Commodore User


Alpha Blaster
By Sumlock
Commodore Vic 20

 
Published in Commodore User #10

Alpha Blaster

Typical hectic space action within a vertically expanded screen - which makes a change from the usual format. Your ship is placed in an exposed position (the bottom row of the screen) with alien battle fleets massed above.

The first wave, green fighters, traverse the screen raining bombs; the second, white kamikazis out to avenge their buddies just eliminated, home-in for the kill vertically, zig-zagging en route.

With your remaining lives you get to negotiate a cyan meteor storm, picking up points for accurate pot shots. A brief respite allowing a rest for your overworked trigger finger while the mothership tops up your fuel, then on to the next wave and repeat the sequence. However, fresh marques have arrived from deepest space to maintain interest and increase the difficulty. How many different waves? Three... then the pattern is repeated, only faster.

Good, fast action; competent though not outstanding graphics and sonics. There is no doubt that it is more gripping tussling with various distinctive waves rather than the same old stereotyped forms.