Classic Software Review: Tau Ceti Special Edition 128 Academy
Earth colonists on other planets? Bear in mind that us humans can't even support different football teams without wanting to punch each others lights out. Nevertheless the year is 2173 and you have a major job on your hands. A plague swept through the cities of Tau Ceti, the Cetans having fled many years ago, leaving the planet to the robot defences. A massive meteor collision then caused the robots to go haywire. In fact they have gone ape-shit bonkers. It's your job to visit each of the thirty cities on Tau Ceti and to collect the sections of cooling rods from the reactor sub stations. Assembling them in the central reactor will shut down the rogue robots.
Your ground skimmer is a highly manoeuvrable craft, equipped with lasers, heat seeking missiles, AMM's and defensive shields. It is more than a match for the Hunter flying saucer robots but they swoop in waves, the cowards. Navigation around the world is by compass and computer scanner. Due to the planets orbit, daylight is limited so infra red sights and fire flares are also included. Jump pads allow short hyper space travel to other cities. When docked at various buildings you can access your powerful inbuilt computer to re-supply your ship and to gain information from maps.
The view of the planets surface from your skimmer is a remarkable piece of programming; perspective shading and movement is mind blowing! The sheer size of this game means it is very easy to get lost and become confused. A very real sense of panic sets in when you realise your fuel is low and you are deep in enemy territory. This is the programs great plus point, it draws you into the gameplay like your life depended on it!
A headlong thrash into the enemy doesn't bear much fruit in this game. You must use strategy and stealth to overcome the vast defence system. Fortresses and Control Towers will also take pot shots at you should you venture too near. When under attack it is best to stand your ground with lasers blasting. The shields can take a pretty hefty pounding but some of your equipment may get damaged. Then you will be in trouble!
The depth of gameplay is easily comparable to ELITE and will have you coming back time and again for more punishment and adventure. I've had this game for several years now and I still havn't cracked it. Tau Ceti was released in 1985 to great acclaim. An expanded version appeared for the 128K featuring extra building types and improved sound. In 1986 the prequel, ACADEMY was released, putting you in 'skimmer school' and having to pass various tasks in order to graduate.
Check out these programs by the same author, you won't be disappointed: Juggernaut, Micronaut One, Whole New Ballgame and Earthlight. Graphics copyright CRL/Pete Cooke 86
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