1943

I didn't like this one... not till I played the arcade version in MAME. Simple straight forward scrolling shooter, with increasing difficulty and level variation. Offers powerups which is nice for an oldie like this. Playable but not stunning

Slap Fight
Oh dear! oh dear!! What a hidden gem of an old school shooter! Played this on the Spectrum originally, where it was ok but difficult to play because of a mono game screen. On the ST however it matches the arcade 'near enough' you get the choice of Music or SFX, nice as the tune is go for the SFX so you (I think) get an audible response to being shot at! Powerup scheme like no other! Start with a basic ship, you can upgrade the Speed several times ( highly recommended ) then you have the ability to morph into several other powered up states. Graphics ( at least all that I have seen ) are very nice, mostly easy to make out what's going on. Opponents follow predetermined patterns, though watch out if you die and have to start from a different section as it will be game over very quickly. Don't know how big this game is but I haven't reached the end yet! since... 1990! lol, spilt into levels and sections within levels I believe. Certainly one of the best old school vertical shooters to reach the home computer!

sn00py
cheers