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Moids Demo
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  This is a demo version of  MAGNETOIDS, the first 3D-version of
Asteroids.  By: Frank Fhl from Germany.

  Well, I wasn't expecting this type of game on the Arc! I know that
saying that sounds bad, but I just wasn't ready for it - what a great
surprise to see and know that the Arc world is going to get such a
superb game (judging by the outstanding quality of this demo). OK, so
now you're drooling with anticipation I'll tell you a little about
it. My first impression was that it looks a little in the style of
'StarWing' on the Sega or Nintendo or whatever. Anyway as far as I'm
aware there isn't anything else like this on the Arc, so it's a first
in that respect. Basically it's a 3D version of 'Asteroids', firstly
the Music is very atmospheric and secondly the sound FX are quite
'spacey' if you know what I mean. The gameplay is good too. First
opinions, I would say its a 'shoot-em-up' game, though this could be
enhanced in the finished version (which will be available as you read
this). The handling and the smoothness of the spaceship (or 'boat' as
Frank calls it) is realistic even if a little claustrophobic. I kept
wanting to flip around to see behind me (or to zoom away backwards
which doesn't seem possible), but this seemed a little difficult as
the controls are with the mouse. Anyone who has played David Braben's
'Zarch' will know the feeling, as a slight movement can result in an
uncontrollable flip or spiralling spin.

  A couple of time I had an error message: Internal error:Abort on
data transfer at &0185D77C.  Other times it ran perfectly, so I don't
know if it was my machine or just something else, but I did run it
successfully on a number of occasions. Maybe it was just trying to run
it whilst Archived? I found it ran perfectly when de-archived, so do
this to avoid problems - I can't wait for the full game. Maybe a
review of it in Spectrum 3, if I get a copy!

Graphics - 5/10
Music/FX - 7/10
Gameplay - 9/10

Frank Fhl
    Siemensstr. 7
    71636 Ludwigsburg
    Germany
    Internet: foehlfk@tick.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de

Commercial distribution - Oregon Software.

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