Barbarian

Copyright : Palace Software | Reviewed by : Dave Campbell

Barbarian is the ultimate warrior of not so merry England back in the time when computer games didn?t even exist (they?ve not been around forever you know) and the locals have nothing better to do than serve the mighty evil warrior Drax.
Taken prisoner you must fight to stay alive in gruesome battles to the death against opponents that have been hand picked to slive your head off it?s shoulders and bring back to Drax.

Graphics

Barbarian is one of the most repetative games you can think of. The object of the game? Hack at your opponent until his energy is depleted. This is NOT, however, a bad thing! Although the gameplay is simple, the game is one of the most addictive games I?ve played, including "modern day" games.
First the graphics. The main characters are very well drawn, and look very convincing. You can almost see the chunkiness of your well-honed warrior as he weilds a mighty two handed sword. The opponents are the same sprite, using different colours, and the vest colour changes (garish purple and bright green, anyone?!) as you progress through the incresingly difficult plethora of sword-fodder. The backgrounds consisted a few different views including a forest and mountain range, which were functional, although you didnt get much time to look at them! On the sides of the screen were two mighty columns adorned with animated snakes, whose head would snap at you at the beginning of combat.

Sound

Two words, Spot On. Barbarian on the Amstrad also had a very atmospheric )and unique: I havent heard it on any other format, even the 16bit machines) tune composed by the legendary David Whittaker, and the sword effects were very convincing.

Gameplay

The gameplay: There are 16 moves at your barbarian?s disposal, allowing you to jump, roll, kick, headbutt and slash your opponent to pieces. Two of the best moves that remain in the hearts of gamers are the "Web of Death" which saw your warrior spin his sword d him in a figure of 8 to keep the opponents at bay, and the legendary Head Chop, which saw your barbarian gracefully spin through the air, relieving the opponent of his head if timed correctly, sending the corpse flopping to its knees accompanied by spurts of blood from the gaping neck wound! SPECTACULAR!
Comedy then ensued as a small green gremlin appeared to drag the corpse from the arena and kick the disgraced opponents skull off the screen, allowing you to face your next opponent.
All in all, Barbarian was a pinnacle in gaming history, in my opinion remaining a firm favourite to all those who laughed in mirth as they whacked the head off their mates who hadnt learned the controls!