Argo Navis

Copyright : Kuma Computers | Reviewed by : Malc Jennings

Our hero has gotten himself in a bit of bother on a routing scheduled trip, he?s suddenly found that everyone on board is after shooting him dead - no interest in capturing as Navis is wanted urgently. Quite why he is on the run remains a mystery but it?s up to you to help him escape without being killed by the guards.

Graphics

Created by another low budget software developer (Kuma Computers) the game certainly looks like it should have been given away free with your Amstrad CPC and is one that you shouldn?t have paid £2.99 for if you wanted good graphics. Having said that the program is written in BASIC (the Amstrads in-built scripting language) and what looks like MODE 0 - this would explain the chunkiness of the graphics, plus it was written way back in 1985.

Considering all the above facts the game doesn?t look at all bad, many other platforms had yet to get anywere near as good as the CPC in terms of achievement and Argno Navis was just another thawn in the paw. Now many colours have been used but the graphics and rooms have been designed fairly well, especially when you consider the language used to develop the game.

Sound

Sound is pretty nice also with some great phaser effects when shooting your gun and a very large, loud thud noise if you try and walk through a secured area for which you do not have the correct key. This game will keep you on your toes with the constant change in volume for low effects and loud volume for big explosions and security doors - very well done indeed.

Gameplay

Gameplay is of course simple, anyone that has ever played the Jet Set Willy style video games in the early 80?s will instantly recognise the idea behind this game. Shoot your way through the space ship and find the keys to open security doors without being killed by the hoards of guards that patrol the corridors.

It?s not overly hard which is certainly a good thing, the control system is very responsive and the game doesn?t suffer from any slow down as Kuma never try to force a lot of information on the screen at one go - it certainly shows you what BASIC programming can do when done correctly. Argo Navis would sit perfectly in many of those Amsoft packs we keep ranting on about and would provide hours of entertainment - well and truly worth trying for a quick blast and certainly fun to play.