The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

ZALAGA

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Arcade Adventure

Author             : Orlando

Standalone Release(s)  : 1984: ZALAGA, Aardvark, £9.20

                    1990: ZALAGA, Alternative, £1.99

Compilation Release(s) : 1989: PRES GAMES DISC 6, PRES, £9.95

Stated compatibility    : Electron

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

Supplier            : SUPERIOR/ACORNSOFT

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

Instructions

Aardvark's Orlando has brought the award winning ZALAGA - made famous on the BBC Micro - over to the Acorn Electron. And it's even faster than ever. Zalaga - a computer game classic which brings home probably the closest feel to true arcade 'shoot 'em up' action devised to this day.

Aardvark Software is dedicated to providing programs of unsurpassed excellence - each a classic of its type. When you feel you have the mastery of Zalaga, 'phone this number to check the best score nationwide: Hornchurch: (04024) 53131. If you can do better, issue your challenge in writing and send it with your name, address, highest score and code to:-

Zalaga Electron Title Challenge, Aardvark Software, 100 Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 2LG.

Instructions' Source   : ZALAGA (Aardvark) Back Inlay

Review (ELBUG)

ZALAGA is a new game from the writer of classics such as FRAK! and ARCADIANS. The game exemplifies what can be achieved on the Electron, and provides a challenging and enjoyable fast action combination of skill and luck.

Based upon the arcade game "Galaga", ZALAGA is a good example of the zap 'em quick type game. After an attractive Mode 4 title page, all the action takes place in Mode 5, with three 'layers' of different colour stars providing a continual moving backdrop, even whilst entering your high score!

Aliens swoop in from the top and sides of the screen, and assemble themselves into various patterns, prior to near suicidal attacks upon yourself. You are armed with a powerful laser base, and can use this very effectively to cut through the hordes hovering above you.

Options for auto-repeat and speed of reload for your laser gun are included via a special 'Operator mode'. This mode also caters for a choice of keyboard or joystick (analogue or digital) control, and the selection of a one or two player game.

ZALAGA is a good game and should be considered as a possibility for all game players' shopping (or Christmas!) lists. Rating: ****

David Fell, ELBUG 2. 2

Review (Electron User)

My first reaction to this excellent game was "I'm not sure what's happening but it's fast". And that's my considered opinion as well. The reason I'm not sure what's happening is that neither the cassette insert nor the program instructions give you any idea of the scenario.

Having said that, it doesn't take a lot of K to realise that the amazingly animated, ferociously fast objects swirling and swooping down from the top of the screen are nasties. And any arcade novice should be able to realise that the laser base at the bottom of the screen can be moved from side to side, avoiding bombs and replying in kind with lasers.

No, there's no problem with the game itself, a really fast example of ultimate Electron arcade action. It's just that the instructions are a bit of a puzzle.

You can have the sound on or off, decide whether you want the one or two player game, keyboard or joystick. You can pick the start screen, whether you want automatic fire or not or even set the reload speed. But you have to discover for yourself what such things as automatic fire and the reload speed actually mean.

Not that you have much time to spend trying to find out, the game is too good for that.

It's entrancing. The graphics are superb, fast and effective. The control keys are easy to use and (remarkably) well explained and the game concept simple but appealing. The idea of aliens dropping from the sky may be old fashioned but in
ZALAGA it reaches the state of the art.

It's a superb action game, flawed only by the lack of explanation. Even so, it's thoroughly recommended.

Keith Young, ELECTRON USER 2. 7