Pi-Balled

Big K

Overall 2/3

Steve Keaton 2/3

RAT DAT DISC MAKER: Automata UK Ltd MACHINE: Spectrum 48K FORMAT: cassette PRICE: £6.00 The diminutive Q*Bert's triangular stomping ground is the latest locale for Automata's ubiquitous hero, the Piman. Yep, the little horror is busy causing trouble for the hapless Bert as he hops merrily about, carelessly colouring the great Pyramid of Pi. The gameplay is, of course, pretty familiar stuff. However, it's set apart from other Spectrum Q*Bert clones by some truly splendid graphics. Bert has been skilfully drawn and his army of assailants are smoothly animated. Alongside Pi-nose you'll have to contend with the Bouncing Ball brothers, Sid the snake and Jas and Col (the authors?) As you might imagine the pyramid soon becomes mighty crowded. By way of a breather you can hop Bert onto one of two spinning discs which'll return him to the peak of the pyramid. This provides the most spectacular graphic routine in the game. Bert spins, in full perspective, majestically through the air. It's genuinely impressive. At the end of each bash you're given your score over a drink in the Automata bar, a nice finishing touch. Written in machine code (unusual for Automata) the game offers quality arcade thrills. Hardly original, I know, but certainly entertaining.

C&VG (Computer & Video Games)

Getting Started 7/10

Graphics 7/10

Playability 6/10

Value 7/10

PIMAN GETS PAC-MAN TREATMENT Q*bert copies are beginning to proliferate on the Spectrum in the same way as rip-offs of Pac-Man did twelve months ago. With no less than three versions to choose from, we thought it was time C&VG told you which one to spend money on. The original was an arcade game by Gottlieb which introduced the cute but foul-mouthed little character who had to hop from tile to tile on a triangular shaped play area to change the colour of every square. Nasties like Coily, the snake, and a big red bouncing ball tried to stop our long-nosed friend from completing his task. Ocean's Pogo is the closest to the arcade original with the snake and bouncing ball - though in this version Coily is operating under the assumed name of Hiss. The slow, looping hop of Q*bert has been faithfully recreated in Pogo and this is also the only version which makes our friend jump off the side of the pyramid when you press the wrong key. Also hopping onto the bandwagon are Automata with their PiMan Q*bert game - Pi-Balled. PiMan and Q*bert could almost be brothers with those unmistakable long snouts - a similarity that has not escaped Automata's attention as they include a bar-room scene in the game where the two share a drink. If you like fast games, then this is the one for you. The PiMan can be made to move very quickly from square to square as he performs his Q*bert impersonation. Like Pogo, this game features the spinning escape plates at the side of the pyramid which you can jump onto when the going gets really tough. Spellbound from Beyond is the most original adaptation of the Q*bert theme introducing witches, spells and devils. Despite the pretty graphics, this is the least playable version of the game. The little yellow devils are difficult to see and the tiles only partially change colour when landed on - making the whole effect less colourful. Spellbound also lacks the escape plates which are an integral part of the original idea. Best buy. For my money Pogo is the best Q*bert-type game available for the Spectrum - and marks another success for Ocean who are really beginning to make their mark on the games business. Pogo £5.90 from Boots, Menzies, Woolworth, Pi-Balled from Automata of Portsmouth at £6 and Spellbound from most software shops at £5.95.

Sinclair Programs

June Mortimer

Exciting and challenging new arcade-style games are becoming thin on the ground, so Pi-Balled by Automata is a refreshing change. The player's aim is to move from step to step of a pyramid, changing the colour of each seep crossed. Once the colour of the whole pyramid has been changed a new pyramid appears and the game becomes more difficult. Attempting to run off the edge of the pyramid, or colliding with any of the other creatures on the pyramid, means instant death. Each creature has different attributes; one of the balls helps the player to change the colour of the pyramid, the other hinders by changing back the pyramid to its original colour. Sid the snake appears to be purely malevolent, while the Pi-man appears to be not only malevolent but almost inescapable. The animated graphics are extremely good. The player has the option of climbing the pyramid on a spinning disc, which sends the player revolving along the edge of the screen and which may lure the snake into plunging into the depths beneath the pyramid. Movement on the screen is fast and smooth and colour changes appear to be instantaneous. The skill levels are also carefully worked-out. With some practice a route round the board can be found which will change colours quickly and safely. It soon becomes apparent, however, that speed is not the attribute for which to aim, as it is not what provides the points. Destroying the snake yields several points, while reaching the higher levels too quickly often leads to an untimely death. It can be very unnerving to watch the pyramid changing to the colour of the background as you move and thus, apparently, vanishing; or to see the pyramid seem invisible as it begins by being the same colour as the background. Pi-balled is an entertaining and enjoyable game, produced for the Spectrum by Automata (U.K.) Ltd, [redacted] and costs £6.

