The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Arcade Shoot-'Em-Up

Authors            : Dave Crofts and Kevin Blake

Standalone Release(s)  : 1986: COMMONWEALTH GAMES, Tynesoft, £7.99

Compilation Release(s) : None

Stated compatibility    : Electron Side A, BBC Side B

Actual compatibility    : As stated

Supplier            : TYNESOFT, Unit 3 Addison Industrial Estate, Blaydon, TYNE &                   WEAR NE21 4TE. Tel: 091 414 4611

Disc compatibility     : Unknown

Instructions

"This superb sports simulation explores new territory in programming with a new sprite compression technique used for the first time to give you the very best in graphics display. Compete against the computer and the clock in 8 challenging sports

events in search of the coveted world record - Weight Lifting, Cycling, Rowing, Running, Long Jump, Hammer, Swimming, Steeple Chase"

Prior to the start of Event 1, the number of players and initials are entered. It is recommended that the tape counter is noted at the commencement of loading on this Event, so that tape can be rewound to this position when the final event Six Medallist screen is displayed.

A High Score Table will be displayed at the end of each Heat. Events indicating PROPORTIONAL POWER require a slow initial rhythm on the Z/X keys building up to a maximum speed.

Event 1 - Hammer

You start rowing slowly, increasing speed using above keys. After third revolution the Angle Meter will rapidly increase from zero upwards, hitting <SPACE> will stop the angle and launch the hammer.

* PROPORTIONAL POWER

Control Keys

Z and X - Increase Rotation,   <SPACE> - Select Hammer/Start Throw

Event 2 - Swimming

You swim over 200 metres (4 lengths) against the computer and the clock. You have control over the lower swimmer. The gauge indicates the amount of air in the swimmer's lungs, holding down <SPACE> will increase this amount but at the same time reduce your speed.

* PROPORTIONAL POWER

Control Keys

Z and X - Swimming Stroke,   <SPACE> - Start/Breathe

Event 3 - Cycling

You are shown a side and front view of your cyclist and an aerial view of the race track. An indicator on the power gauge will display the maximum possible speed for a particular bend; go too fast and....!! Another indicator on the track shows your current position.

* PROPORTIONAL POWER

Control Keys

Z and X - Increase Pedal Power

Event 4 - Running

You race against the clock as well as a computer opponent over 400 metres. You control the bottom runner.

Control Keys

Z and X - Increase Leg Power

Event 5 - Long Jump

At the end of run-up, hold down Space Bar; the take-off angle will increase until the Space Bar is released.

Control Keys

Z and X - Increase Leg Power,   <SPACE> - Start Run/Take Off Angle

Event 6 - Steeplechase

Run over 400 metres. When a hurdle approaches, hit <SPACE> to jump. This will also cause you to decelerate, therefore timing your jump correctly will result in a lesser drop in speed.

* PROPORTIONAL POWER

Control Keys

Z and X - Increase Leg Power,   <SPACE> - Jump

Event 7 - Rowing

Race against the computer and the clock. You control the two rowers by hitting each of the action keys in the sequence Z, X, <, >. The distance markers on the banks show metres remaining for each boat.

Control Keys

Z, X, <, > - Two Man Rowing Action,   <SPACE> - Start

Event 8 - Weight Lifting

You have two attempts at each weight. You must qualify at one weight to move to the next. There are five weight levels in all. As this is the last event, failure to qualify will result in a Game Over for that player. To continue game at end of Event, rewind tape to Event 1.

* PROPORTIONAL POWER

Control Keys

Z and X - Increase Lift Power

Instructions' Source   : COMMONWEALTH GAMES (Tynesoft) Back And Inner Inlay

Review (Electron User)

As so many athletes boycotted this year's COMMONWEALTH GAMES in Edinburgh, you have been given the opportunity to enter eight of the events. Have you got what it takes to compete with the world's greatest athletes?

The events are stored on one side of a cassette and must be loaded in strict sequence - there is no menu allowing you to load individual events. You compete in hammer throwing, swimming, cycling, 400 metres, long jump, steeplechase, rowing and weight lifting. Pressing the Z and X keys alternately determine power or speed, while the Spacebar initiates a throw.

The graphics are drawn on a grand scale - none of these weedy little stick men running around. In the hammer throwing you only see the top half of the athlete as he turns in the circle. After his third turn, a meter displaying an angle bursts into life. Hit the Spacebar when it reaches the angle you desire and away soars the hammer to an incredible distance - about five metres in my case.

The cycling is another graphically pleasing and original event. The action takes place in three separate screen windows, the top displaying a plan of the circuit and indicating your position. The next one provides a sideways view of you on the bike, and the third a head-on view. Great care must be taken not to enter the bends too quickly or you will find yourself rolling down the track ahead of the bike.

In the events which are completed quickly, such as the hammer, the ability to re-run would have been helpful. Likewise with the long boring events such as the 400 metres.

It would also have been nice to have had an abort key which allowed you to skip one or two of the heats if you so wished. COMMONWEALTH GAMES is a fine example of an athletics program, but could have been even better with a little more forethought.

Sound ........................... 4
Graphics ........................ 9
Playability ..................... 7
Value for money ................. 8
Overall ......................... 8

Steve Brook, ELECTRON USER 4. 1