[{"TitleName":"Gold, Silver, Bronze","Publisher":"U.S. Gold Ltd","Author":"","YearOfRelease":"1988","ZxDbId":"0011283","Reviews":[{"Issue":{"Name":"Crash Issue 57, Oct 1988","Price":"£1.25","ReleaseDate":"1988-09-22","Editor":"Dominic Handy","TotalPages":124,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"EDITORIAL\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nEditor: Dominic Handy\r\nSub Editors: Barnaby Page, David Peters\r\nStaff Writers: Mark Caswell, Philip King, Lloyd Mangram, Nick Roberts\r\nPhotography: Cameron Pound, Michael Parkinson\r\nContributors: Jon Bates, Raffaele Cecco, Andrew Chapman, Ian Cull, Paul Evans, Ian Philipson, Paul Sumner\r\n\r\nPRODUCTION\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nProduction Manager: Jonathan Rignall\r\nReprographics Supervisor: Matthew Uffindell\r\nArt Director: Mark Kendrick\r\nAssistant Art Director: Wayne Allen\r\nProduction Team: Ian Chubb, Melvin Fisher, Robert Hamilton, Robert Millichamp, Tim Morris, Yvonne Priest\r\n\r\nEditorial Director: Roger Kean\r\nPublisher: Geoff Grimes\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Roger Bennett\r\nSales Executives: Andrew Smales, Sarah Chapman\r\nAssistant: Jackie Morris [redacted]\r\n\r\nMail Order: Carol Kinsey\r\nSubscriptions: Denise Roberts\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nTypeset by The Tortoise Shell Press, Ludlow. Colour origination by Scan Studios [redacted]. Printed in England by Carlisle Web Offset, [redacted] - member of the BPCC Group. Distribution by COMAG, [redacted]\r\n\r\nCOMPETITION RULES\r\nThe Editor's decision is final in all matters relating to adjudication and while we offer prizes in good faith, believing them to be available, if something untoward happens (like a game that has been offered as a prize being scrapped) we reserve the right to substitute prizes of comparable value. We'll do our very best to despatch prizes as soon as possible after the published closing date. Winners names will appear in a later issue of CRASH. No correspondence can be entered into regarding the competitions (unless we've written to you stating that you have won a prize and it doesn't turn up, in which case drop Frances Mable a line at the [redacted] address). No person who has any relationship, no matter how remote, to anyone who works for either Newsfield or any of the companies offering prizes, may enter one of our competitions. No material may be reproduced whole or in part without the written consent of the copyright holders. We cannot undertake to return anything sent into CRASH including written and photographic material, software and hardware - unless it is accompanied by a suitably stamped addressed envelope. Unsolicited written or photo material is welcome, and if used in the magazine is paid for at our current rates.\r\n\r\nTotal: 96,590\r\nUK/EIRE: 90,822\r\n\r\n©CRASH Ltd, 1988\r\n\r\nCover Design & Illustration by Oliver Frey"},"MainText":"The battle for those elusive medals has begun.\r\n\r\nProducer: Epyx\r\nGold Sovereigns: £14.99 cassette, £19.99 disk\r\nAuthors: Summer Games I Randy Glover, Stephen Landrum, John Leupp, Brian McGhie, Stephen Mudry, Erin Murphy and Scott Nelson. Summer Games II Larry Clague, Jon Leupp, Scott Nelson, Kevin Norman, Chuck Somerville, graphics by Michael Kosaka. Winter Games Sentient Software\r\n\r\nJust in time for the Olympics, Epyx have appropriately released Gold, Silver, Bronze, a compilation of the previously released Winter Games (93%, Issue 28), and new to the Spectrum, Summer Games and Summer Games II. This massive, comprehensive sporting package covers a total of 23 events, ranging from the rigours of pole-vaulting to the gracefulness of figure skating.\r\n\r\nIn Summer Games and Summer Games II, up to eight players can compete in eight events. Each can choose to represent any of 18 countries in the chase for gold medals.\r\n\r\nAfter the obligatory opening ceremony, competitors timber up for that strenuous event, the pole vault. Choose between three types of grip on the fibre glass pole, and your little man strides automatically toward the bar. Split-second timing is needed to plant the pole in the box and flip over the bar while releasing the pole. These three different requirements make for a very difficult (and therefore realistic) event. A similar technique involving timing is used for the high jump on Summer Games II.\r\n\r\nRunning events include the joystick-waggling 100m dash and the more strategic 4 x 400 metres relay - no waggling here (a good job too, as my arm's just dropped off!), just control the speed of the runner.\r\n\r\nComplex aerial movements and somersaults are involved in diving and vaulting. Both are controlled in a similar manner. The various joystick directions are used to control the speed of rotation as the athlete flies through the air. And careful timing insures you plunge headfirst into the water, or land on your feet.\r\n\r\nBack down at the pool, it's time for some aquatic exertion in the two swimming events. These both involve pressing fire as the swimmer's arm enters the water to provide power, while pressing left to do one of those 'show off' underwater turns to turn round - well he wouldn't want to smash his head at the end of the pool!\r\n\r\nThe 100m freestyle has the competitor swimming two lengths of the olympic sized pool, while the relay basically involves the same thing but four times over.\r\n\r\nA less energetic sport is that of skeet shooting - 'that's more my scene', says Nick as he puts his feet up while munching a 9-inch pizza with extra topping!\r\n\r\nHowever, more exhausting events are contained in Summer Games II, including both rowing and kayaking, plus the unusual equestrian event, where you ride a horse, jumping over the fences.\r\n\r\nOther excitements in this mammoth compilation are the triple jump, javelin, cycling - with a weird control method of rotating the joystick (if it wasn't mangled by the previous events!) - and fencing (not the wooden kind, Mark!), where the two opponents face each other on the piste (not down the pub, Dom!).\r\n\r\nIf this wasn't enough to wear you out, there are the seven icy events in Winter Games ie, both figure, speed and free skating, ski jumping, hot-dogging (without tomato ketchup), biathlon and bobsled.\r\n\r\nPhew! it wears me out even describing all this exercise - I'm more a snooker and darts fan! Seriously though, Gold, Silver, Bronze has an unbelievably large number of events to keep armchair sports buffs happy, contained in a suitably massive box. If this isn't value for money, I don't know what is. Worth its weight in gold.\r\n\r\nPHIL 92%\r\n\r\nTHE ESSENTIALS\r\nJoysticks: Kempston, Sinclair, Cursor\r\nGraphics: well-animated, monochromatic sprites - especially in Winter Games \r\nSound: national anthems and a good tune at the start of each event\r\nOptions: up to eight players can compete (four in Winter Games)","ReviewerComments":["Each of the 23 events is just as challenging and addictive as the last. Particular favourites of mine are the Hot Dog (not the type from the fair!), Pole Vault and Skeet Shooting.\r\r\n\r\r\nThe best graphics are to be seen in Winter Games with well-coloured, detailed backgrounds and silhouette-like players, but the graphics are of a good standard all through.\r\r\n\r\r\nAs in real-life, the events are difficult to master at first, but once you've practised, you can begin to get somewhere and enjoy the compilation. Both Summer Games I and Summer Games II are multi-loads - a problem if you're using the tape versions - but Winter Games loads half the events at once so you can chop and change without having to break your tape recorder!\r\r\n\r\r\nThere are sound effects and tunes in most events except for the winter ones (being made in the 48K-only period). Gold, Silver, Bronze is good quality and great value for money. Buy it and you'll have hours of fun, guaranteed.\r\nNick Roberts\r\n91%","Wow! Be warned: one game of this type on its own is bad for the joystick, three of them are devastating. The 128K version of the game is graphically and sonically identical to the 48K version, but +3 disk owners will have their ears filled with national anthems on the 'pick your nationality; screen, as well as various jingles throughout the game.