Sinclair User

Gilbert Factor 7/10

KEEPING THE BALLS ROLLING Memory: 48K Price: £6.00 Joystick: Kempston The latest sequel to Pimania, Pi-Eyed and other Automata productions is Pi-Balled. Starring the Pi-man again, the story involves the mystical pyramid of Pi, the colour of which you are attempting to change by jumping from square to square while avoiding collision with two bouncing balls, Sid the Snake, the Pi-man and other hazards. In spite of the zany presentation which has become the Automata hallmark, including a title screen crammed with grotesque leering characters, Pi-Balled is a fairly straightforward arcade game. You score points by jumping on to a square and changing its colour and you lose a life if you fall from the edge of the pyramid - which is easy to do until you become accustomed to the unusual diagonal movements required by the game - or if you land on the same square as one of the other characters. There are bonus points for every pyramid you complete and new hazards to make successive screens more difficult. Among the original features which add appeal is a spinning disc which carries you aloft gracefully, a free ride allowed once each screen. Beware, however, of the balls which materialise at the top of the pyramid; if you choose to transfer from your disc at the time they are doing so, you will lose a life. Pi-Balled has lively graphics - the representation of the bouncing balls it particularly convincing - and the degree of difficulty is well-judged to please both novices and more experienced players. A pop record on side two is a doubtful bonus.

Read it at Sinclair User Magazine Online

Crash

Use of Computer 83%

Graphics 91%

Playability 84%

Getting Started 74%

Addictive Qualities 79%

Value For Money 83%

Overall 82%

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Producer: Automata Memory Required: 48K Retail Price: £6.00 Language: Machine code Author: Jason Austin Automata's last effort, Pi-Eyed, was joky, a bit unplayable and a bit all over the place (like the befuddled Piman). This one is quite different and boasts some excellent graphics and a good arcade game of the type where you jump from square to square avoiding the nasties and changing the colours of the squares as you go. The object is to help Burt change the Pyramid of Pi to the 'mystic' colour displayed at the top of the screen. Burt is being bothered by the belligerent Ball Brothers, Bobby and Billy. There's also Sid the Snake and the two Pixel Princes Col and Jas. There are 28 squares, or rather diamonds, in the pyramid. From the topmost square the monsters issue forth to do their various dastardly deeds. The Ball Brothers, looking like giant Smarties, zig zag down the pyramid and kill Burt off on contact. To lure the snake over the edge there are two magic discs either side onto which Bud may jump. He is then whisked to the top and must jump off again. But the top square is the most dangerous, since that's where the Ball Brothers come from. The discs may only be used once per pyramid. Changing the squares' colour is done simply by hopping diagonally from one to the other. As the game progresses you may have to jump on a square several times to get it to change colour. Col may well come out and undo your work, whereas Jas may actually help. Confused? Try the game. And if you need some aid to concentration, flip the cassette over and play Lady Clair Sinclive' s latest hit single which is modestly described as possibly the worst Reggae music ever committed - Beware of Balls! COMMENTS Control keys: P/C = up right/left, L/A = down left/right Joystick: Kempston Keyboard play: very responsive Colour excellent Graphics: excellent Sound: poor (and that's the A side!) Skill levels: gets harder Lives: 3 Screens: 66

Is it Col, or is it Jas? But not a Ball Brother in sight. An that's 'you', second line up.

Personal Computer Games

Graphics 9/10

Sound 5/10

Ease Of Use 8/10

Originality 2/10

Lasting Interest 8/10

Overall 8/10

Stuart N Cooke 8/10

MACHINE: Spectrum JOYSTICK: Optional CATEGORY: Arcade SUPPLIER: Automata PRICE: £6.00 If you've ever played that incredibly difficult game Q*Bert in the arcades and like me you found it much too difficult but actually liked the game, Pi-Balled is probably what you've been waiting for. For anyone who doesn't know the scenario you have to help your man, in this case Burt, change the colour of a pyramid to the mystical colour displayed in the top right of the screen. The pyramid of Pi is made up of a number of blocks. You colour in a block by jumping on to it. Jumping is controlled by either the keys or Kempston joystick. But even though a joystick option is included the keys are well placed and I found it much easier to control Burt using these. To make life difficult for Burt a number of nasties inhabit the pyramid, including the Piman, the Ball Brothers, Col, Jas and Sid the Snake. Each of the nasties have their own personality, some such as the snake being more difficult to avoid than others. The graphics are excellent with some superb animation. When Burt gets on to one of the lifts to avoid a nasty he rotates slowly as he glides back up to the top of the pyramid and the movement of the nasties (and their intelligence) is truly frightening. It's a pity that the sound in Pi-Balled isn't a little better. Pi-Balled is a good copy of the arcade version but a lot easier to play. Definitely a recommended buy for anyone who liked the original.

