On a world run by machines there are just two humanoids, Solo the Syntleman and a baby called Nejo. You've got to help these two helpless characters escape from this world inhabited by the other mutated organic creations of Wardlock the machine sorcerer. The game certainly has an outstanding soundtrack, excellent graphics and an interesting playing area - but has it got any gameplay? The aim of the game is to collect four security-system controls, one each from four main game zones. These zones are the ice, veggie, tech and fire, all of which have their own very distinctive scenery and characteristics. The screen shows the view of the 3D landscape in rather a small box in the middle of the screen, surrounded by mostly redundant panels. The screen scrolls in four diagonal directions as you move Solo, and Nejo can crawl after him as well if you let him. There are gauges at the top of the screen for your oxygen supply, Nejo's food supply, and the state of his nappy. At the bottom of the screen is an area where you receive messages during the game. You're armed with a gun that shoots bubbles, which comes in handy for deterring the mutant organisms and performing some tasks.  
The different forms of creature inhabit different zones. But all can deplete your energy if they touch you and can send you back to the starting point if you're weak enough. Shooting them just makes them run away for a while before they get their courage back. Of great help while exploring are teleport terminals, but you'll soon find plenty of surprises: zones that aren't what they appear to be and floors that do funny things to your movement. Once you know your way around you've got to find out how to get more oxygen for yourself, food for Nejo, and how to clean his nappy as well. The main aim is to find the security cubes. Once you've got them they have to be taken to the control centre and - then what? The graphics are impressive, using colour and detail well, while the soundtrack is highly individual and great to listen to. The only question is over the gameplay: it consists mainly of wandering around just trying to find things. There's enough variety and complication to make it an absorbing game that should really challenge your mind and mettle. BW, AA FIRST-DAY TARGET SCORE : Find a cube | SECOND OPINION What head-bashing music when you first load it up - some of the sounds squeezed through Arnold's speakers are amazing. The graphics certainly match the music: scenery and characters are clear and detailed. It's hard; in fact you can wander around for ages without managing to accomplish anything. Who cares about gameplay when the sound and graphics are this good! RpM |
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