3D Tunnel

Crash

Producer: New Generation, 16/48K £5.95 You're rushing headlong down a tunnel and different objects flash past you, which you must shoot. There's bats, spiders, rats and finally a delightful underground train, complete with twinkling headlights and passengers inside. The latter must be dodged rather than shot. Running into the sides of the tunnel cause loss of life (five in all), and you can undertake this subterranean madness at three speeds. In 16K it loads in two parts and there is no Underground train. Mixed opinions, some liked it, some didn't.

Read it at Crash - The Online Edition

ZX Computing

S. Brookes

READERS REVIEWS Tell us what you think about the software that's on the market. This feature provides space for you to air your views on any software, be it for the ZX80, ZX81 or ZX Spectrum. If you've had a good or bad experience of any of the commercial software packages available for your micro, why not write and tell us. Your reviews should contain your critical thoughts about the software and the relevant details concerning the availability of the package, the price etc. If you can provide any screen dumps to illustrate the review, so much the better. Any reviews published in this section of the magazine will be rewarded with the price of the tape you review. So, if you buy a cassette and send in a review that gets published, you'll get your software for free! 3D TUNNEL New Generation Software S.Brookes New Generation's latest contribution to the software market is the highly recommended 3D Tunnel. On the cassette there are two versions of the game available, 16K and 48K. The 16K version comes in two parts, playing sequences and practice modes which have to be loaded separately. The 48K version has the added attraction of a demonstration mode (which anyone could watch for a long time in fascination) and a London Underground train to avoid. The whole object of the game is to shoot as many assorted creatures as possible, and to avoid the underground train (48K only). Points are awarded as follows: Hitting a bat - 20 points Hitting a toad - 40 points Hitting a spider - 60 points Hitting a rat - 80 points Avoiding the underground train - 100 points Provision has been made within the program for the use of joystick control - Kempston Microelectronics and AGF are to be used. If the user does not have this facility, the normal keyboard can be used with a varying combination of control keys. When the program is loaded, you are greeted with an options page. This shows the selection of speeds available - fast, medium, or slow. There are also practice modes for each phase of the game: Phase 2 Crawling spiders Phase 3 Leaping toads Phase 4 Scurrying rats Phase 5 London Underground train (48K only) Anyone of these modes can be selected along with the speed to start the practice sequence. Highly recommended maybe, but my first disappointment came with the start of the game - the so-called 3D Tunnel is no more than variating borders of colour whizzing towards you (depending on the selected speed). I would have liked to have seen, at the least, vanishing points at the corners of the tunnel walls to give the view more perspective although actual graphics within the game are superb. My second disappointment came when I first started to play the game; the first phase, Flapping bats, has no end! I have sat at my Spectrum for twenty solid minutes without managing to complete this phase. I find this very discouraging - surely the actual game is not another practice mode? At £5.95 3D Tunnel is good value to anyone who is prepared to sit at the computer for hours just to reach the other end of the tunnel! For further information on the cassettes reviewed in this article you can write to the following addresses: Silversoft Ltd, [redacted]. New Generation Software, [redacted]. Red Shift, [redacted]. Artic Computing, [redacted]. Automata UK Ltd, [redacted]. Abacus Programs, [redacted]. Bug Byte, [redacted]. Softek Software, [redacted]. PSS, [redacted].

Crash

Producer: New Generation, 16/48K £5.95 You're rushing headlong down a tunnel and different objects flash past you, which you must shoot. There's bats, spiders, rats and finally a delightful underground train, complete with twinkling headlights and passengers inside. The latter must be dodged rather than shot. Running into the sides of the tunnel cause loss of life (five in all), and you can undertake this subterranean madness at three speeds. In 16K it loads in two parts and there is no Underground train. Mixed opinions, some liked it, some didn't.