Sinclair Programs

June Mortimer

WELL-WORN THEMES RE-APPEAR The trend in software production appears to be to take stock, build on successful ideas and await new developments. New games tend to be new variations on well-worn themes rather than startlingly original concepts. The number of games based on the premise that all computer owners love shooting as many things as possible is decreasing and giving way to games which need thought and strategy as well as fast reactions. Unfortunately for ZX-81 owners, although their computer has remained consistently among the top five bestselling computers, new software for the ZX-81 is almost non-existent and W H Smith is not intending to accept any new ZX-81 software for sale in its shops. Due to the shortage of new software, no ZX-81 programs have been received for review this month. THE SNOWMAN The Snowman - Quicksilva, 48K Spectrum - is based loosely on the book of the same name by Raymond Briggs. The aim is to collect snow and build a snowman. The wandering flames must be avoided, as they melt your snow and turn it to water. Falling off the ice structure of pathways and ladders will result in the player being sent back to bed, as will running out of energy. On the higher levels, sleep monsters must also be avoided or confronted with alarm clocks. The Snowman combines the best of many games already on the market and should become a best-seller. The latest sequel to Pimania, Pi-Eyed and other Automata productions is Pi-Balled - 48K Spectrum. Once again the Pi-man is the hero of the game, this time accompanied by two bouncing balls and Sid the Snake. It is a fairly straightforward arcade game. The mystical pyramid of Pi must be changed in colour by jumping from square to square. Sid the Snake must be avoided, as must the bouncing balls, which can also change the colour of the pyramid but not necessarily in a way which is helpful. Pi-balled has lively graphics; the bouncing balls and spinning discs are particularly convincing and the degree of difficulty is well-judged to suit beginners and experienced players. Shades of Manic Miner are apparent in Loony Zoo - Phipps Associates, 48K Spectrum. The storyline is that, while surveying another planet, you have been captured by its vastly superior inhabitants and placed in one of their zoos, together with various other alien specimens. It is possible to escape by jumping from ledge to ledge to reach the door pressure-pad at the top of the screen. Needless to say, you escape only into other cages from which it is more difficult to escape. Despite its simple graphics and slow pace, Loony Zoo is a difficult and addictive game. Killer Knight - Phipps Associates, 48K Spectrum - thinly disguises a Kong-type game with medieval trappings. The player must climb from platform to platform, using ladders and avoiding rolling objects. Beginners will find it difficult to progress very far, while experienced players will soon realise that a high score can be obtained simply by running back and forth along the bottom level. MONKEY BIZNESS In a very similar vein is Monkey Bizness - Artic, 48K Spectrum. The monkey mentioned in the title is King Kong and the object is to rush up the scaffolding, dodging or destroying the barrels which Kong rolls at you, to rescue the woman at the top of the scaffolding. Monkey Bizness is an amusing and colourful game, although many Spectrum owners will find they already possess similar games. Like Donkey Kong, Pac-man is a game which spawned a multitude of imitations. Dinky Digger - Postern, 48K Spectrum - has a distinctly Pac-man-like air to it. The object is to clear the screen of cherries and grab the cake in the middle, while avoiding the monsters which are trying to eat you. One monster is followed quickly by another and the game is so difficult that it should be attempted only by the experienced or very nimble-fingered user. 3D Star Wars - Addon Electronics, 48K Spectrum - is one of the less worthwhile pieces of software on the market. The graphics are lifeless and confusing, the three-dimensional effect is jumbled, and the number of keys to be used complicates the game still further. THE GUARDIAN The Guardian - PSS, 48K Spectrum - is the first version of the arcade game The Tempest to appear for the Spectrum. The site is a spaceship on the edge of a vortex to another universe. Aliens appear through the doorway and must be destroyed by the use of laser bolt gun or star smasher weapons. The game has had to be simplified for micro-computer use but it is easy and fun to play. CCS has begun its Games for Girls series with three games for the 48K Spectrum. Hicksted, a simulation of a show jumping event; Diamond Quest, which is a straightforward adventure; and Jungle Maze, in which prizes are won with a Mastermind-style guessing game which is fun, although unoriginal. Apart from a tenuous link with show jumping in one game and a heroine rather than a hero in another, it is difficult to see in what way CCS has changed its strategy to aim it at females rather than males. Computers are bound to affect everyone's future in some way, so encouraging more people to use and understand them is a worthwhile project. To attempt to increase a software company's market vastly by selling to women is unlikely to succeed unless the software market is changed substantially.