Shane Cornall @Termy

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Reviews

Gateway II: Homeworld (DOS)

Lacking the original's atmosphere and depth.

The Good
Many engaging, puzzles, plus the chance to solve some unaddressed mysteries from the original.

The Bad
Far more linear feeling than the original, without so much depth. Emphasis on puzzles lead to less of a focus on plot this time. I actually never liked discovering the Heechees - as in most science fiction stories, I prefer the mystery to the solution. Far easier than its predecessor despite its length. Vague sense of disappointment on completion.

The Bottom Line
Gateway 2 is an adequate sequel to the original, but for me fails to live up to the expectations created by Gateway. Having saved Earth from certain destruction in the original, you now find yourself targetted by a fanatical cult, and again set sail for the stars. Well worth playing if you are a fan of adventure games or science fiction, Homeworld is entertaining, but pales compares to its original.

By Shane Cornall on July 31, 2006

Frederik Pohl's Gateway (DOS)

One of Legend's best adventures

The Good
Great plot unfolds as you play, self-contained world/puzzles, variety of different worlds, occasionally multiple solutions to puzzles, engaging puzzles, adequate music, great parser (often allowing humourous returns).

The Bad
Graphics so/so. One nasty bug (which only intermittently comes up) which prevents completion of the game.

The Bottom Line
Definitely among my favourite IF titles, Gateway is based upon Frederik Pohl's universe, but has its own storyline. As a prospector seeking fame and fortune, you are prepared to risk your life unravelling the mysteries of a mysterious alien space station, and perhaps the biggest mystery of all: Who built it? This was the first Legend game I ever played, and one I revisit quite regularly, and mainly for one reason: the atmosphere. Gateway creates the sense of immersion expertly, and really represents the genre of "Interactive Fiction". Puzzles are sometimes devious, although I completed the game without cheating. There are many asides not related to the plot at all that certainly add atmosphere and backstory - for example, reading the news. The parser is one best I have ever encountered, with the option of typing, using the graphical window, or even a versatile menu system. The graphics are dated, although this doesn't hold a major problem - it is a text-based game at heart. The music complements the atmosphere despite its simplicity. A definite plus for me is the humourous responses possible from many actions. Try to "kiss" or "rub" everyone you meet, for example. If you enjoy adventure and puzzle games, or even just a great story, Gateway is definitely recommended.

By Shane Cornall on July 31, 2006

Planet's Edge: The Point of no Return (DOS)

Fantastic turn based role-playing/real time space combat adventure.

The Good
Planet's Edge features a fantastic puzzle-based RPG storyline. Although most puzzles are of the "find this object, talk to this person" form, there are quite a few surprises. Many puzzles are optional or have multiple solutions. The RPG-style stats are minimalist and avoid cluttering or complicating the game. The equipment, weapons and armour are interesting, as is the sheer range of different planets and situations encountered through the game. The ability to customise your own ship is understated but fun nonetheless.

This was the first game I ever heard through my brand-new Sound Blaster card, and to this day I love the very atmospheric music. Sound effects were adequate, and for its time the graphics were quite lush.

The Bad
For a hardcore RPG fan, the minimalist stats leaves much to be desired, as does the lack of any way to actually increase a character's stats (other than replacing them with a clone.) There are a few bugs to be found in the game, some obstructive and annoying, and one or two rather more serious ones. Although it is fun to customise your ship, I didn't enjoy the real-time space combat segment, and feel the game would still stand out without this part. Furthermore I dislike the fact that occasionally it was impossible to avoid combat with a faster, stronger enemy you could not yet defeat.

Although the ground combat is my favourite component of the game, it leaves much to be desired. It is very basic - tactics or strategy don't play a role.

The Bottom Line
Although it can be difficult to run on modern computers due to speed up (DosBox helps), Planet's Edge is worth the effort. The storyline alone is epic and interesting, as you unravel what seems to be a galactic conspiracy. If you are a hard-core stat-pumping RPG fan, the game may disappoint due to its emphasis on puzzle solving rather than RPG stats, and adventure gamers may appreciate the story but tire of the mainly simplistic puzzles. However as a work of art Planet's Edge shows an attention to detail, in depth story line, atmospheric music and, for its time, fantastic graphical artwork.