Computer Gamer


Subterranean Nightmare

Publisher: Americana
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Computer Gamer #17

Subterranean Nightmare

It is 1991. Five year ago there was a nuclear test in the Nevada desert that seemed to go without a hitch. Now you, as Professor Fusion, must investigate the exact site of the test and the strange seismic readings detected in the region.

Just as you're thinking that the readings on your gieger counter are high, you fall down, down, down into a cavern deep below the desert. There you ind an underworld full of mutants who have missiles ready to fire on the world as revenge for what we did to them five years ago. You must warn the world, but first you must escape from this subterranean nightmare.

The game itself is a platform game of the style pioneered by Manic Miner but with a few important additions.

Subterranean Nightmare

The underworld is constructed from rooms and caverns, each connected by a series of steps, runways and platforms and populated by an ugly-looking collection of nasties. However, although all mutants should be approached with caution they don't all kill you. Indeed, if you jump on the backs of some, they may even carry you to a safer part of the screen. Then again, they might not and cost you one of your precious lives!

The object of the game is obviously to get out of the cavern, but you'll do a lot better if you also collect the crystals that lie around. Taking them has a dramatic effect as walls disappear leading you to more deadly rooms.

Subterrranean Nightmare is undoubtedly dated, but still worth every penny of its budget price tag.