The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

SWOOP

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Arcade Shoot-'Em-Up

Author             : David Elliot

Standalone Release(s)   : 1983: SWOOP, Micro Power, £6.95

Compilation Release(s) : 1987: PRES GAMES DISC 3, PRES, £9.95

                    1988: MICRO POWER MAGIC 2, Micro Power, £7.95

Stated compatibility    : Electron

Actual compatibility    : Electron. Electron version plays fast on BBC.

Supplier            : MICRO POWER, 8/8A Regent Street, Chapel Allerton, LEEDS

                    LS7 4PE. Tel: 01532 683186.

Disc compatibility     : ADFS 1D00, CDFS 1D00, DFS 1D00

Instructions

The objective in SWOOP is to rid the space lanes of the homing, swooping Bridmen. They come in eight phases, each more difficult than the previous one. In the most difficult you have to combat two birds at once, with a total of eight missiles raining down on your laserbase.

If a Birdman gets past you, he lays an explosive egg on your laserbase track, thus restricting the room to manoeuvre. All is not lost as this disintegrates after a while.

You can select the level of difficulty at the options menu.

The Mission

Select:

A   Slow-moving formation with standard-speed Birdmen.

B   Slow-moving formation with fast-moving Birdmen.

C   Fast-moving formation with standard-speed Birdmen.

D   Fast-moving formation with fast-moving Birdmen.

Game Controls

Z - Left,   X - Right,   <SHIFT> - Fire

Instructions' Source   : SWOOP (Micro Power) Inner Inlay

Review (ELBUG)

SWOOP is one of the few games that happen to run much better on an Electron that in its original version for the BBC Micro. It is a variation on Galaxians, with the birds laying explosive eggs at the bottom of the screen. The game, although nice and fast, is rather repetitive. Rating: ***

Alan Webster, ELBUG 1. 3

Review (Electron User)

Have you ever had one of those nightmares where horrible creatures swoop at you out of the sky and, try as you like, you can't get away from them? With Micro Power's exciting new game SWOOP you get the chance to get your revenge using your Electron.

You do this by controlling a laser base at the bottom of the screen. The birdmen are hovering in formation at the top bombing you. Not content with that, they peel off and strafe you. All you can do to escape is either to blast them with your laser or dodge out of the way by moving left or right.

Even if you do avoid them they still cause problems because on landing they turn into eggs which turn into landmines. Run into these when you're dodging left and right and BANG!

Happily you do have three lives - and you need them! And if you manage to shoot the birdmen, the eggs they've laid fade away. The trouble is that as soon as you've shot down one formation, another one takes its place. And they start coming at you thick and fast.

It's a great game, enhanced by good graphics, nice sound effects and easily used controls. Fast and furious, it needs skill and good reactions to avoid the swarms that come at you as the game progresses. It's addictive - and a lot more fun than the nightmare.

Peter Bibby, ELECTRON USER 1. 3