253: Quartz

Number 253
(2.5 points)
Quartz
1991: 76

Multi-directional shmups are a relatively rare breed, and this is a somewhat unusual one, using colourful graphics and different play modes.

The gameplay is surprisingly simple: you shoot coloured balls, which turn into smaller balls, which then turn into things you can collect. Once you have collected enough of these objects, you can add a special weapon to your arsenal. Eventually you will be transported to another realm, where the perspective changes to either a horizontal or vertical scrolling shooter. If you survive long enough, you'll face a boss of sorts, before heading back to the main multi-directional stage and doing it all again.

The big problem with this game is simple: it never ends. Games of the early arcade era, and indeed of the modern mobile phone variety, continue endlessly and that's fine for those. But in the age of the 16-bit computer, gamers wanted a bit more from their games, and especially something which they could complete. This is another rare game that didn't get a review in Amiga Power in its first issue summary, and indeed, only managed a meagre 68% in Amiga Format. Still, I enjoyed it more than Photon Storm.

Recommended TOSEC disk(s):
Quartz (1989)(Firebird)[cr QTX]