\r\r\n\r\r\nGraphically Gold, Silver, Bronze is excellent. Nicely animated, monochromatic sprites energetically leap and bound across the screen in their attempts to win a gold medal. As always the best way to play these sport simulation games is with a couple of friends, but as Phil 'Carl Lewis' King keeps beating everyone else in the office, we have had to show him the 'red card' (as they say in sporting circles) to stop him playing.\r\r\n\r\r\nGold, Silver, Bronze is a first rate package that brings together the best of Epyx's sports games. For me to say that is a miracle.\r\nMark Caswell\r\n91%"],"OverallSummary":"General Rating: With 23 events Gold, Silver, Bronze has everything any sports fan could wish for. A fun-packed compilation that represents excellent value for money.","Page":"28,29","Denied":false,"Award":"Crash Smash","Reviewers":[{"Name":"Phil King","Score":"92","ScoreSuffix":"%"},{"Name":"Nick Roberts","Score":"91","ScoreSuffix":"%"},{"Name":"Mark Caswell","Score":"91","ScoreSuffix":"%"}],"ScreenshotText":[{"Text":"I never realised Cameron had pigtails."},{"Text":"It's the boat race but where's Harry Carpenter?"},{"Text":"Take that sieve off your head and say that!"},{"Text":"Which way to the Grand National?"}],"BlurbText":[{"Text":"GOING FOR GOLD\r\n\r\nPractice each event before you play it. You can then work out where to jump, waggle or shoot. \r\n\r\nOn the Skeet Shooting it's best to take your target into the middle of the range and let it fall down onto the skeets. You can get two with one shot if you do this. \r\n\r\nOn the Biathlon event, if you just hold down the right key when going up hill instead of pounding away at left and right, you should go up just as well. \r\n\r\nIn the Show Jumping slow down the horse as soon as you jump, this stops the rider falling off when they hit the ground. \r\n\r\nDon't waggle the joystick like mad in the Speed Skating - careful timing is needed to gain speed."}],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Presentation","Score":"90%","Text":""},{"Header":"Graphics","Score":"86%","Text":""},{"Header":"Playability","Score":"91%","Text":""},{"Header":"Addictive Qualities","Score":"88%","Text":""},{"Header":"Overall","Score":"91%","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Your Sinclair Issue 35, Nov 1988","Price":"£1.5","ReleaseDate":"1988-10-11","Editor":"Teresa Maughan","TotalPages":124,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Teresa Maughan\r\nDeputy Editor: Ciaran Brennan\r\nStaff Writer: Duncan MacDonald\r\nProduction Editor: Jackie Ryan\r\nDesigner: Catherine Higgs\r\nTechnical Consultant: David McCandless\r\nContributors: Guy Bennington, Marcus Berkmann, Richard Blaine, David Cadle, Jonathan Davies, Mike 'Skippy' Dunn, Greville Edwards, Mike Gerrard, Sean Kelly, Graeme Kidd, David Powell, Peter Shaw, Rachael Smith, Phil South, Ben Stone\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Mark Salmon\r\nAdvertisement Executive: Simon Stansfield\r\nAdvertisement Director: Alistair Ramsay\r\nProduction Manager: Judith Middleton\r\nMarketing Manager: Bryan Denyer\r\nPublisher: Kevin Cox\r\nPublishing Director: Roger Munford\r\nFinance Director: Colin Crawford\r\nManaging Director: Stephen England\r\nChairman: Felix Dennis\r\n\r\nPublished by Dennis Publishing Ltd, [redacted] Company registered in England.\r\nTypesetters: Carlinpoint [redacted]\r\nReproduction: Graphic Ideas, London\r\nPrinters: Chase Web Offset [redacted]\r\nDistribution: Seymour Press [redacted]\r\n\r\nAll material in Your Sinclair ©1988 Felden Productions, and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publishers. Your Sinclair is a monthly publication."},"MainText":"Epyx\r\n£14.99\r\nReviewer: Sean Kelly\r\n\r\nLet's start with some interesting facts about the Olympics. 1. Live pigeon shooting used to be an event. 2. So did Golf and the Obstacle race. 3. This is now out of date because the Olympics has finished, so let's waste no further time and do fifty press ups to prepare for Gold, Silver And Bronze, Epyx's latest sortie into the world of people who make me sick by being so athletic.\r\n\r\nGold Silver Bronze is one third compilation, two thirds new game. Let me explain. Winter Games has been released on the Speccy already, but the two other games in this package, Summer Games I and II haven't been out for our little rubber keyboards before. There are 23 events in all, making this a sort of Twentythree-athalon, I suppose, and no I'm not going to list them all, (although golf and obstacle racing don't feature) just the most notable.\r\n\r\nWinter Games is lots of sports from the Calgary Olympics, generally involving snow, skis and ice skates (quel surprise). The Ski Jump, Biathlon (ski around and shoot things) and Hot Dog (do wacky stunts in mid air on skis) were my faves in this game, probably because I found them most easy to get to grips with. In Summer Games I the Pole Vault, Diving and Skeet Shooting had a certain something about them, whilst Summer Games II included the Triple Jump, Javelin and the Equestrian event (horse riding to you!)\r\n\r\nThe first thing which I noticed in this package were the graphics. The screen layouts were all well thought out, and the sprites were for the most part large and well animated. The Summer Games also featured a spiffing little opening ceremony, where an athlete jogged along, up some steps, and lit a big Olympic flame, whilst a number of peace doves flew away to their freedom. Very pretty, but on with the review.\r\n\r\nEpyx has tried to steer away from the rabid waggling joystick type of event in this compilation/game, and instead success depends more upon good timing and reflexes than breaking your joystick and wrist. This works well in some events, but not in others. Those above are the ones which I found the most appealing, precisely because the joystick control worked well. Some of the 'faster' events, however, such as sprinting and swimming, which are of course less dependent on good timing and more on legging it as fast as possible, didn't work on this system, and perhaps a bit of waggling should have been incorporated into these events to add variety.\r\n\r\nOne thing which I found frustrating was the never ending re-winding and re-loading of events, tapes, and sections. There wasn't a separate 128 version, so even those with big memories still have to go through this drudgery, I'm afraid. The instructions provided also left something to be desired, and each of the three games seemed to operate with totally different 'front ends' and perhaps having the same keys doing the same thing in all of them would have been easier and more user friendly. Having to re-learn what the joystick did for each of the 23 events was also difficult initially, although by using the 'play one event' option this was overcome after a time.\r\n\r\nIf you are a fan of this type of game, then this package will doubtless appeal to you, and I am sure that you'll be pleased should you buy it. Personally, I found it a little too bitty and fiddly to really grab me, and perhaps too much like its many predecessors. It does have many redeeming features however, and Epyx has certainty done its reputation no harm with this package.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"Fiddly sports package more dependent on good timing than joystick waggling, which works on some events, but not on others.","Page":"34,35","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[{"Name":"Sean Kelly","Score":"8","ScoreSuffix":"/10"}],"ScreenshotText":[{"Text":"Doing the back flip is easy, it's landing which is impossible!"},{"Text":"Landing proves just as tricky on the regular ski-jump. This 'head-first' approach didn't rake in any high scores."}],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Graphics","Score":"8/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Playability","Score":"6/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Value For Money","Score":"8/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Addictiveness","Score":"6/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Overall","Score":"8/10","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Sinclair User Issue 79, Oct 1988","Price":"£1.5","ReleaseDate":"1988-09-18","Editor":"Graham Taylor","TotalPages":108,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Graham 'Generalissimo' Taylor\r\nDeputy Editor: Jim 'Rourke' Douglas\r\nProduction Editor: Tamara '1st Traitor?' Howard\r\nArt Editor: Gareth Jones\r\nDesigner: Andrea '2nd Traitor' Walker\r\nAdventure: The Sorceress\r\nZapchat: Jon Riglar\r\nTechnical: Andrew Hewson, Rupert Goodwins\r\nContributors: Tony 'Bon Jovi or bust' Dillon, Chris 'Mr Blag' Jenkins\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Katherine Lee\r\nAdvertisement Executive: Alison Morton\r\nAd Production: Emma Ward\r\nPublisher's Assistant: Debbie Pearson\r\nPublisher: Terry Pratt\r\nMarketing: Clive 'Where have you taken my office?' Pembridge\r\n\r\nPhone: [redacted]\r\nFax: [redacted]\r\nEditorial and Advertisement Offices: [redacted]\r\n\r\nThis Month's Cover: Junior.