¢SOFTWARE SCENE - ISSUE 9¢¢PART 1¢¢¢TARKUS AND THE ORBS OF DOOM /¢THE CITADEL (DOUBLE PACK)¢¢Reviewed by Kevin Cooke¢¢¢ Anyone that has looked through the adverts in Page 6 recently, can't have helped noticing the incredible range of NEW software. The word "NEW" sounded better everytime I said it, so I decided to send off for a couple of these "NEW" games. After a considerable amount of time choosing which one to buy, I eventually decided to get the TARKUS 2/CITADEL double pack because it seemed like pretty good value.¢¢ A few days later, my disks arrived. The first thing I noticed when I opened the large envelope were two strange A4 sheets of the sort that I had never seen before. A quick read of the instructions on the sheet revealed that it was part of their new software protection system to stamp out piracy. Although some sort of protection is certainly a good idea, the only thing I can see this type doing is annoying the end user.¢¢ The system involves placing a paper mask over a sheet of coloured patterns and then putting the correct pattern into the computer. This must be done succesfully in three goes or less or you will have to reboot the disk. The problem with this system is that it takes me about a minute to put in the correct pattern, so I am kept waiting before I can even play the game. Never mind.¢¢ Enough about the protection though; what are the actual games like? Well, the only thing Tarkus 2 has in common with Tarkus 1 is one of the central characters. In this game, he must collect all of the orbs of doom to restore peace to the world. The orbs have been created by an evil warlord to cast depression over everyone, and must be captured at all costs.¢¢ This plot is basically an excuse for a platform and puzzle game, if a good one at that. Tarkus now has the help of his giant pet chicken Aquatakus, which is lucky, as most levels require both of their special abilities. Aquatakus can walk over water without losing any energy, but cannot jump. Tarkus has good jumping abilities but just can't go through water without losing energy. As both characters share the same energy bar, it is important not to let either of them lose too much, as you only get one life. Throughout the game, the characters will have to work together to get the orb and get to the top left of the screen. In one player mode, one person can control both characters and switch between them by pressing the space bar. In two player mode, one player can control Tarkus and one Aquatakus.¢¢ Thoughtfully, a password facility has been included to allow you to restart at any previously completed level. This is certainly a nice thought but you will have to use self control, otherwise you will complete the game a little sooner than you would have hoped.¢¢ The graphics in Tarkus 2 are well drawn (in the same style to Tarkus 1), and the whole game plays through nicely. There is also a tune playing throughout which can be turned off if required, but I prefered to keep it playing for most of the time.¢¢ Tarkus 2 is certainly a good game, and well worth the money whether bought as part of the double pack or on it's own. I wouldn't recommend using the passwords though, or the game won't last you very long at all, but if you've got enough self control not to, Tarkus 2 is a bargain.¢¢ The storyline in THE CITADEL might seem a little strange at first, but don't let that put you off what is a good game. The story states that because you are the kings son, you must prove your right to rule in the future by completing all of the puzzles and geting through to the other side of the citadel.¢¢ THE CITADEL is essentially a sort of Boulderdash clone. The main difference being that the boulders in the citadel will not drop on you. There are also other obstacles such as round holes which you will need to fill with boulders, and square holes which need to be filled with square bricks to get past. There are also transporters, dynatmite and detonaters, and, of course, exits.¢¢ One good point when playing THE CITADEL is that you can see all of the screen at once. This is helpful when planning your route through the caverns. The only real minus point is the lack of a pause mode, but due to the password feature, you could easily restart where you left off. It is possible to ponder on how to complete a level for an age, and then suddenly work out how to do it. This keeps the game addictive, which the three speed option also helps to do.¢¢ Overall, THE CITADEL is a very good game. It is harder than TARKUS 2 and is another definite purchase. There again, why not buy both games as the double pack. Apart from saving money, if you don't like them (which I can't honestly see), you won't have lost much.¢¢ Both of the above games are available either seperately (2.99 each) or as a double pack (4.99) from: TIGER DEVELOPMENTS, 159 WARLEY ROAD, HALIFAX, WEST YORKSHIRE, HX1 3TW.¢¢¢¢Kevin Cooke¢
