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Dom Robinson reviews
Microsoft
- Price: 400 Microsoft points
- Players: 1 plus online
- Widescreen: Yes
- 60Hz: Yes
- Dolby Digital 5.1 sound: Yes
- Xbox Live-enabled: Yes
Back in 1982, I was a major fan of this classic film upon its release,even to the point (sad git alert!) of preparing to enter a competition that would win something for my school (probablynot one of the fantastic computers that helped create the movie, although I did ask for that on my Xmas list that year…and was disappointed not to receive it) by condensing its plot into 100 sentences.
Now, I got as far as completing the task, but for some reason that totally escapes me, I never submitted my entry. Stillto this day I can’t figure out why not. Anyway…
I also really loved this arcade game when I was younger as well.
There are four sections of the game proper, the first seeing you attacking the mainframe by, as it sounds simply, enteringthe flashing circle before the timer expires. Basically, aim with the right thumbstick to shoot all the creepy crawlies aroundthe screen that are stopping you from getting in and then walk straight in. Not particularly difficult on the first level.
Next up is the Light Cycle – the classic scene from the movie, here in top-down form. Move with the left thumbstick andaccelerate with the left or right trigger… and try to stay alive!
Classic gameplay action
Finally, try to enter the MCP cone, the MCP standing for Master Control Program. You’re facing a wall that rotates to the rightof the screen and shooting it removes sections of it but it’ll take a fair bit of blasting to give you the chance to getthrough, but it is easily do-able with perserverance.
Of course, working your way up the levels results in more enemies coming your way and it becomes more difficult.
Overall, it’s worth the 400 points for the nostalgia experience alone.
The graphics have had slight enhancement, as has the sound to bring it into the age of Dolby Digital 5.1… well, that wasaround for the film, given that it had a 70mm 6-track mix, but it wasn’t available for hearing in the home with the comparativelyprimitive, but still wonderful, Atari VCS.
Multiplayer options are available with Vs and Co-op modes, but these require a Gold membership and I’ve only got a silver one.
In short, if you enjoyed playing in the arcade, you owe it to yourself to get this version.
For those who want more info on the film, check out the Internet Movie Database.
SOUND EFFECTS AND MUSIC
PLAYABILITY
ENJOYMENT
OVERALL
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.