\r\n\r\nPrinted by Nene River Press, [redacted]\r\nDistributed by EMAP Publications Ltd.\r\n\r\n©Copyright 1988 Sinclair User ISSN No 0262-5458\r\n\r\nSubscription Enquiries: [redacted]\r\n24 Hour Order Line: [redacted]\r\nBack Issues: Back Issues Department (SU), [redacted]"},"MainText":"Label: US Gold\r\nAuthor: Epyx\r\nPrice: £14.99 cassette, £17.99 disc\r\nMemory: 48K/128K\r\nJoystick: various\r\n\r\nAsk any self respecting Commodore owner (Isn't that a contradiction in terms? - JD) what the best sport sims are, and (s)he'll reply 'Dur. The Epyx ones.' Until now. Speccy owners have only had access to one of the three classics, but now US Gold comes, like a flash of lightning, to the rescue, with it's latest compilation, aptly titled Gold, Silver, Bronze. Now, as well as the original Winter Games, you now get Summer Games 1 and 2. How's that for a bumper package?\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, it's not as good as it sounds. To put it simply, Summer Games 1 and 2 have suffered considerably in the conversion. \"Rush job.\" is one of the phrases which spring to mind. \"Bodge up,\" is another.\r\n\r\nThe layout of the three games is basically the same. You are presented with a main menu with all the basic options such as Define controls. Practise an event. Play all or some of the events, and See World Records.\r\n\r\nUnlike the 64 version, sadly, you can't save the World Records, so there's just a bit of general competitiveness lost there. Once you decide that you've admired the splendid lettering and the attractive choice of colours, and have selected 'Play an event', you have to enter your name and country of your choice. In Summer Games, country selection is done via a scrolling display of flags. In the sequel, however, you are presented with a text list and a cursor. A bit of a let down methinks.\r\n\r\nStill, you've done all your bits, it's off to the games, and what a lot of them there are. 23 in all. If you decide to play them all. they are in order from Summer Games 1 through to Winter Games: Pole vault; diving; 4x400 metre relay; 100 metre dash; gymnastics; freestyle relay; 100 metre freestyle; skeet shooting; triple jump; rowing; kayaking; javelin; high jump; fencing; cycling; equestrian; figure skating; free skating; speed skating; hot dog ariels; ski jump; biathlon; and bobsled.\r\n\r\nYou'll be pleased to know that Epyx have thankfully veered away from the joystick waggling found in all the other sports sims. Well, in most events anyway. Some events (speed skating, rowing) still require rythmic left/right movements. Others (gymnastics, high jump, hot dog ariels) require skill and timing. This all comes together to provide you with a package that has enough variations in gameplay to keep you interested for quite a while. Theoretically, that is.\r\n\r\nThe thing is, for a game to hold your interest for any amount of time, it has to play well. I found the new games on this package slow, unplayable and generally not deserving of the reputation the Games series has attained. Poor, badly defined and animated graphics, slow jerky scrolling and horrendous colour clash don't make this game a very attractive package. They make it downright unattractive.\r\n\r\nSound is nothing special. This is an area that USG could really have tapped into. The thudding as your runner beats the track, the spring of the board, the whoosh of the foil. is that whet you get? No. you get 'beep* if you do something right, 'beep' if you do something wrong and 'beep' while you're doing it.\r\n\r\nWinter Games is this package's only redeeming feature, with some great graphics and some snazzy toons. I expect you're able to get that a lot cheaper than the asking price for this collection, too.\r\n\r\nGSB was a compilation that I was really looking forward to seeing. Looking at it now, I can't imagine why. I think I'll go borrow a 64 copy from somewhere.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"Disappointing sports collection. It'll last you a while but only 'cause you have to multi-load all 23 events.","Page":"96,97","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Graphics","Score":"72%","Text":""},{"Header":"Sound","Score":"51%","Text":""},{"Header":"Playability","Score":"45%","Text":""},{"Header":"Lastability","Score":"53%","Text":""},{"Header":"Overall","Score":"43%","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) Issue 14, Nov 1988","Price":"£1.5","ReleaseDate":"1988-10-06","Editor":"Steve Cooke","TotalPages":148,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Future Publishing [redacted]\r\nTelephone [redacted], Fax [redacted], Telecom Gold 84:TXT152\r\n\r\nEditor: Steve Cooke\r\nReviews Editor: Bob Wade\r\nFeatures Editor: Andy Wilton\r\nProduction Editor: Rod Lawton\r\nStaff Writer: Andy Smith\r\nConsultant Editors: Mark Jenkins (Music and Midi), Brian Larkin (Graphics)\r\nArt Editor: Trevor Gilham\r\nAdditional Design: Angela Neale\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Jonathan Beales\r\nAdvertising Sales Executive: Jennie Evans\r\nPublisher: Chris Anderson\r\n\r\nSUBSCRIPTIONS\r\nAvon Direct Mail [redacted]\r\n\r\nSPECIAL OFFERS\r\n(Christine Stacey) [redacted]\r\n\r\nCOLOUR ORIGINATION\r\nWessex Reproduction [redacted]\r\n\r\nDISTRIBUTION\r\nSM Distribution [redacted]\r\n\r\nPRINTING\r\nChase Web Offset [redacted]\r\n\r\nCopyright - FUTURE PUBLISHING LTD 1988 - No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without our permission."},"MainText":"Medal-ing with Epyx.\r\n\r\nOlympic fever's with us if the number of recent sporting releases is anything to go by. These two games have been available on the C64 for a long time, but only now have Spectrum and Amstrad owners had the chance to work up a sweat and join in the fun.\r\n\r\nSo, what have you got to compete in? In Summer Games you face eight events in all. In the Pole Vault you have to judge when to plant the pole, when to kick up and flip over the bar and then when to release the pole. Diving gives you the chance to show off your acrobatic prowess on the high diving board and the 4 x 400m relay requires good pacing and team work if you're to be successful. The 100m dash is a good ol' fashioned waggle-for-the-line event while the gymnastics event sees you vaulting over a horse. Skeet shooting (which seems to appear on every sporting compilation) has you shooting clay pigeons from several different stations. For the final two events you're in the swimming pool for the Freestyle relay and the 100m Freestyle dash.\r\n\r\nSummer Games II also gives you eight events. In the Triple Jump you hop, step and jump your way into a sandpit. Rowing is a single sculls rhythmic waggling event. Kayaking has you on the water again, but this time going through a series of gates along the course. The Javelin event requires power and precision to win and the High Jump event requires the player to carefully select speed and the angle of jump. Fencing's next, where you have to parry and lunge against a series of opponents, while Cycling has you rotating the joystick in a clockwise motion to simulate pedalling. The final events Showjumping (against the clock, naturally).\r\n\r\nEach event in the game(s) can be selected individually, so you can practise the ones you're having difficulty with. Once you get good at the events you can take on some of your friends or the computer and start competing for those gold medals. Both Summer Games I and II offer little that's original, but it's all been done well.\r\n\r\nReviewer: Andy Smith\r\n\r\nRELEASE BOX\r\nC64/128, £14.99cs, £17.99dk, Out Now\r\nSpec, £14.99cs, £17.99dk, Out Now\r\nAms, £14.99cs, £24.99dk, Out Now\r\nAll prices for Gold, Silver, Bronze compilation.