Computer Gamer


Raid 2000
By Mirrorsoft
Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Computer Gamer #26

Raid 2000

The year 2000 seems to be quite popular as far as game scenarios go. This time, once again Earth is under threat of imminent destruction and only you can save it *and* have to face up to the responsibility if things go wrong.

The cause of the problem this time are the Xanthids, an alien life force that needs the Earth's oxygen/cardon dioxide atmosphere for chlorophyll manufacturing(!) As usual, the resources with which you are equipped to save the Earth are minimal. They include four Raider-type hypojets, but they haven't been fully tested yet and are only prototypes.

The game starts with a map of the world. This shows which areas have been over-run, or are in danger of being over-run by the aliens. You can drop a thermonuclear device on an area to put a temporary stop to the threat - the Xanthids must pose some threat if nuking the world is the preferred option. You can also launch your ship into any territory you fancy defending.

Now, you must fly around shooting the little beasties whilst avoiding tall ground objects and looking for the alien's fuel supply depot. Yes, it's Uridium, the game that launched a thousand clones again. Save the Earth and you find you have to do it all over again - there is a second attack just around the corner, but you are given a fresh set of hypojets to retaliate with. Why were these not made available to you for the first attack wave a cynic might ask? They ask you to save the world then tie one hand behind your back.

Raid 2000 has reasonable graphics but uninspiring gameplay and plot. There are many better games on the market.