1st February 1984
Push Off
Push Off is all about Bertha the Ladybird (who's no lady). She 's in this garden being pursued by four some-' what unpleasant insects out to get her. The garden hardly resembles one though, looking more like a pile of that bubble packing they use today. In fact the screen is filled with square, green bricks which Bertha can manipulate. She can burn them out of her way, create them and also send them shooting along at her enemies, hopefully crushing them to death. But the insects can also burn away the bricks to get at her. Four little bells are dotted about and if Bertha touches one it rings, rendering the insects helpless for a few moments.
In fact his is a variation on a theme which Blaby brought out in the summer called Do Do & The Snow Bees.
Comments
Keyboard positions: all our reviewers complained about the layout, CAPS SHIFT/Z left/right is fine but ENTER/SPACE for up/down with P for fire is very awkward.
Joystick options: AGF, Protek or Kempston
Keyboard play: very responsive
Use of colour: very good
Graphics: excellent
Sound: very good
Skill levels: 8 (8 screens)
Lives: 5
Comment 1
'Push Off is rather an oddball game, quite original and very addictive. The graphics are extremely good with excellent movement of bricks and insects. '
Comment 2
'This is one of those games that's instantly attractive to look at and makes you want to play it. It's also very hard and fast with wonderful graphics and colours. The only pity is that the control keys are oddly placed, especially for firing.'
Comment 3
'A very addictive game to play, with just the right amount of difficulty as the screens increase. Why did they go and put the fire key on P? It's an awkward stretch with ENTER and SPACE for the up and down keys. Otherwise, excellent.'
Screenshots