\r\n\r\nPredicted Interest Curve\r\n\r\n1 min: 68/100\r\n1 hour: 75/100\r\n1 day: 70/100\r\n1 week: 60/100\r\n1 month: 40/100\r\n1 year: 20/100","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"Lots to do, but it's all similar stuff.","Page":"57","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[{"Name":"Andy Smith","Score":"683","ScoreSuffix":"/1000"}],"ScreenshotText":[{"Text":"Amstrad - Gry from Norway Pole Vaulting in Summer Games 1. (Inset) Spectrum - note the inferior graphics."},{"Text":"The equastrian event in Summer Games II on the Spectrum."}],"BlurbText":[{"Text":"AMSTRAD VERSION\r\n\r\nThe game's much more colourful on the Amstrad, otherwise it's just as much fun as the other versions.\r\n\r\nGraphics: 8/10\r\nAudio: 6/10\r\nIQ Factor: 1/10\r\nFun Factor: 7/10\r\nAce Rating: 689/1000\r\n\r\nPredicted Interest Curve\r\n\r\n1 min: 70/100\r\n1 hour: 75/100\r\n1 day: 70/100\r\n1 week: 60/100\r\n1 month: 40/100\r\n1 year: 20/100"},{"Text":"GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE\r\n\r\nSo, how you going to get hold of these games? Well, coming soon from Epyx is a sporting compilation that's almost guaranteed to blow the socks off any sport sim' fan. Gold, Silver, Bronze - as the compilation's called - includes both Summer Games I and II plus Winter Games. That makes some 23 events to compete in! Boy, some people are gonna have either sore wrists or busted joysticks (and probably both) in the near future!"},{"Text":"SPECTRUM VERSION\r\n\r\nThe animation for each event's good (but the colours are garish). It doesn't take long to master even the hardest events, but it's still good - if unoriginal - fun."}],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Graphics","Score":"7/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Audio","Score":"6/10","Text":""},{"Header":"IQ Factor","Score":"1/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Fun Factor","Score":"7/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Ace Rating","Score":"683/1000","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"C&VG (Computer & Video Games) Issue 87, Jan 1989","Price":"£1.2","ReleaseDate":"1988-12-16","Editor":"Eugene Lacey","TotalPages":156,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Eugene Lacey\r\nDeputy Editor: Julian Rignall\r\nArt Editor: Andrea Walker\r\nStaff Writer: Matt Bielby\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Garry Williams\r\nSales Executive: Joanne Cook\r\nCopy Control: Lora Clark\r\nPublisher: Terry Pratt\r\n\r\nSubscription Enquiries to: EMAP Frontline, [redacted]\r\n\r\nEditorial and Advertisement Offices: [redacted]\r\n\r\n108,892 (Jan-June 1988)."},"MainText":"COMPILATION CITY\r\n\r\nThe festive season is a time of peace, joy... and compilations. This year is no exception, and there's a plethora of collections, assemblages and gift packs attempting to seduce a punter into parting with his pounds. Julian Rignall gives his advice on which ones offer the best value for money...\r\n\r\nOne version of each compilation has been judged, but since games often vary in quality from format to format, there's a full list of marks for all versions of the compilation at the end of this feature, presented as three 'league' tables: one for Spectrum, one for Amstrad and one for C64 owners, giving a clear indication about which compilations are the best on which machines.\r\n\r\nGIANTS\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: US Gold\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £12.99 Cass, C64 £14.99 Disk, Spec £17.99 Disk.\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nCALIFORNIA GAMES: Seven whacky events from the West Coast. Superb stuff!\r\n\r\n720: Blocky, but competent skateboarding arcade conversion.\r\n\r\nGAUNTLET II: Good, but ageing conversion of the coin-op classic.\r\n\r\nOUTRUN: A big seller, but very average in all respects.\r\n\r\nROLLING THUNDER: Ghastly coin-op conversion.\r\n\r\nA reasonable collection with one outstanding game, and one bummer\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 78%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 72%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 72%\r\n\r\nSTATE OF THE ART\r\nMACHINE: ST\r\nSUPPLIER: Ocean\r\nPRICE: £29.99\r\nVERSION TESTED: ST\r\n\r\nBARBARIAN: Great hack 'n' slash fighting game.\r\n\r\nCRAZY CARS: So-so race game that lacks challenge.\r\n\r\nENDURO RACER: Poor conversion of the Sega motocross arcade game.\r\n\r\nWIZBALL: Colourful and original horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up.\r\n\r\nRAMPAGE: Great conversion, but ultimately repetitive.\r\n\r\nFairly good value for money, with a mixture of good and bad titles.\r\n\r\nAtari ST Overall: 75%\r\n\r\nSPORTS WORLD 88\r\nMACHINE: C64\r\nSUPPLIER: U.S. Gold\r\nPRICE: £12.99 Cass, £14 99 Disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nCHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING: Novel and compelling, but the multiload is a pain.\r\n\r\n10TH FRAME: Superb bowling game with lovely graphics and feel.\r\n\r\nHARDBALL: Great American sports game with good graphics.\r\n\r\nLEADERBOARD: Classic golf game that's been done to death.\r\n\r\n4TH & INCHES: Simply the best American football game available.\r\n\r\nSNOOKER AND POOL: Alright if you like this sort of thing.\r\n\r\nGO FOR GOLD: Excellent six-event sports simulation.\r\n\r\nWATER POLO: Unusual, and it's playable too!\r\n\r\nA brilliant package; on absolute must for sports fans.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 91%\r\n\r\nFISTS 'N' THROTTLES\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Elite\r\nPRICE: £9.95\r\nVERSION TESTED: Amstrad\r\n\r\nIKARI WARRIORS: Ageing, but extremely playable and addictive shooting game.\r\n\r\nBUGGY BOY: Excellent off-road race game.\r\n\r\nTHUNDERCATS: Colourful and addictive horizontally scrolling hack 'em up.\r\n\r\nDRAGON'S LAIR: Mediocre multiload arcade game.\r\n\r\nENDURO RACER: Another excellent off-road race game — this time with bikes.\r\n\r\nA good all-round assemblage, with only one weak link.\r\n\r\nAmstrad Overall: 82%\r\nC64 Overall: 83%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 81%\r\n\r\nGOLD, SILVER, BRONZE\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: US Gold\r\nPRICE: £12.99\r\nVERSION TESTED: Spec\r\n\r\nSUMMER GAMES I: Fairly good eight-event simulation marred by long multiload.\r\n\r\nSUMMER GAMES II: improvement over its predecessor, but still suffers with long loading.\r\n\r\nWINTER GAMES: The pick of the bunch with seven good events; multiload's a pain.\r\n\r\nIf you can stand the multiload, it's a reasonable package, but doesn't stand up to the likes of Game, Set and Match.\r\n\r\nSpectrum Overall: 63%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 74%\r\nC64 Overall: 88%\r\n\r\nTASTE OF AMERICA\r\nMACHINES: C64\r\nSUPPLIER: US Gold\r\nPRICE: £9.99 Cass\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nSIDE ARMS: Laughably grotty parody of the horizontally scrolling arcade game.\r\n\r\nSOLOMON'S KEY: Very addictive and enjoyable puzzle game.\r\n\r\nWORLD CLASS LEADERBOARD:\r\nThe best of the series — if you can take any more.\r\n\r\nSUPERCYCLE: Easy, but exciting motorcycle racing game.\r\n\r\nTaste of America offers three nice bites, and and a side dish that'll make you throw up.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 73%\r\n\r\nCOMMAND PERFORMANCE\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: US Gold\r\nPRICE: Ams/Spec/C64 £12.99 Cass, C64 £14.99 Disk, SPEC £17.99 Disk, AMS £19.99 Disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nMERCENARY: Classic vector graphic exploration game.\r\n\r\nHARDBALL: Great American sports game with good graphics.\r\n\r\nARMAGEDDON MAN: Very tepid and pedestrian war game.\r\n\r\nLEVIATHAN: Uncontrollable and unaddictive three-level Zaxxon clone.\r\n\r\nBOB SLEIGH: Hum-drum simulation with some token strategy\r\n\r\nSHACKLED: Utterly dire Gauntlet clone.\r\n\r\nTRANTOR: Very average and unchallenging shoot and explore game.\r\n\r\nCHOLO: Slow, but fairly compelling vector exploration game.\r\n\r\nXENO: Rubbish future sport simulation that plays like a brick.\r\n\r\n10TH FRAME: Superb bowling game with lovely graphics and feel.\r\n\r\nA very mixed bag. Apart from Mercenary, there's nothing really outstanding, and Xeno and Shackled plumb the depths.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 67%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 75%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 72%\r\n\r\nHISTORY IN THE MAKING\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: US Gold\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £24.99 Cass, C64/Ams £29.99 Disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nBEACHHEAD: Four-level combat game that has aged badly.