DOWN on the planet Nebulus all is not well. Someone has been building giant towers in the middle of the sea - and they didn't even apply for planning permissions.
Awakening from your morning nap in the offices of Destructo Inc., you are told by your boss about your latest destruction job which involves the new Mk.7 Mini-Sub and a pay rise.
The submarine surfaces at the base of each tower with an almost effective burst of sampled sound. Your task is to climb to the top of the tower - which is stewn with ledges, tunnels and lifts - within the allowed time.
Some of the ledge dissolve, while others are slippery causing you to slide comically. Flashing blocks, bouncing balls and strange creatures are intent on knocking you off your balance. You are equipped with a blaster that if fired accurately can stop or destroy some hazards.
The most amusing part is being knocked off a ledge and landing back on a lower level or in the sea. You only lose a life if you tumble into the water, so the higher you are the safer things become.
If by some minor miracle you manage to reach the top of the tower you enter the final door. A destruction sequence will be set off, the tower collapses and bonus point awarded for the time left. When a tower has been destroyed you get back in your submarine and travel underwater to the next tower. Travelling from tower to tower you can collect bonuses, catching fish by shooting air bubbles.
Nebulus was designed by John Phillips initially for the Commodore 64 and has been converted perfectly by the same man.
Although the design is very simple, some of the mechanics used to create the rotational 3D scrolling and the multi-
The rotational scrolling runs at 25 frames a second while the underwater scene is nearly twice as fast. The tower reflected in the surface of the water using a mathematical formula.
The technical achievements in Nebulus are impressive, the graphics are beautifully illustrated and superbly animated. The colour scheme used is gorgeous and it seems at times that even more than 32 colours are on the screen.
The music at the start of the title page is very effective, and spot effects are some of the best I've heard on an Amiga. Not only are they well sampled, but their interaction with the game have also been well engineered.
I can't recommend this one highly enough, it's one of the most refreshing and enjoyable games I've had the pleasure of playing this year.
If you only buy one game this month make sure that it's Nebulus and you won't be disappointed.