Invasion Force

C&VG (Computer & Video Games)

Getting Started 8/10

Graphics 4/10

Value 7/10

Playability 7/10

MACHINE: Spectrum 48k SUPPLIER: Micromania PRICE: £6.95 I was a little sceptical about the Stack Light Rifle. After all, most early TV games had them and they weren't a big hit them, so why now? After using it for a few minutes, though, I couldn't help wondering why it had taken so long for it to appear for a home computer. The rifle itself is quite light and resembles an ordinary plastic toy gun. It comes with a demonstration tape but we decided to review it, together with an independently produced game from Micromania called Invasion Force. Invasion Force is based loosely around a 'Missile Command' idea but, instead of lines of incoming missiles, you must shoot a large range of alien creatures while protecting your six cities at the bottom of the screen. I had a little trouble to start with - nothing seemed to happen when I pulled the trigger - but after turning the contrast on the telly right up, everything was fine and the gun and software worked perfectly. Although the rifle is quite light, after about half an hour hour shoulder will ache like hell. Aiming at the screen for long periods also takes its toll on weary eyes be warned. The game, although fairly basic, was enjoyable but the graphics are only of average standard for the Spectrum.

Crash

Use of Computer 85%

Graphics 87%

Playability 95%

Getting Started 88%

Addictive Qualities 78%

Value For Money 70%

Overall 84%

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TAKE AIM, FIRE! Producer: Micromania Memory Required: 48K Retail Price: £5.95 Language: Machine code Author: Dominic Wood This new offering from Micromania is one of the first Spectrum games for the STACK LIGHT RIFLE other than those already done by the Stack Light Rifle people themselves. One thing has to be said straight away - as the game can only be used in conjunction with the light rifle (or SLR), all comments and opinions are based on the fact that both game and SLR are backing each other up - in other words, the SLR is seen as an integral part of the game. Invasion Force itself is a successful cross between 'Space Invaders' and 'Missile Command'. Instead of guiding a cross wire sight and firing missiles in the path of incoming enemy missiles, you aim at the screen with your SLR and zap a wide variety of alien creatures which are out to destroy your six cities on the plain. This is a simple task at first with the aliens appearing singly, but as successive waves are wiped out they begin to appear in groups, rapidly, and moving erratically. Styling is done on a basis of how many shots it required to rid the skies of aliens, and between each wave a staccato machine gun sound accompanies the appearance of bullets used, and your score is updated. There are 35 different types of enemy and you get an extra city at 10,000 points. COMMENTS Control keys: none Joystick: Stack Light Rifl In play: very responsive to the rifle Colour: all colours used very well Graphics: excellent Sound: excellent Skill levels: 35 progressively harder screens Lives: 6 cities

Just a few of the numerous aliens to pot with your SLR.