Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!bonnie.concordia.ca!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!newstop!exodus!stpeter.Eng.Sun.COM!cmcmanis From: cmcmanis@stpeter.Eng.Sun.COM (Chuck McManis) Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.games Subject: Re: POWERDROME Message-ID: <5830@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> Date: 13 Jan 91 17:58:18 GMT References: <53350@eerie.acsu.Buffalo.EDU> Sender: news@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM Organization: Sun Microsystems, Mt. View, Ca. Lines: 42 I thought I would add a bit to the powerdrome review since I recently got it and have played it a bit. Before the review though, I should note that I got it for "free" when I ordered PowerMonger direct from EA Direct the Electronic Arts direct order line. They are giving away one "classic" when you order any new title. Anyway, I got powerdrome and since PM was back ordered I played it first for a while. The basic idea is kind of interesting, basically you're flying a futuristic version of a bobsled on a 3D track. Unlike bobsleds you "fly" and have repulsor fields and an airbrake etc. The graphics are pretty good, because you don't have complete freedom of movement (you can't fly off the track) etc. You do have some crontrol over the "tuning" of your sled and there are actually only about 3 or 4 configurations that I've found that actually improve one's performance. My biggest complaint with this program was the difficulty in controlling the sled. It takes a light hand on the mouse (I couldn't get the hang of using the joystick). The only way I could get the maneuvering speed I wanted was to set the sensitivity to extremely high and then use just the lightest touch to steer. This took a lot of practice (more than I particularly cared for) and I still didn't win the championship. As a digression, this is one of those games where a lot of practice and skill are needed to control the game. The strategy aspects look tough at the beginning, however after running around and checking the effects of "tuning" the sled you find out which parameters are important and those that are a placebo. Anyway, this part of the game was disappointing to me because for me at least there were only two things that had any effect and only a couple of settings were worthwhile. (rotational velocity and the filters for the engines). I probably would have been disappointed if I had paid for this program but your mileage will vary. -- --Chuck McManis Sun Microsystems uucp: {anywhere}!sun!cmcmanis BIX: Internet: cmcmanis@Eng.Sun.COM These opinions are my own and no one elses, but you knew that didn't you. "I tell you this parrot is bleeding deceased!"