The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

PLANE CRASH

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Disc compatibility     : CDFS E00, DFS E00

Review (Electron User) - "Jungle Struggle"

PLANE CRASH is the first release from this new software house dedicated to producing top rate adventures for the Electron and BBC Micro. In this three-part undertaking you have the misfortune to play the only survivor of a plane which crashed in the jungle. Your task is to first escape from the wreckage and then survive the rigours of your environment.

The brutal beginning may have a few adventurers squirming - you find yourself trapped in your seat viewing the severed head of the air stewardess. You have to extricate yourself from your jammed seat belt before flames and smoke engulf you.

At this point a move counter is operating, so actions must be decisive. Life is never easy and you will need to have a knowledge of schoolboy Latin or a good English dictionary if you are to be successful.

Once free you must explore the cabin thoroughly and act quickly to avoid suffocation. The fire extinguisher must be saved as it will prove invaluable on more than one other occasion.

I have come across few adventures with as difficult a beginning as PLANE CRASH. Any mistake seems to result in an early transportation from the game to that great silicon paradise in the sky. Such difficulties may deter some beginners to adventuring, especially as Labyrinth discourages the user from asking for help.

As the game progresses you should LOOK at every opportunity and examine all you come across. In turn, open and look inside any artefacts such as the box and the survival kit. Do not sky away from looting corpses - there are some weird studies in bad taste. The program does not recognise the word SEARCH, which I found irritating.

There are a few other annoyances which should have been ironed out by a team of playtesters. On occasions flags are poorly set within the game and this leads to unnecessary frustration. For example, try taking the bag before you have Looked.

I have long groaned at having to type GO DOOR in order to progress in an adventure. I also found the absence of the facility to GET or DROP EVERYTHING hampered progress unnecessarily. However, the storyline is well constructed, the problems are difficult but logical and screen response is very fast.

I loved the clever addition of having to monitor your blood sugar count, which was essential to survival. Eat and drink at every opportunity, don't relax, and providing you can endure the blackness of the jungle night you will be well on the way to success.

Despite my reservations, I enjoyed this adventure and will await the next Labyrinth game with interest.

Pendragon

* * * Second Opinion * * * (Electron User)

Adventure games aren't really my cup of tea. However, fans will find this an interesting fantasy. There are puzzles galore designed to give the old grey matter a thorough workout, and lots of atmospheric descriptions. The one or two minor bugs don't really spoil that adventure, so it's worth a try.

Janice Murray

Presentation .................... 7

Atmosphere ...................... 7

Frustration factor ............. 10

Value for money ................. 8

Overall ......................... 7

ELECTRON USER 6. 1