\r\n\r\nBEACHHEAD II: Superb four-part combat game with great graphics and speech.\r\n\r\nBRUCE LEE: Classic arcade adventure with a little kick and chop.\r\n\r\nIMPOSSIBLE MISSION: Arguably the best-ever C64 game.\r\n\r\nKUNG-FU MASTER: Ageing arcade conversion that offers a bit of fun.\r\n\r\nGAUNTLET: Addictive conversion of the massive coin-op.\r\n\r\nGOONIES: Very droll puzzle/action game. Dire graphics.\r\n\r\nEXPRESS RAIDER: Pretty poor Kung-Fu Master game set on a train.\r\n\r\nLEADERBOARD: The ubiquitous golf game pops up yet again.\r\n\r\nSPY HUNTER: Enjoyable, but limited vertically scrolling blaster.\r\n\r\nSUPER CYCLE: Great motorbike racing game that's just a little too easy.\r\n\r\nWORLD GAMES: Eight weird events from around the world: ranks with California Games as the best of the series.\r\n\r\nRAID OVER MOSCOW: Fun-pack shoot 'em up with very fascist overtones.\r\n\r\nROAD RUNNER: Faithful conversion, but wrecked by an arduous multiload.\r\n\r\nINFILTRATOR: Competent arcade adventure.\r\n\r\nVery pricey, especially as most if the better games are already available on budget, or other, cheaper compilations.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 74%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 70%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 69%\r\n\r\nACTION SET\r\nMACHINE: ST\r\nSUPPLIER: Gremlin Graphics\r\nPRICE: £19.99\r\nVERSION TESTED: ST\r\n\r\nDEFLEKTOR: A rather easy puzzle game, but fun nevertheless.\r\n\r\nNORTHSTAR: Colourful and fairly addictive shoot 'em up.\r\n\r\nTRAILBLAZER: Average race game variant with a few frills.\r\n\r\n3D GALAX: A good exercise in 3D programming, but not much of a shoot 'em up.\r\n\r\nMASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: A game-of-the-film that should appeal to kids.\r\n\r\nPretty good value, even though the games themselves aren't particularly brilliant.\r\n\r\nAtari ST Overall: 74%\r\n\r\nGAME, SET AND MATCH II\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Ocean\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £12.95 cass, £17.95 disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: Spec\r\n\r\nMATCH DAY II: The best football simulation available on the Spectrum.\r\n\r\nSUPERBOWL: Average simulation that might appeal to fans of the sport.\r\n\r\nWINTER OLYMPIAD: Six-event simulation, similar to the Games series.\r\n\r\nIAN BOTHAM'S TEST MATCH: An unexciting and bland cricket simulation.\r\n\r\nBASKET MASTER: Fairly competent game with naff graphics.\r\n\r\nTRACK AND FIELD: Jolly waggling version from a few years back.\r\n\r\nNICK FALDO'S GOLF: Good a couple of years ago, but now looking very dodgy.\r\n\r\nSUPER HANG-ON: Super indeed; a motorbike race game par excellence.\r\n\r\nSTEVE DAVIS SNOOKER: Apparently the best of its kind. Who's arguing?\r\n\r\nCHAMPIONSHIP SPRINT: Super Sprint with a course designer: it's alright.\r\n\r\nSome of the games are a bit ropey, but there's plenty of variety and the whole package should keep a sports fan happy for weeks.\r\n\r\nSpectrum Overall: 82%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 81%\r\nC64 Overall: 87%\r\n\r\nTAITO COIN-OP HITS\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Imagine\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £12.99 cass\r\nVERSION TESTED: Spec\r\n\r\nRASTAN: A great exploration game with large map and plenty of enemies to hack.\r\n\r\nSLAPFIGHT: Tricky, but addictive vertically scrolling shoot 'em up.\r\n\r\nRENEGADE: Excellent conversion of the arcade beat 'em up.\r\n\r\nARKANOID: Addictive Breakout variant.\r\n\r\nARKANOID: REVENGE OF DOH: More of the some, and even more addictive.\r\n\r\nFLYING SHARK: Superb conversion of the arcade WW II shoot 'em up.\r\n\r\nBUBBLE BOBBLE: A totally faithful conversion of the amazing platform arcade game.\r\n\r\nLEGEND OF KAGE: The arcade game wasn't brilliant; neither is this.\r\n\r\nAll excellent games apart from Legend of Kage, and even that isn't too bad. A must for an avid arcade gamesplayer.\r\n\r\nSpec Overall: 94%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 93%\r\nC64 Overall: 94%\r\n\r\nKARATE ACE\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Gremlin Graphics\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £14.99 Cass, £17.99 Disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nWAY OF THE EXPLODING FIST:\r\nThe grandad of computer beat 'em ups is still fun, but badly flawed.\r\n\r\nWAY OF THE TIGER: Similar to Exploding Fist, but not as good.\r\n\r\nSAMURAI TRILOGY: Exploding Fist with swords, and it's rubbish of the very highest order.\r\n\r\nBRUCE LEE: Ageing, but thoroughly enjoyable platform arcade adventure.\r\n\r\nKUNG-FU MASTER: Reasonable conversion of an old arcade game; still addictive though.\r\n\r\nAVENGER: Compelling arcade adventure-cum-beat 'em up.\r\n\r\nUCHI MATA: A noble attempt at a judo game, but it's sadly bugged.\r\n\r\nLoads of fightin' an' fumpin' on offer - although some of the games are very similar.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 64%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 63%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 61% \r\n\r\nTRIAD: VOLUME I\r\nMACHINES: ST/Amiga\r\nSUPPLIER: Triad\r\nPRICE: £29.99\r\nVERSION TESTED: Amiga\r\n\r\nSTARGLIDER: Thrilling vector shoot 'em up with plenty of depth.\r\n\r\nDEFENDER OF THE CROWN: A hit a couple of years ago; beginning to look ropey.\r\n\r\nBARBARIAN: Fairly good icon-driven arcade adventure.\r\n\r\nQuite expensive, especially as the games are all getting on.\r\n\r\nAmiga Overall: 66%\r\n\r\nSUPREME CHALLENGE\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Beau Jolly\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £12.95 cass, £16.95 disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: Spec\r\n\r\nELITE: Classic space trading game that no Spectrum owner should be without.\r\n\r\nSENTINEL: Absolutely brilliant 3D arcade puzzle/strategy game.\r\n\r\nTETRIS: Unbelievably addictive arcade puzzle game.\r\n\r\nSTARGLIDER: Superb 3D vector shoot 'em up with tons to do.\r\n\r\nACE II: Fairly good one-on-one combat simulator.\r\n\r\nA varied selection of very high quality games; don't miss out on this collection of classics.\r\n\r\nSpectrum Overall: 95%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 94%\r\nC64 Overall: 90%\r\n\r\nSPACE ACE\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Gremlin Graphics\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £14.99 Cass, £17.99 DISK\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nXEVIOUS: Very tepid version of an Atari's vertically scrolling shoot 'em up.\r\n\r\nVENOM STRIKES BACK: More MASK antics in this average arcade game.\r\n\r\nCYBERNOID: Addictive flick-screen blaster.\r\n\r\nNORTHSTAR: Run-of-the-mill trog-across-the-landscape-and-blast-the-aliens game.\r\n\r\nZYNAPS: Challenging and compelling horizontally scrolling blaster.\r\n\r\nTRANTOR: Shoot and explore game with awful playability.\r\n\r\nEXOLON: Similar to Northstar, but marginally worse.\r\n\r\nPlenty of shooting action, but none of the games are outstanding. Still, there's hours of potential blasting in store\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 70%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 71%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 74% \r\n\r\nFLIGHT ACE\r\nMACHINE: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Gremlin Graphics\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £14.99 Cass, £17.99 Disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nAIR TRAFFIC CONTROL: All the fun of a night shift at Heathrow!\r\n\r\nSPITFIRE 40: Relive the Battle of Britain in this average simulation.\r\n\r\nSTRIKEFORCE HARRIER: Fairly average simulation of the VTOL jet.\r\n\r\nTOMAHAWK: Reputedly very accurate, but rather dull in practice.\r\n\r\nATF: Not so much a simulation; more of a mediocre 3D shoot 'em up with extra bits.\r\n\r\nACE: Fairly good combat simulator, although it s rather old\r\n\r\nA fairly good buy for budding pilots, but not recommended to anyone else.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 65%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 77%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 78% \r\n\r\nAMIGA GOLD HITS\r\nMACHINE: Amiga\r\nSUPPLIER: US Gold\r\nPRICE: £24.99\r\nVERSION TESTED: Amiga\r\n\r\nBIONIC COMMANDO: Quite a neat conversion, but marred by push-scrolling.