241: Project-X

Number 241
(3.8 points)
Project-X
1992: 82

Team17 didn't have the best relationship with Amiga Power, but that didn't stop their games being included in the Top 100 lists, starting with this horizontal shmup.

This is a very Gradius-style shooter, as you collect power-up icons, which you can then use to upgrade your spaceship. The method of choosing is a little convoluted, given that Amiga joysticks generally had just one button. You can use a second button if you plug in a Sega joypad, or press the spacebar, or most awkward of all, move the joystick left and right quickly. This is problematic as it means you can upgrade accidentally, since moving left and right rapidly is not uncommon in a shoot 'em up like this. Fortunately, the WHDload version has the option to disable this method.

Before mentioning my thoughts, I should point out the confusion around different versions. The original release is pretty hard, but it was the one included in the 1992 list, despite its flaws. There is a "Special Edition 93" version which makes the enemies easier to destroy, and gives you some power-ups to start - this version was reviewed approvingly in Amiga Power later. However, there appears to be yet another version which doesn't add the power-ups at the start, yet does appear to be easier. Regardless, the revised versions are probably a better choice, due to the reduced difficulty. Anyway, the reality today is that the game is pretty unremarkable, as there are plenty of other horizontal shooters you can play which do pretty much the same thing.

Recommended TOSEC disk(s):
Project-X (1992)(Team 17)(Disk 1 of 4)[cr SR]
Project-X (1992)(Team 17)(Disk 2 of 4)[cr SR]
Project-X (1992)(Team 17)(Disk 3 of 4)[cr SR]
Project-X (1992)(Team 17)(Disk 4 of 4)[cr SR]
Project-X - Special Edition 93 (1993)(Team 17)(Disk 1 of 3)[cr Ministry][budget]
Project-X - Special Edition 93 (1993)(Team 17)(Disk 2 of 3)[cr Ministry][budget]
Project-X - Special Edition 93 (1993)(Team 17)(Disk 3 of 3)[cr Ministry][budget]