Commodore User


Countdown
By Paramount
Commodore Vic 20

 
Published in Commodore User #8

Countdown

An aptly-named opus from Paramount. In effect you have to guide our hero through three different mazes with sufficient alacrity to defuse a time-bomb. In the first, you will need to collect keys to pass through the barred gates, picking up points in the form of gold blocks on the way. Of course there are hazards in the shape of sentry posts, which fire bullets and intermittent electric arcs.

Having negotiated the brickwork halls and reached the portal at the top of the screen you drop into a verdant jungle - another key to collect, lianas to climb, falling cocnuts and carniverious plants to avoid. Optically attractive, but with no time to linger, for you still have to negotiate the dark sewers! Still collecting treasure, four more keys have to be acquired to defuse the bomb. Apart from your clock ticking away, hanging tendrils pose a problem - but you know you will succeed (well, perhaps next time round).

I have not seen a game quite like this; altogether original and most compelling. Colourful, certainly though with no surprises in the sonics. On-screen instructions are provided if needed for novices. With its choice of the three different time limits and Hall of Fame too this is altogether a well presented program.