\r\n\r\nROLLING THUNDER: Nowhere near as good as it could have been.\r\n\r\nJINKS: Colourful, but repetitive scrolling Breakout game.\r\n\r\nLEADERBOARD: Same as the 8-bit, but with slightly improved graphics.\r\n\r\nNot a lot to shout about, None of the titles are particularly thrilling, even though the games work out quite cheap.\r\n\r\nAmiga Overall: 67%\r\n\r\nGO CRAZY\r\nMACHINES: Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Go!\r\nPRICE: Ams/C64 £14.99 Cass, C64 £17.99 Disk, AMS £19.99 Disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nSHACKLED: A Gauntlet clone of the most feeble kind.\r\n\r\nBAD CAT: Awful attempt at an \"alternative\" sports simulation,\r\n\r\nJINKS: Tedious and repetitive scrolling Breakout.\r\n\r\nSIDE ARMS: One of the worst horizontally scrolling shoot 'em ups around.\r\n\r\nDESOLATOR: Low-grade four-level Gauntlet game.\r\n\r\nBEDLAM: Boring and dull shoot 'em up that's devoid of action.\r\n\r\nAnd you certainly will go crazy if you buy this six-pack of turkeys.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 41%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 56%\r\n\r\nLEADERBOARD PAR 4\r\nMACHINE: C64\r\nSUPPLIER: US Gold\r\nPRICE:\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nLEADERBOARD: The classic golf game - incredibly playable.\r\n\r\nLEADER BOARD TOURNAMENT: More of the same, but tougher.\r\n\r\nLEADER BOARD EXECUTIVE EDITION: Even more of the same, but tougher still!\r\n\r\nWORLD CLASS LEADERBOARD: Even more of the same, but this time modelled on real golf courses.\r\n\r\nIf you're into golfing games, this collection is an absolute must. If not, avoid it like the plague.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 78%\r\n\r\nKONAMI ARCADE COLLECTION\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64\r\nSUPPLIER: Imagine\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £9.99 Cass\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nMIKIE: Very camp four-level arcade game; it's fun, though.\r\n\r\nJAILBREAK: Bileous mockery of the arcade original. Strictly for laughs.\r\n\r\nGREEN BERET: Very difficult, but additive stab 'n' roast arcade game.\r\n\r\nYIE AR KUNG-FU: Amusing beat 'em up, but it's getting a bit wrinkly.\r\n\r\nSHAO-LIN'S ROAD: Inept platform/beat 'em up.\r\n\r\nNEMESIS: Enjoyable conversion of the horizontal blaster, although it's a little long in the tooth.\r\n\r\nHYPERSPORTS: One of the original joystick wagglers, and it's still great fun.\r\n\r\nPING PONG: Playable table tennis game, with short-lived appeal.\r\n\r\nJACKAL: Grotting scrolling shoot 'em up.\r\n\r\nAll the games are old, but they're all good fun; even the bad ones are good for a laugh! Cheap, too.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 80%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 80%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 83% \r\n\r\nIN-CROWD\r\nMACHINES: Spec/Ams/C64.\r\nSUPPLIER: Ocean\r\nPRICE: Spec/Ams/C64 £12.95 Cass, £17.95 DISK.\r\nVERSION TESTED: C64\r\n\r\nGRYZOR: Tough and addictive conversion of the arcade blast.\r\n\r\nCOMBAT SCHOOL: Seven assorted events and a combat mission - brilliant stuff!\r\n\r\nLAST NINJA: Superb six-level arcade adventure with ace graphics.\r\n\r\nPLATOON: Atmospheric and highly playable four-part game-of-the-film.\r\n\r\nPREDATOR: Enjoyable run 'n' blast film tie-in.\r\n\r\nTARGET RENEGADE: Great graphics and playability; puts Double Dragon to shame.\r\n\r\nBARBARIAN: Gory, but very gratifying hack 'n' slash fighting game.\r\n\r\nKARNOV: Bileous arcade conversion of the very lowest quality.\r\n\r\nApart from one cabbage, In-Crowd is a marvellous compilation. Nearly all the games are multiload, and offer massive scope for long-term play.\r\n\r\nC64 Overall: 92%\r\nAmstrad Overall: 93%\r\nSpectrum Overall: 93% \r\n\r\nULTIMATE: THE COLLECTED WORKS\r\nMACHINES: Spec\r\nSUPPLIER: US Gold\r\nPRICE: £12.99 cass, £14.99 disk\r\nVERSION TESTED: Spec\r\n\r\nJETPAC: A landmark in Spectrum computing; simple, but addictive.\r\n\r\nKNIGHT LORE: The original 3D isometric forced perspective arcade adventure; brilliant.\r\n\r\nALIEN 8: Another superb arcade adventure.\r\n\r\nSABRE WULF: Another mould breaker; still as fresh and addictive as ever.\r\n\r\nGUNFRIGHT: Enjoyable and highly original 3D gunfighting game.\r\n\r\nLUNAR JETMAN: Utterly superb scrolling shoot 'em up; a classic.\r\n\r\nNIGHTSHADE: Innovative scrolling forced perspective arcade adventure.\r\n\r\nATIC ATAC: Yet another classic arcade adventure - still incredibly engrossing.\r\n\r\nPSSST: Whacky and addictive arcade game.\r\n\r\nTRANS AM: Odd hybrid collect 'em up with cars. Good fun, though.\r\n\r\nCOOKIE: Tough and frustrating, but very addictive arcade-style game.\r\n\r\nAn utterly superb collection of class games. A slice of computing history that no Spectrum owner should pass by.\r\n\r\nSpectrum Overall: 98%","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"110,111,113,114,115","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[{"Name":"Julian Rignall","Score":"63","ScoreSuffix":"%"}],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[{"Text":"OVERALL TABLE: SPECTRUM\r\n\r\nUltimate: Collected Works: 98%\r\nSupreme Challenge: 95%\r\nTaito Coin-op Hits: 94%\r\nIn-Crowd: 93%\r\nTen Great Games: 89%\r\nKonami Arcade Collection: 83%\r\nGame, Set and Match II: 82%\r\nFists 'N' Throttles: 81%\r\nFlight Ace: 78%\r\nLeaderboard Par 3: 77%\r\nSpace Ace: 74%\r\nCommand Performance: 72%\r\nGiants: 72%\r\nHistory In The Making: 69%\r\nGold, Silver, Bronze: 63%\r\nKarate Ace: 61%\r\n\r\nOVERALL TABLE: AMSTRAD\r\n\r\nSupreme Challenge: 94%\r\nTaito Coin-op Hits: 93%\r\nIn-Crowd: 93%\r\nTen Great Games: 87%\r\nFists 'N' Throttles: 82%\r\nGame, Set and Match II: 81%\r\nKonami Arcade Collection: 80%\r\nFlight Ace: 77%\r\nCommand Performance: 75%\r\nGold, Silver, Bronze: 74%\r\nGiants: 72%\r\nSpace Ace: 71%\r\nHistory In The Making: 70%\r\nKarate Ace: 63%\r\nGo Crazy: 56%\r\n\r\nOVERALL TABLE: C64\r\n\r\nTaito Coin-op Hits: 94%\r\nIn-Crowd: 93%\r\nSportsworld: 91%\r\nSupreme Challenge: 90%\r\nGold, Silver, Bronze: 88%\r\nGame, Set and Match II: 87%\r\nTen Great Games: 86%\r\nFists 'N' Throttles: 83%\r\nKonami Arcade Collection: 80%\r\nGiants: 78%\r\nLeaderboard Par 4: 78%\r\nHistory In The Making: 74%\r\nTaste Of America: 73%\r\nSpace Ace: 70%\r\nCommand Performance: 67%\r\nFlight Ace: 65%\r\nKarate Ace: 64%\r\nGo Crazy: 41%"}],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Overall","Score":"63%","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"The Games Machine Issue 11, Oct 1988","Price":"£1.25","ReleaseDate":"1988-09-15","Editor":"Jon Rose","TotalPages":125,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"EDITORIAL\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nEditor: Jon Rose\r\nAssistant Editor: Nik Wild\r\nSoftware Co-ordinator: Richard Eddy\r\nNews Editor: Barnaby Page\r\nStaff Writer: Robin Hogg, Stewart Wynne, Warren Lapworth\r\nEditorial Assistant: Erica Gwilliam\r\nPhotography: Cameron Pound, Michael Parkinson (Assistant)\r\nContributors: Jon Bates, Robin Candy, Mel Croucher, Robin Evans, Roger Kean, John Woods\r\n\r\nPRODUCTION\r\n[redacted]\r\nProduction Manager: Jonathan Rignall\r\nArt Director: Mark Kendrick\r\nAssistant: Wayne Allen\r\nReprographics Supervisor: Matthew Uffindell\r\nProduction Team: Ian Chubb, Yvonne Priest, Melvin Fisher, Robert Millichamp, Robert Hamilton, Tim Morris\r\nEditorial Director: Roger Kean\r\nPublisher: Geoff Grimes\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Roger Bennett\r\nAdvertisement Sales Executives: Andrew Smales, Sarah Chapman\r\nAssistant: Jackie Morris [redacted]\r\n\r\nMAIL ORDER\r\nCarol Kinsey\r\n\r\nSUBSCRIPTIONS\r\nDenise Roberts\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nTypeset by the Tortoise Shell Press, Ludlow. Colour origination by Scan Studios [redacted]. Printed in England by Carlisle Web Offset [redacted] - a member of the BPCC Group. Distribution effected by COMAG, [redacted].