Penguin's problems
YOU'D think by now people would be running out of ideas for
games programs. In fact someone told me the other day that there
were only really three original games programs and all the rest
were variants of them.
Well maybe "Pengo" from H.Soft is the fourth, because
it's certainly different from any others I've seen.
The idea is that you have control of a cute little penguin called
Pengo who lives in a maze of ice cubes. The problem is that he's
not alone.
There are some rather unpleasant creatures called Snobees who
enjoy eating the ice cubes. They also vary their diet with the
odd Pengo or two!
The poor little bird has to run around the maze, dodging the
Snobees and hiding behind ice cubes. As they're eating the ice
cubes this gets quite difficult after a while.
Happily, it's not all one-sided as Pengo can push an ice cube
over a Snobee and freeze it.
And, if an unwary Snobee gets too close to the edge of the maze,
Pengo can stun him by pushing on the side of the walls.
I know that the story line doesn't make all that much sense.
But who cares when the game's as much fun as Pengo?
The graphics and sound are outstanding and the game gives you
the choice of using the keyboard or joysticks.
You can also freeze the program - no joke intended - while you
go off to have a cup of coffee and calm down.
It's fast and furious, the sort of game that keeps you having
"just one more go" while someone is telling you that
it's their turn.
If you want an arcade game that's original and entertaining,
with a lovable penguin thrown in for free, then Pengo is the one
for you.
Trevor Roberts