Crash

Producer: New Generation, 16/48K £5.95 You're rushing headlong down a tunnel and different objects flash past you, which you must shoot. There's bats, spiders, rats and finally a delightful underground train, complete with twinkling headlights and passengers inside. The latter must be dodged rather than shot. Running into the sides of the tunnel cause loss of life (five in all), and you can undertake this subterranean madness at three speeds. In 16K it loads in two parts and there is no Underground train. Mixed opinions, some liked it, some didn't.

ZX Computing

James Walsh

THE BEST THREE OF '83 Nick Pearce and James Walsh take a fond look back at the three best software packages they've seen during 1983. THE SPECTRUM OVERVIEW A lot has happened on the micro scene during the last twelve months. The Acorn Atom has at last been laid to rest, and the Electron, Aquarius and Memotech micros have emerged. One thing that has solidly held its ground whilst others come and go is the Spectrum. Not that the Spectrum fraternity has been standing still! During the last year Ultimate has blasted its way onto the scene. Imagine have consolidated their lead as the software company with most money and biggest gimmicks. Crystal have risen to be one of the most prestigious software houses in the UK. The list of events goes on... As far as software is concerned '83 must be counted as the most astounding so far. For no other computer has there ever been such an influx of better and better quality software. It is definitely significant when looking at the titles which I have chosen to include in my 'Hall of Fame '83' that they have all been put on the market during the latter half of the year. Much of the software introduced between this time last year and the summer has now been noticeably outdated, one of the main exceptions being 'The Hobbit' by Melbourne House. This partly being due to the immortality of the book, but also to excellent programming. PERSONALLY... There is a good chance that you will not agree with my choice of best program, as no pure definition of a 'good' program exists. For this reason I would like to state the criteria an which I have based my choice: 1. Originality, this applying to the game scenario rather than programming gimmickry or technique. 2. The use of the computer, whether it uses its capabilities to the full; this largely means that BASIC programs were not considered. 3. Quality of programming and initiative, whether it runs fast and smoothly, the quality of graphics and sound, etc, and the use of new ideas. 4. Playability, in that a game is of little use even if it is a programming masterpiece if no enjoyment is derived from playing it. Now down to the programs themselves. 3D TUNNEL 3D Tunnel went on the market back in the beginning of the summer. Written and marketed by New Generation Software it was first received in this magazine back in the June/July edition. Since then Malcolm Evans has also released 'Knot in 3D', another blockbuster, which was reviewed in the last edition, 'Knot' may also have figured in my 'Hall of Fame '83' had it not been for the earlier introduction of 3D Tunnel, which just pipped it to the post. The scenario of 3D Tunnel must be the one of the most graphically ambitious I have yet seen. You are racing down to 3D tunnel infested with rats, bats, spiders and frogs! Whilst trying to steer your way through the tunnel itself you must either avoid or shoot any animals which come toward you. Finally, you have the task of avoiding a London Underground train (48K version only). The graphics for this are incredible. A sheer delight to watch. As for sound, this too is very well catered for; this is certainly a surprise considering the enormous speed at which the game moves. As well as three speeds, you are also given the option of practice runs at certain stages of the game as well as a demo mode. Having played 3D Tunnel for many hours I still find the fastest mode dauntingly fast, which is a good thing - who wants to be able to beat a game at its top level too quickly? There may not be much depth to the scenario of the game, but the graphics can only be described as breathtaking. When I first saw it, I could hardly believe it was a mere Spectrum at work. The addition of a slightly cut down version at 16K is very useful, especially considering that the other two games in this 'Hall of Fame' are both for the 48K only. 3D Tunnel can be heartily recommended to all ages, especially those who wish to display the real possibilities of the Spectrum - this will stop many a 'Beeb' owner in his/her stride. A truly professional program of outstanding quality and impact. It is so addictive that after many months of use, its fun and excitement have hardly lessened.