\r\n\r\nCOMPETITION RULES\r\nThe Editor's decision is final in all matters relating to adjudication and while we offer prizes in good faith, believing them to be available, if something untoward happens (like a game that has been offered as a prize being scrapped) we reserve the right to substitute prizes of comparable value. We'll do our very best to despatch prizes as soon as possible after the published closing date. Winners names will appear in a later issue of THE GAMES MACHINE. No correspondence can be entered into regarding the competitions (unless we've written to you stating that you have won a prize and it doesn't turn up, in which case drop Erica Gwilliam a line at the PO Box 10 address). No person who has any relationship, no matter how remote, to anyone who works for Newsfield or any of the companies offering prizes, may enter one of our competitions.\r\n\r\nNo material may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the copyright holders. We cannot undertake to return anything sent into THE GAMES MACHINE - including written and photographic material, hardware or software - unless it's accompanied by a suitably stamped, addressed envelope. Unsolicited written or photographic material is welcome, and if used in the magazine is paid for at our current rates.\r\n\r\n©TGM Magazines Ltd, 1988\r\nA Newsfield Publication ISSN\r\n\r\nCover Design by Oliver Frey"},"MainText":"Spectrum 48/128 Cassette: £14.99, Diskette: £17.99\r\nAmstrad CPC Cassette: £14.99, Diskette: £14.99\r\n\r\nA BOTTLE of fizzy orange liquid won't b e enough t o get y ou through this lot! Summer Games is made up of eight gruelling events: pole vault, diving, 4 x 400 metre relay, gymnastics, 1 0 0 metre dash, freestyle swimming relay.\r\n\r\n100 metre freestyle and skeet shooting.\r\n\r\nThe Spectrum version retains great playability even through the different control styles required in each, simply constructed event.\r\n\r\nVisuals are good, with certain events sporting some well animated graphics - track running, diving, gymnastics and the pole vault for example - although the last two use rather crude, single colour pictures. Compared t o Winter Games, use of colour is restricted although the majority of screens are attractive.\r\n\r\nThe Amstrad version fares better with its attractive use of colour, and small, but beautifully teemed, well animated graphics. Sound plays a large part. featuring jingles on selected events, the worldrecords screen and the opening ceremony. This improved presentation makes for a better game while retaining the all-important challenge.\r\n\r\nThe main attraction of sport simulations is the generation of competition bet ween players, both Spectrum and Amstrad versions of Summer Games achieve this - proving almost as enjoyable as the original Commodore 64/ 128 game.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"78","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[],"ScreenshotText":[{"Text":"Precise joystik control is necessary to get over the bar - Spectrum screen."}],"BlurbText":[{"Text":"AMSTRAD CPC\r\n\r\nOverall: 74%"}],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Overall","Score":"72%","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"The Games Machine Issue 11, Oct 1988","Price":"£1.25","ReleaseDate":"1988-09-15","Editor":"Jon Rose","TotalPages":125,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"EDITORIAL\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nEditor: Jon Rose\r\nAssistant Editor: Nik Wild\r\nSoftware Co-ordinator: Richard Eddy\r\nNews Editor: Barnaby Page\r\nStaff Writer: Robin Hogg, Stewart Wynne, Warren Lapworth\r\nEditorial Assistant: Erica Gwilliam\r\nPhotography: Cameron Pound, Michael Parkinson (Assistant)\r\nContributors: Jon Bates, Robin Candy, Mel Croucher, Robin Evans, Roger Kean, John Woods\r\n\r\nPRODUCTION\r\n[redacted]\r\nProduction Manager: Jonathan Rignall\r\nArt Director: Mark Kendrick\r\nAssistant: Wayne Allen\r\nReprographics Supervisor: Matthew Uffindell\r\nProduction Team: Ian Chubb, Yvonne Priest, Melvin Fisher, Robert Millichamp, Robert Hamilton, Tim Morris\r\nEditorial Director: Roger Kean\r\nPublisher: Geoff Grimes\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Roger Bennett\r\nAdvertisement Sales Executives: Andrew Smales, Sarah Chapman\r\nAssistant: Jackie Morris [redacted]\r\n\r\nMAIL ORDER\r\nCarol Kinsey\r\n\r\nSUBSCRIPTIONS\r\nDenise Roberts\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nTypeset by the Tortoise Shell Press, Ludlow. Colour origination by Scan Studios [redacted]. Printed in England by Carlisle Web Offset [redacted] - a member of the BPCC Group. Distribution effected by COMAG, [redacted].\r\n\r\nCOMPETITION RULES\r\nThe Editor's decision is final in all matters relating to adjudication and while we offer prizes in good faith, believing them to be available, if something untoward happens (like a game that has been offered as a prize being scrapped) we reserve the right to substitute prizes of comparable value. We'll do our very best to despatch prizes as soon as possible after the published closing date. Winners names will appear in a later issue of THE GAMES MACHINE. No correspondence can be entered into regarding the competitions (unless we've written to you stating that you have won a prize and it doesn't turn up, in which case drop Erica Gwilliam a line at the PO Box 10 address). No person who has any relationship, no matter how remote, to anyone who works for Newsfield or any of the companies offering prizes, may enter one of our competitions.\r\n\r\nNo material may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the copyright holders. We cannot undertake to return anything sent into THE GAMES MACHINE - including written and photographic material, hardware or software - unless it's accompanied by a suitably stamped, addressed envelope. Unsolicited written or photographic material is welcome, and if used in the magazine is paid for at our current rates.\r\n\r\n©TGM Magazines Ltd, 1988\r\nA Newsfield Publication ISSN\r\n\r\nCover Design by Oliver Frey"},"MainText":"Spectrum 48/128 Cassette: £14.99, Diskette: £17.99\r\nAmstrad CPC Cassette: £14.99, Diskette: £14.99\r\n\r\nSUMMER GAMES II covers a further eight events, simulating not only the more familiar sports such as the javelin, high and triple jump but also those perhaps less well known, rowing, kayaking, fencing, cycling and equestrian.\r\n\r\nVariety is offered in each event proving more a test of timing with the joystick than physical punishment. On both machines, the difficulty of events ranges from simple to very tough. The difficulty often stemming not through the profusion of joystick movements to perform but the lack of response.\r\n\r\nSome playability has been lost as a result, especially in the equestrian, with its stubborn horse, and the unresponsive, awkward control in the Cycling.\r\n\r\nLearning the moves is difficult and play can prove inconsistent. Nevertheless, most events are problem free, entertaining and place a different set of demands on the player than those encountered in Summer Games.\r\n\r\nGraphically, this sequel makes much the same use of the host machine as the prequel but features better animation. The Spectrum version is largely monochrome but makes good use of colour where it can.\r\n\r\nThe Amstrad game is let down through lack of colour, those used are odd - ever seen an orange horse before? Scrolling however, is smooth and detail is generally better than in Summer Games.\r\n\r\nIn the area of sonic entertainment, the Spectrum version wins with short tunes (although sometimes ill-matched) played before each event - the Amstrad Summer Games II offers only limited spot effects.\r\n\r\nMultiload is present but nevertheless the competitive element and playability have been retained - and that's what matters most.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"80","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[],"ScreenshotText":[{"Text":"Summer Games recycled - control is awkward but the thrill of the race is still present - Spectrum screen."},{"Text":"The phrase goes 'look before you leap' - perhaps in this context it should be 'luck' - Amstrad screen."