The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

PENGWYN

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Arcade

Author             :

Standalone Release(s)   : 1984: PENGWYN, Postern, £6.95

Compilation Release(s) : None

Stated compatibility    : Electron/BBC

Actual compatibility    : Electron, BBC B, B+ and Master 128

Supplier            : POSTERN, PO Box 2, Andoversford, CHELTENHAM GL54 5SW

Disc compatibility     : Unknown

Instructions

"As temperatures rise, strange happenings begin in PENGWYN's frozen world. An exceptional game of skill needing lightning fast reaction!"

Playing The Game

The object of the game is to position the flashing blocks, which are placed randomly, in a straight line anywhere on the screen. To do this PENGWYN can move in any direction by pressing the appropriate keys. If his path is barred by ice blocks, he can melt these by pressing RETURN or move them if there is a space available.

Unfortunately however, whilst PENGWYN is attempting to manoeuvre the flashing blocks into line, the temperature is rising as the 'NASTIES' melt the ice, behind which they are hiding before setting off in pursuit of our hero. His only defence is to outwit them or crush them with a block of ice.

If he succeeds in his task, he will earn a few moments respite, whilst his score, based on elapsed time, is calculated, before he is faced with a fresh phase to conquer.

Remember speed is essential as the number of 'NASTIES' will increase and the potential score decrease as time passes.

Game Controls

Z - Left,   X - Right,   : - Up,   / - Down,   <RETURN> - Move/melt block

Instructions' Source   : PENGWYN (Postern) Back And Inner Inlay

Review (Electron User)

When I first tried Pengwyn I wondered why the game was so ponderous. Then I spotted that the cassette is printed in identical fashion on both sides, but each side is dedicated to a different to a different computer! While one side is indeed for the Electron I had mistakenly loaded the BBC version. Still, the slower speed enabled me to develop some tactics so that when I loaded the correct side I had managed to stay alive for a while.

Many of the best games are simple in concept, and one of my all time favourites has been Jet Pac, which I enjoyed when I had my S*e*t*u*. In Pengwyn, the storyline is equally simple. The feathered friend stands surrounded by blocks of ice and three vibrantly shining eggs. By melting and/or sliding the blocks, the Pengwyn has to get the three eggs in a straight line anywhere on the screen.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? The trouble is that a couple of yellow monsters melt out of the blocks and pursue the little bird, although their movements are predictable.

It's a lovely feeling when your Pengwyn slides a block which then crushes a monster flat - although another monster is always waiting to melt out.

What makes the program good value? I can't say it's the sound, which is barely adequate. But the animation is superb, with some delightful touches - like the bird's feet dancing around on the cold ice. When the poor creature is trapped, its look of total bewilderment and dejection is a masterpiece of comic pathos. With a high score table to keep tabs on your progress, it's the kind of program you will go back to again and again...and again.

Phil Tayler, ELECTRON USER 1.12