Monsters in Hell

Crash

Graphics (CP) 40%

Graphics (MU) 42%

Use of Computer (CP) 60%

Use of Computer (MU) 55%

Playability (CP) 37%

Playability (MU) 35%

Addictive Qualities (CP) 32%

Addictive Qualities (MU) 28%

Value for Money (CP) 42%

Value for Money (MU) 36%

Overall 41%

Chris Passey

Matthew Uffindell

HEADBANGERS - PANIC GAMES Armed with little more than a trusty spade, nimble fingers and wilting joystick, our two arcade playing reviewers, CHRIS PASSEY and MATTHEW UFFINDELL, enter the dusty platforms in search of monsters 'Panic' games involve climbing ladders to various levels within the screen, digging holes in the floors and letting the monsters fall into them. When you trap a monster in this manner, there is usually a short time in which to reach it, bang it on the head so that it falls through to its death, filling in the hole as it goes. Failure to kill it in time will result in the beast escaping and becoming a super monster. The more super a monster becomes, the more holes it must fall through in one go, which means digging holes in a vertical line. You have an ever-diminishing supply of oxygen, so speed is important. This selection contains some close copies and some slight variations on the theme. MONSTERS IN HELL Softek Memory Required: 16K Retail Price: £5.95 Monsters in Hell is a slight variation with you having to destroy demons and vampires using the same digging techniques. A problem I found was that once dug, holes could not be filled in, hence one can become trapped above the flames of hell. The oxygen has been replaced by holy power, and this can be replenished by picking up a cross. Despite these changes it is still a 'Panic'. It isn't a very good one either. The graphics are rather small and jerky, and generally everything is second rate. I didn't find it very playable or addictive. The controls are okay, having a "dig" key. CP This game has wandered off the Panic theme to some degree. You play the part of a small, jerk-moving man who is equipped with a pick for digging holes. Six platforms give the game quite a height and these are connected by various lengths of thin ladders. Monsters (vampire types) are tiny, but they do home in on you very quickly - good job you've got nine lives! There is no monster bashing in this game (boring) the monsters being killed merely by their falling through a hole for holes) in the platform - although this doesn't always kill them... The game is easy to play and gives the impression of being out of date (it is one of the earliest), with its small, jerky character graphics. There is also a lack of sound and not much use of colour. One thing is the keys, which have good positions and good response. Overall, not recommended. MU

Crash

Producer: Softek, 16K £5.95 Author: Martin Lewis Above the flickering fires of hell are six platforms connected by eight ladders. Your man has a hammer with which he can knock holes in the platforms for monsters to fall through, or be can bang them on the head with it. All the while the power drain is enormous - visiting the flickering crosses replenishes it, but they move once used, so you can't just hammer holes and isolate yourself from the monsters. Kill off 25 of the lesser idiots and the cleverer ghouls appear; ten of those despatched and the Mad Monk's clones appear. Ghouls must fall three levels to die, clones four, but the next lot can only die in the fires of hell itself. While the graphics are attractive, the lack of screen changes could make the game boring to play after a while and it's really a no-win game. Nine lives to help, machine code, no joystick option.

Crash

Producer: Softek, 16K £5.95 Author: Martin Lewis Above the flickering fires of hell are six platforms connected by eight ladders. Your man has a hammer with which he can knock holes in the platforms for monsters to fall through, or be can bang them on the head with it. All the while the power drain is enormous - visiting the flickering crosses replenishes it, but they move once used, so you can't just hammer holes and isolate yourself from the monsters. Kill off 25 of the lesser idiots and the cleverer ghouls appear; ten of those despatched and the Mad Monk's clones appear. Ghouls must fall three levels to die, clones four, but the next lot can only die in the fires of hell itself. While the graphics are attractive, the lack of screen changes could make the game boring to play after a while and it's really a no-win game. Nine lives to help, machine code, no joystick option.

C&VG (Computer & Video Games)

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE MAZE! Ghouls, monsters, vampires and a Mad Monk are all featured in this latest Hitchcock style game for the Sinclair Spectrum. Incorporating some elements of the arcade game Dig-Dug the game challenges you to escape from a maze of corridors and connecting step ladders and adds some original twists of its own. You are armed with a magic hammer which enables you to dig holes in the corridors for the monsters that are in hot pursuit to fall into. Just to give this version its own original twist the monsters are vampire monsters and the setting is hell with the flames burning away beneath you. You are also only allowed a limited amount of holy power so you have to use your hammer sparingly. Watch out for the Mad Monk and his Ghouls - they are also out to get you. Monsters in Hell runs on the Sinclair Spectrum in 16 or 48K and is available from London-based Softek at £5.95. Also new from Softek this month is a version of the popular arcade game Centipede and a deep space shoot 'em up game called Firebirds. These are also available at £5.95 from Softek.