Amstrad Computer User


Hammerfist
By Activision
Amstrad CPC464

 
Published in Amstrad Computer User #69

The post-holocaust holographic revolt against repression.

Hammerfist

Freedom. What's it all about? Free from what? From Whom? Free to do what to whom and where? The fight for freedom. The clime of the unforgotten brave! Whose land from plain to mountain-cave was freedom's home or glory's grave!

Sorry, that was one of Byron's, but he too could tell the tale of repression. A fight to break the chains of humdrum conundrums and robot existence.

Holograms by definition are not essentially free agents. They are in fact meaningless until they are suitably illuminated when by the wonders of photographic science, patterns turn into 3D images. But they are still not free!

Hammerfist

Hammerfist attempts to transform this enclosed world of imprisoned 3D images into a world where holograms mingle with humans and are indistinguishable from the real race (except perhaps at nightime when a lack of light would surely turn the holograms back into meaningless patterns!).

The year is 2215 AD. A large corporate body producing and operating the holograms of the future has invested wisely, planned well and cunningly overcome the two main cities of the planet Centro-Holographix is that body.

The holograms are specially selected people, chosen for particular skills, who are transformed into holograms to commit murders, political crimes or any other nasty deed that needs to be done. Between the missions the holograms are stored in personality computers - Mind prisons. Chains on thoughts. Dreams behind bars. Computers however have a tendency to break down, even 200 years into the future.

Hammerfist

The computer controlling two of the most powerful holograms ever created, Hammerfist and Metalisis, has malfunctioned sending these two angry and lethal assasins on a final mission.

The mission? The fight for freedom. To carry the flag for all the poor meaningless patterns of existence created by the evil minds of the controlling body. To rid the world of Centro-Holographix.

Take up your joystick and assume the role of both holograms. A basic platform and ladders game this is not as you attempt to smash the security systems to gain access to later levels. Fight the droids and kill the technicians. Up the revolution!

Hammerfist

Energy and weapon recharge is essential for survival against the numerous aliens both holographic and solid sent by the master to level your rebellion.

Difficulties may arise in controls. Switching between Hammerfist and Metalisis requires practice as each have specific skills to overcome various obstacles and enemies. A quick flic-flac from Metalisis, good enough to score a 10 at any Olympic gymnastic tournament and a sharp punch from Hammerfist is usually enough to outwit the witless slaves of Centro-Holographix.

In destroying your opponents and various obstacles, energy fizzles are released which when picked up revitalise your characters. So keep close to those fizzles!

Hammerfist the game is good in many ways. Although basic in its approach, it retains a certain interest due to its storyline. Control of two characters is also an interesting Option.

A fight for freedom from the evil grip of heartless humans in control of Centro-Holographix echoes certain literary classics as Carry On Hologram, Carry On Up The Revolution and 1985. The challenge is all yours...

Basil Bread

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