doug@edge.UUCP (Doug Pardee) (04/21/87)
Doesn't anyone out there *play* with their 64/128s? I'd like to hear what
you all think about some of the new games that are out. Also which games
are your favorites and which ones ripped you off.
Here is a capsule summary of how I rate the games in my collection. They are
listed in alphabetical order by publisher, then alpha by title. You'll find
that I rate "quality of game play" as being very important; if the game is no
fun, I don't care how good the graphics and sound are. All are on disk unless
otherwise noted.
Access
Beach-Head -- B
Good arcade-type game. Five stages, all different. Graphics range from
okay to very good. Sound effects more than adequate. I would have enjoyed
it more initially if the documentation had explicitly stated that you can
go to any stage for practice by letting it "demo-cycle" to that stage.
A sequel, Beach-Head II, is out. Haven't tried that one.
AtariSoft
Pole Position (cartridge) -- C
Good translation of the arcade game. My only gripe is that speed control is
unnecessary; full throttle must be used at all times.
Cosmi
Richard Petty's Talladega -- B
Pole-Position concept transplanted to the world of stock cars. Much more
challenging; you have to go 30 laps, and any crash will end the race. Also
have to deal with pit stops. Unlike Pole Position, you're racing against
other drivers instead of the clock. Graphics barely adequate, sound effects
are pathetic. But low price and great game play more than compensate.
Super Huey -- D
Bought this because I thought I'd read great reviews. Turns out the rave
reviews were for Super Huey II. Good graphics and sound with totally
pointless game play. Can't speak for the "II".
Electronic Arts
M.U.L.E. -- B+
This simulation program (colonizing a distant planet) is an oldie by C64
standards, and the graphics show it. But the game play is great, and it
allows up to four players.
Murder on the Zinderneuf -- A-
Why is this one almost unknown? It's my favorite! A murder mystery.
You've got about 35 minutes to find the murderer by questioning the 15
remaining people on board a dirigible. Different murderer/victim/motive
every time. The only demerit is for uninspired graphics in ugly colors.
Music Construction Set -- D
I was very disappointed in this, especially coming from Electronic Arts.
This program isn't capable of much of anything. I've heard good things
about the "Deluxe M.C.S." for the PC and Mac.
Pinball Construction Set -- B+
Considering the age of this one (I think it was Electronic Arts' very
first offering for the C64), it's still one of the best. And you can
make "pinball machines" to give to your friends! Graphics and sound
are more than adequate.
Racing Destruction Set -- B+
A computerized slot car set. Zillions of options (I've never seen ice
on a *real* slot car track!). Play against the computer or another
person. Good graphics, adequate sound.
Seven Cities of Gold -- C-
Simulation exploring the New World. Lots of research went into this one,
but they forgot to put in any fun. Graphics and sound are unexciting, too.
Only game I've seen that absolutely requires a spare diskette.
SkyFox -- B-
Airborne shoot-em-up with an out-the-window view. Great graphics, good
sound, adequate game play. Insufficient documentation.
Epyx -- F+
Temple of Apshai
A graphic sword-and-sorcery exploration game poorly translated from another
computer. Written in BASIC, of all things. Impossible to complete,
because you can't "save game". A rip-off, in my book.
Infocom
Deadline
No rating on this, because I'm not much into adventures. I got a "deal"
on it and thought I'd see if Infocom adventures were as good as everyone
was saying. Seems to be true. Text only, no graphics or sound.
Sega
Star Trek (cartridge) -- F
This one is a total rip-off. Lousy graphics, lousy sound effects, lousy
game play, no resemblance to the arcade game. Absolutely pointless.
Sierra OnLine
BC's Quest for Tires -- C
Really cute graphics and adequate sound combined with a fairly simple
jump/duck arcade game-play.
SubLogic
Flight Simulator II -- C
What can you say? Flight Simulator II is *the* program to show off what
a C64 can do with graphics and computation. I still can't believe how
well it works. But it's not *fun*. Joystick action is unusable, too.
Synapse (I think Synapse no longer exists)
Blue Max -- C
Zaxxon concept translated to World-War I biplane. Graphics and
sound were good for its day, kinda weak now. Game play is good.
Fort Apocalypse -- B
Helicopter descent into underground fortress through myriad of defenses.
Really interesting game play offsets the aged graphics. Good sound.
Zeppelin -- D+
Straight arcade shoot-em-up at a frantic pace. Too frantic, in fact.
Mostly antiquated graphics. Sound effects are adequate.
Tellarium
Perry Mason
No grade on this one, calling it "interactive fiction" doesn't make it
much different from an adventure game. I haven't finished it yet. Don't
know if I ever will. Text adventure with nice "pictures" (not animated
graphics).
-- Doug Pardee -- Edge Computer Corp. -- Scottsdale, Arizonajs9b+@andrew.cmu.edu (Jon C. Slenk) (10/31/89)
I have tons of games that I would like to sell off. Most all of them are on cassette, but I have a cassette deck if you don't. A majority of the games were written in Europe and thus you may not have seen them before. For a complete list, send me e-mail. I promise that they will be *cheap* since 1) Things are cheaper in Europe (in general) than over here, and 2) I wish to sell them to a good home; I have played them all to death. ---------------------------------------- Sincerely, Jon Slenk. Email (in order of preference): js9b+@andrew.cmu.edu (unix) jokerman@peru.andrew.cmu.edu (unix/mach) r746js9b@vb.cc.cmu.edu (vms) jokerman@drycas.club.cc.cmu.edu (vms) y610js9b@vb.cc.cmu.edu (vms) Snail Mail: Box 511 5115 Margaret Morrison St Pittsburgh PA 15213.