels and the like. Anirog's Space Pilot II is reminiscent of Asteroids except that you blast spaceships instead of rocks. Psytron by Beyond is an excellent graphical strategy game where you must defend the Betula 5 installation from saboteurs. Elite's Fall Guy gives you the chance to be a stuntman and side one ends with Demons Of Topaz from Firebird, a platform game.

Sheep In Space is a Jeff Minter/Llamasoft production, a shoot-'em-up to the accompaniment of Bach. What more could you ask for? Ocean's Kong Strikes Back is set on a big dipper as your endeavour to rescue your girlfriend whilst Black Thunder from Quicksilva puts you in charge of a high speed train during battle against missiles and helicopters. Death Star Interceptor from System 3 Software is a space shoot-'em-up and the tape ends with Talledaga, a car racing simulation from US Gold.

On the Spectrum version, Pitfall II, Psytron, Kong Strikes Back and Fall Guy are as above. Ad Astra from Gargoyle is a shoot-'em-up whilst Incentive's Splat sets you problems in an ever changing maze. Sam Stoat: Safebreaker from Gremlin sees you trying to rob and escape from four houses with twenty locations in each. Melbourne House's Mugsy is a strategy game in which you play an American Gangster in the twenties. (It's a lot better than the sequel which is currently on release by the way.) Chequered Flag from Psion is a Formula One simulation and the tape ends with Blue Mac from US Gold, a World War One dogfight game.

So there you are, something for everybody. Do go out and buy a copy. It really is a worthwhile cause.