jjm (03/08/83)
COUNTERMEASURE is the game referred to in the back of your Atari catalog as Tank (tentative title). This is Atari's version of the rarely seen arcade game "Strategy X". It is a super-tank game. The tank has independantly controlled treads and turret (you can move in one direction while shooting in another). The object of the game is to destroy 7 missile silos which have been captured by the enemy before they launch the missiles. You must also destroy pillboxes which are firing at you. There are supply depots at which you can refuel and get a clue about the "recall code" (more about this later). The tank travels over varying terrains (hills, meadows, mountains, forests, cities) scrolling through a map which is several times larger than the TV screen. As the game progresses, you also face other tanks, jeeps, and cruise missiles. To win the game you must destroy all 7 silos, or enter a silo and punch in the "recall code", a three letter combination which stops the launching of the missiles. (Very reminiscent of "Dr. Strangelove"). If you win, you are treated with a cute graphic and some nice (rather japanese) music; If you lose, you get an INCREDIBLE graphic of a skull and crossbones and nasty music. (Sometimes it seems like it's worth losing just to see this picture). Overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10: 7. CENTIPEDE - good adaptation of the arcade game. Looks the same, sounds the same. It's a lot tougher to play with a joystick, so I guess I'll buy the trac-ball unit when it's available. Very challenging, as is the arcade game. There are three levels of play (easy, standard, hard) for one or two players. This game is a must for all CENTIPEDE addicts. You won't be disappointed. Has anyon heard any rumors about when the 2600 adapter will be available? Or the trac-ball? Jim McParland American Bell - Holmdel hou5e!jjm