Pinball

Big K

Graphics 1/3

Playability 3/3

Addictiveness 3/3

Overall 2/3

Steve Keaton 2/3

SURE PLAYS A MEAN SOFTWARE MAKER: Sagittarian Software OTHER VERSIONS: CBM 64 FORMAT: cassette PRICE: £5.95 Surprisingly successful attempt to simulate the not inconsiderable joys of the common pin table. Although it looks fairly mundane, the gameplay is actually quite addictive and evokes the authentic fish 'n' chips feel of a run-down pin joint. The author was obviously a devotee. Potential gamers are advised to note that the pin-table is of the double gate variety, with high and low scoring bumpers, bonus roll-overs and a free-ball pay-off. Balls are relatively fast-paced, with almost flicker-free movement, and the flipper responses are excellent. I dare say that with practice your could aim for almost any bumper onscreen. The potential for mega-scores is clearly massive. I doubt if it'll ever replace the real thing though. Half the fun of playing the genuine article involved thwacking the pin-cabinet at some strategic point. Who could play and not taunt the tilt? Unfortunately to succumb to such temptation here would clearly have disastrous results!

Your Spectrum

John Hall 10/10

Mark Knight 10/10

Tony Samuels 9/10

Your Spectrum is continuing to scour the country's computer clubs to get the undiluted thoughts, feelings and impressions of dedicated games enthusiasts - thus providing our readers with unbiased evaluations. Any club wishing to offer their reviewing services should contact Ron Smith, Spectrum Soft, [redacted]. This month we visited the Heald Green Computer Club (which meets fortnightly at the Public Hall, [redacted], on Wednesdays from 7.30 to 10.30pm). Three of the club's leading members each played the games we gave them for review and in some cases found them so well-conceived and written, went completely over the top with the superlatives. In others, the games were deemed to be re-hashes of old ideas and evaluated accordingly. The club was formed four months ago, and has already managed to attract over 40 enthusiasts. All members are being brought up to the same standard of proficiency by the more experienced members who are running formal courses in both Basic and machine code. Membership is offered at a very reasonable rate, and all enquiries should be referred to Tony Samuels on [redacted] (after 6pm). Tony, incidentally, is currently working on a new program for the Spectrum (called Ugh - see Rumbles in this issue) which will be available from Softek in the near future. PINBALLWIZARD CP Software £5.95 The title really speaks for itself; a simulation of the old arcade favourite, and a rather complex one at that, complete with flippers, spring action firing, bumpers, and many others.

Read it at Your Spectrum Unofficial Archive

Crash

Use of Computer 75%

Graphics 70%

Playability 78%

Getting Started 72%

Addictive Qualities 68%

Value For Money 63%

Overall 71%

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Producer: C.P. Software Memory Required: 16K Retail Price: £5.95 Language: Machine code Author: Sagittarian Software Why spend money in the arcades any more? For the modest outlay of the price of this program, you can now play pinball in the comfort of your own home. The layout of the table is quite traditional with a row of 12 bumpers at the top and two collections of bonus targets to either side. These are arranged in a diamond shape with a 20-point target at the top and three 10-point targets beneath. There is a high bonus gate to the left edge of the table, one in the centre and one at the bottom in the middle. In addition there are Hi and Lo targets and two central bumper gates below the scoring window. To the right is the ball launcher. Pressing the fire key causes the spring to pull back and then return, and continue doing this until you release the firing key. In this way it is possible to control the strength of the shot desired. At the base are two sets of flippers, each with an independent right and left arm with exit gates between them. Two more exit channels run at the edge sides of the flippers. The score window looks authentic with the digits flicking up just as they would in a real table. Below that is another window with the number of balls left to the player. Hitting any of the rollover targets at the top of the table will light the letter above it (S-A-G-I-T-T-A-R-I-A-N) and any of these targets subsequently hit will increase the bonus by 50 points to a maximum value of a freeball once all the letters have been lit. COMMENTS Control keys: Q to T left flippers, Y to P right flippers, 6 to zero for launching the ball Joystick: none - none needed Use of colour: good Graphics: large, detailed and smooth Sound: good Skill levels: 1 Lives: 5 balls

The first computer game for deaf, dumb and blind kids.

Personal Computer Games

Graphics 8/10

Sound 8/10

Originality 6/10

Lasting Interest 6/10

Overall 7/10

Peter Connor 7/10

MACHINE: Spectrum 16/48K JOYSTICK: No SUPPLIER: CP Software PRICE: £5.95 This is an excellent simulation of the pinball game. The display is well-designed and colourful and ball movement is very realistic. There are two sets of flippers and good sound effects. All that's missing is the feel of the real thing - somehow it's not the same without the big glass-topped table in front of you.