Cassette 5

ZX Computing

Greg Woods

READERS' REVIEWS Reviews of software and hardware from the people who use them most - yourselves. CASSETTE 5 Michael Orwin Greg Woods Michael Orwin, or as is now called, Orwin Software, have brought out another of their eight games cassette's for the ZX81. Namely, the cassette 5. Each game on the cassette will be reviewed separately below. PLANETOIDS. This game is an adaptation of the popular arcade game. The object being to shoot the rocks and other creatures floating in space. You can move and fire in eight directions, and you have a panic (hyperspace) button. The game is fast and extremely enjoyable. It could have easily been sold on it's own for a reasonable mum. BREAKOUT. Everyone should know how to play this game, but Orwin's version has an added twist; the wall scrolls down to you. I found this much more challenging. My only criticism is that it crashed occasionally. Not very useful. SPACE RESCUE. This game is not as well written as the last two, as it is rather slow. However, your mission is to rescue six astronauts from the moons surface. On your descent, you must avoid the meteors obscuring your path, and then land on a pad to collect an astronaut. Then you must weave past the aliens and dock with the mothership. DRAUGHTS. No explanation is needed on how to play this game. This version is fast with three levels. BYTE-MAN. You guessed it, another Pac-man type game. This one has three mazes, and three ghosts chasing you. I thought this game was fast to start with, but when you've finished a maze, it really gets fast. An excellent game. DODGEMS. Another 'Pub' favourite in which you can change lanes in your car whilst dodging the computer's car opposing you. This is fast and well written, but not very addictive. BLITZ. As the name suggests, your mission is to fly over a city dropping bombs so that you can land your craft. The action is somewhat jerky however, and the program has a strange resemblance to a game in Orwins cassette 4. MERCHANT At last a change from the invaders. This is a simulation in which you sail from port to port, buying and selling goods in order to make a profit. You have to beware of greedy tax men (shouldn't we all) and storms as you head towards your retirement. Another great game. CONCLUSION. The cassette 5 is an excellent buy at £6, for eight great games. If you like arcade games in particular and you've already got cassette 4, then get cassette 5. If not then get cassette 4 first. Cassette 5 is available by mail order from: MICHAEL ORWIN, [redacted].

Sinclair User

NEW POLISH ON OLD FAVOURITES Orwin Software has released no new software for about six months, so its Cassette Five is a long time overdue. As with all Orwin software, it is for the ZX-81 and most of the six programs run in 16K. All except one of the programs are popular arcade games such as Byteman, a version of Pac-man, and Blitz, a version of City Bomber. Most of the games are in machine code. The one written in Basic is Merchant and its author is Michael Orwin, who started Orwin Software more than a year ago. Merchant is a strategy game in which you must visit ports such as Alexandria, Venice and Florence. During your stay in Florence you can visit your old friend the moneylender who appears in many of these types of games. He will give you financial assistance or you can leave your money for him to look after. Both options usually result in the same thing. The game includes graphics and, although it is not very original in concept, will provide some entertainment as you try to make your first million. The other games are machine-coded. They need to be, as they are all arcade favourites. The games are unoriginal in concept but the quality of the software and the smooth action displays created on the screen make the programs worthwhile for anyone who has a ZX-81 and plays games using it. Most of the games include well-presented instructions which make them easier to play. It is pleasant to see that Orwin's kind of quality is available again. Cassette Five can be obtained from Orwin Software, [redacted]. It costs £6.