}],"BlurbText":[{"Text":"AMSTRAD CPC\r\n\r\nOverall: 73%"}],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Overall","Score":"75%","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"The Games Machine Issue 12, Nov 1988","Price":"£1.25","ReleaseDate":"1988-10-20","Editor":"Jon Rose","TotalPages":132,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"EDITORIAL\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nEditor: Jon Rose\r\nAssistant Editor: Nik Wild\r\nFeatures Editor: Barnaby Page\r\nStaff Writers: Robin Hogg, Warren Lapworth, Robin Candy\r\nEditorial Assistant: Vivien Vickress, Caroline Blake\r\nPhotography: Cameron Pound, Michael Parkinson (Assistant)\r\nContributors: Jon Bates, Mel Croucher, Robin Evans, John Woods, Stuart Wynne, Jon Rose\r\n\r\nPRODUCTION\r\n[redacted]\r\nProduction Manager: Jonathan Rignall\r\nArt Director: Mark Kendrick\r\nAssistant: Wayne Allen\r\nProduction Team: Matthew Uffindell, Ian Chubb, Yvonne Priest, Melvin Fisher, Robert Millichamp, Robert Hamilton, Tim Morris\r\nEditorial Director: Roger Kean\r\nPublisher: Geoff Grimes\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Roger Bennett\r\nAdvertisement Sales Executives: Andrew Smales, Sarah Chapman\r\nAssistant: Jackie Morris [redacted]\r\n\r\nMAIL ORDER\r\nCarol Kinsey\r\n\r\nSUBSCRIPTIONS\r\nDenise Roberts\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nTypeset by the Tortoise Shell Press, Ludlow. Colour origination by Scan Studios [redacted]. Printed in England by Carlisle Web Offset [redacted] - a member of the BPCC Group. Distribution effected by COMAG, [redacted].\r\n\r\nCOMPETITION RULES\r\nThe Editor's decision is final in all matters relating to adjudication and while we offer prizes in good faith, believing them to be available, if something untoward happens (like a game that has been offered as a prize being scrapped) we reserve the right to substitute prizes of comparable value. We'll do our very best to despatch prizes as soon as possible after the published closing date. Winners names will appear in a later issue of THE GAMES MACHINE. No correspondence can be entered into regarding the competitions (unless we've written to you stating that you have won a prize and it doesn't turn up, in which case drop Erica Gwilliam a line at the PO Box 10 address). No person who has any relationship, no matter how remote, to anyone who works for Newsfield or any of the companies offering prizes, may enter one of our competitions.\r\n\r\nNo material may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the copyright holders. We cannot undertake to return anything sent into THE GAMES MACHINE - including written and photographic material, hardware or software - unless it's accompanied by a suitably stamped, addressed envelope. Unsolicited written or photographic material is welcome, and if used in the magazine is paid for at our current rates.\r\n\r\n©TGM Magazines Ltd, 1988\r\nA Newsfield Publication ISSN 0954-8092\r\n\r\nCover Design by Oliver Frey"},"MainText":"Spectrum 48/128 Cassette: £14.99, Diskette: £17.99\r\nAmstrad CPC Cassette: £14.99, Diskette: £24.99\r\nCommodore 64/128 Cassette: £14.99, Diskette: £17.99\r\n\r\nG'DAY SPORTS\r\n\r\nAmerican programming and design team, Epyx, are renowned for their range of quality C64 games - US Gold provide conversions to the popular UK micros. Perhaps the best known of these products are those in the Games series, which will soon reach its seventh game: The Games: Summer Edition, Summer Games and Summer Games II, previously unavailable on Spectrum and Amstrad CPC, were reviewed last issue.\r\n\r\nWinter Games making up the trilogy, all parts follow a similar format in both joystick control styles and playing options. A menu is presented on loading, allowing you to practise one or more events, selected from a sub-menu, as many times as desired before taking part in actual mono or multi-competition. World records can be displayed on the disk versions - the sporting equivalent of a high score table and the visual splendour of the opening (and in Summer Games II, closing) ceremonies replayed to inspire gentlemanly competitive spirit.\r\n\r\nWhen ready to take part in real sport, up to eight players (dependent on version and friends available) enter their names and a country's flag from the 18 available, including the special 'Epyx country'. The Amstrad is lacking in this department, it being impossible to represent a country in Winter Games with it missing out the traditional flags and national anthems.\r\n\r\nControl generally splits into two styles. Repeated waggling or pressing generate energy for the sportsman, with additional movements on some events carrying out an action. The other control format uses joystick directions to perform various moves, while the athlete moves under his own power.\r\n\r\nYou test your varied sporting skills first with the eight events which fill the sun-drenched arena of Summer Games: pole-vault, 100 metres, 4 x 400 relay, 100 metres freestyle and 4 x 100 swimming relay, diving, gymnastics (vaulting over a gym horse) and skeet-shooting.\r\n\r\nAnother eight events feature in Summer Games II, beginning with the timed step of the triple jump. The others are the cycling, high jump, javelin, rowing, kayaking, fencing, and equestrian events.\r\n\r\nControl is a little awkward in Summer Games II. Near pixel-perfect positioning is needed to get the temperamental horse to jump and the bicycle requires a strange joystick rotation to be propelled. Despite this, it's an improvement over the original, as there is greater variety in the events and animation is smoother. Increased detail on all three formats is marred slightly by some weird colour schemes on the Amstrad version, and the Spectrum features jingles to complement its tactfully used colour. A worthy sequel.\r\n\r\nThe snow-covered scenes of Winter Games have been seen before on these machines, its seven events being figure skating, bobsled, speed skating, hot-dog aerials (stunts performed on skis), biathlon (a shooting and cross-country skiing combination), freestyle skating and ski jump.\r\n\r\nThe bobsled and ski jump are the events that stand out because they have different control methods. The worst two are the figure and free-skating; virtually identical events which generate little interest. The other events, particularly the quirky hot-dogging, do well to bring interesting sports that neutralize the stumbling block of skating and bring Winter Games up to the Epyx standards. Graphically, its arguably the best of the three, mostly due to its extremely attractive snowscapes, particularly on the C64. Poor animation and blocky sprites in some Amstrad events are not helped by whining music, but in competition aren't too detrimental. The C64's detailed and colourful sprites make it a good looking game. and monochrome characters on the Spectrum work well. The lack of music on the Sinclair machine is made more acceptable for tape users as Winter Games requires but two loads.\r\n\r\nIn all three games, medals are awarded to the players on completion of each event, and records saved to disk, if the option is available.\r\n\r\nThe sometimes drastic changes of control method between events in all Games is offset by the undeniable playability of the program. All have well-animated sprites, although the Amstrad and Commodore athletes are more colourful than the unavoidable dullness on the Spectrum.\r\n\r\nMulti-loaded events are the only major fault with the Gold, Silver, Bronze compilation, which provides a total of 23 sports, which, if not all playable, are certainly competently programmed. Some events are old-fashioned but together the package forms a huge sporting competition that represents good value for money. If tape users can stand the individual loading of each event, they will find many hours of exciting competition ahead.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"54","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[],"ScreenshotText":[{"Text":"Excellent value for money, the trio of games should keep you competing for hours - Amstrad screen."},{"Text":"If you've played properly, you should be well knackered at the end of 23 events - Spectrum screen."},{"Text":"Incorporating the best graphics and sound of the three versions, the C64 Gold Silver Bronze is an essential purchase."}],"BlurbText":[{"Text":"AMSTRAD CPC\r\n\r\nOverall: 85%"},{"Text":"COMMODORE 64/128\r\n\r\nOverall: 89%"},{"Text":"Whoops! Last issue a reviewer who should have known better told us all that each of the constituent games in Gold Silver Bronze cost £15 each. The offending one has been suitably dealt with and, as a penance, we are forcing him to bow down three times a day in the direction of Epyx. There's justice, and there's TGM justice."}],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Overall","Score":"87%","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]}]}]