C&VG (Computer & Video Games)

Getting Started 8/10

Graphics 9/10

Value 8/10

Playability 8/10

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL If you're looking for a challenging 3D game then remember there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. In this game you have to steer yourself through the tunnel which comes toward you in multi-coloured 3D. Your journey is made harder by the various hungry creatures intent on eating you! If you are eaten or touch the sides then you lose one of your nine lives. For your protection your are equipped with a creature zapper. You must zap the requisite number of creatures before you can progress to the next stage. One of the most talked about pieces of Spectrum programming awaits you at the end of stage five - a London tube train comes hurtling towards you. If you're unlucky then it'll plough straight into you, from which there is little hope of escape. If you manage to sidestep it then you'll see it pass in all its glory complete with lights, and passengers at the windows. The games runs on any Spectrum and two versions are available. The smaller version lacks a demo mode and also unfortunately the tube train. This cassette from New Generation is certainly worth the £5.95 price tag, but may lack addictiveness once the end of the tunnel has been reached.

ZX Computing

Documentation 4/5

Addictive Quality 5/5

Use of Graphics 5/5

Programming Achievement 5/5

Value 5/5

James Walsh

PRICE: £5.95 MEMORY REQUIRED: 16/48K This program comes from the author of the block-busting ZX81 games 3D Monster Maze and Defender, and this quality is reflected in 3D Tunnel. To set the scene: you are in a long winding tunnel infested by bats, rats and spiders, and even a London underground train (48K version only). As you move down the tunnel at one of the selected speeds, you can see a cross in the centre of the screen. It is possible to change your relationship to the tunnel via a joystick or various sets of keys on the keyboard. The idea of the game is to get to the other end of the tunnel by killing off or avoiding the strange creatures, as well as trying to keep within the tunnel. The instructions are good though a little more about the different key configurations would have helped. The initial keyboard layout is very awkward as it seems to think that you are better at imagining a joystick than seeing your fingers on the keys. The game itself is a breath of fresh air to me; it is not based around space, is original, and uses the graphics capabilities of the Spectrum to the full. The detail of the bats, rats and frogs which come at you is incredible - it is hard to believe that it is a Spectrum being used. If you have a 48K machine, you also have the task of having to avoid a London Underground train - the graphics are amazing. There are three levels of play, from slow to fast, and the option of demonstration and practice runs at particular waves of attackers. The graphics are so good that I could have just sat and watched the demo for an hour. This is very professionally put together and a game that I would recommend to anyone.

C&VG (Computer & Video Games)

Getting Started 9/10

Value 6/10

Playability 6/10

DRIVEN BATTY IN THE TUBE TRAIN TUNNEL! Some of the most impressive graphics you are likely to see on the Spectrum can be found in 3D Tunnel. Bats fly towards you flapping their wings, toads that bounce up and down as they approach, and sinister looking rats which charge at you, snouts to the ground and wagging their tails. There are also ugly black spiders that swing along the roof of the tunnel spinning their webs as they approach, 48K Spectrum owners have an extra treat at the very end of the tunnel, if they manage to get that far. A silver underground train hurtles out of the dark recesses. The underground train is a masterpiece of programming. You can see the lights twinkling as it approaches. When it becomes larger you can even see the passengers in their seats and hear the rush of wind as the train passes. My chief criticism of 3D Tunnel is that the games playability does not measure up to the high standards set with the graphics. Although the sensation of depth is adequately created with an infinite number of concentric squares it is too difficult to manoeuvre. Try as I might I could not get the bats in my sights. This is slightly compensated by the large choice of game options which enables you to jump to the next sequence but even after two hours of play I could not get beyond the bats and onto the next wave through my own skill. The missile graphics are not very clear - just one faint line of laser fire. And the screen blanks out every time you hit a creature, albeit only for a split second. On the plus side the game offered a comprehensive list of game options including a choice of the three Spectrum joysticks now coming on the market. Superb graphics and game presentation, but not for the non-persistent. 3D Tunnel is manufactured by New Generation software of Bristol and is available from W. H. Smith at £5.95.