The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library
LASER REFLEX
Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only
Game Type : Arcade; Shoot-'em-up
Author :
Standalone Release(s) : 1984: LASER REFLEX, Talent Computer Systems, £6.95
Compilation Release(s) : None
Stated compatibility : Electron
Actual compatibility : As stated
Supplier : TALENT. No further information.
Disc compatibility : CDFS E00, DFS E00 (Assumed)
Instructions
Instructions currently unavailable.
Review (Electron User)
As the commander of a deep space fuel dump, you are a vital part of Earth's exploration project. You are also an excellent target for any passing alien who wants a cheap tank of four star. Your constant struggle with these thieving aliens forms the theme of LASER REFLEX.
The fuel dumps' defences take the form of a mobile laser base situated beneath
a plasti-steel roof. Through this roof you can observe the descending aliens.
But if you tried to shoot at them directly you would make a nasty mess of the
roof. The fuel dump designers solved this problem by leaving one end of the
dump open. They then built a large curved mirror at this point. By moving your
laser base left and right you can alter the angle at which your beam strikes
the mirror. By altering this angle of incidence you also alter the angle of
reflection - sounds just like school, doesn't it?
So as you move your base closer to the mirror the beam fires higher into the
atmosphere and vice versa.
The aliens fall from the sky in no set formation and are therefore quite
difficult to hit. To encourage you to move the laser base around, the
instructions tell you that bonus points are awarded for hitting the aliens
while they are at the top of the screen. It is tempting to sit at the far left
of the screen firing laser bolts at a very shallow angle and stand a chance of
hitting more aliens.
Basically, this is an attempt to squeeze a little more life out of the Invaders/Galaxian theme. It is a nice idea but it will never be a classic.
Jon Revis, ELECTRON USER 3. 5