Invader Cube

Crash

Overall 69%

Producer: Oasis, 48K £4.95 (3) Invader Cubes is a novel presentation of 3D Noughts and Crosses. The game is played by one player against the computer on four vertically stacked 4 x 4 grids. What makes this game an excellent verion is the novelty of using space invaders as markers, and its utter simplicity in play. Despite being in BASIC, the program runs quite rapidly and without any of the confusing frills normally attached to 3D Noughts and Crosses for the computer. All entries are prompted and then verified before your space invader jiggles its way over to the tower of grids and places itself. A winning line results in all four responsible invaders jumping up and down gleefully. The graphics are extremely effective and our reviewers put this version down as one of the best despite its lack of skill levels. Over CRASH rating 69%.

Read it at Crash - The Online Edition

Crash

Use of Computer 63%

Graphics 60%

Playability 68%

Getting Started 75%

Addictive Qualities 69%

Value For Money 80%

Overall 69%

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Producer: Oasis Memory Required: 48K Retail Price: £4.95 Language: Basic & machine code This program has a slightly split personality in as much as it is called Invader Cube on the cassette inlay and 3D OXO on the screen. Its schizophrenia doesn't in anyway affect the game itself which is full of neat touches, and, as you might guess, is a 3D noughts and crosses game. It is played against the computer on four 4 x 4 grids which are stacked one above the other in perspective on the left of the screen. Each grid, referred to in the program as a Plane, is numbered from the top 1 to 4. Each grid is then numbered in Rows (across) and Columns (up and down) 1 to 4. On the right of the screen, under the title (alter ego) 3D OXO, are two sets of Invaders, ten of each in white and yellow, yours on top, the computer's underneath. Below that is the user-friendly prompt box. Although the program has a lot of BASIC in it, entries are made to the prompt only by typing in - you don't have to ENTER them. All that's required is a Y-es or a N-o. To start, you are asked whether you want to go first. This established, you are then asked to enter the number of the Plane, then the Row, and finally the Column. Each entry is verified by the computer asking 'O.K?' so you can change your mind if you want to. When the entry is complete, one of the little invader characters trundles over to the correct Plane and Row and slots itself into the Column. Then it's the computer's turn. Any straight Iine wins horizontally, vertically or diagonally on one Plane or through the whole stack. COMMENTS Control keys: Y, N, 1, 2, 3, 4 Use of colour: simple but effective Graphics: games like this don't rely on fantastic graphics, but these are good Sound: reasonable

Space Invaders meet stock cubes.