Transmuter for Atari 8-bit computers | Review
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Navigate underground caverns filled with enemies in this unique side-scrolling shooter that will require quick reactions and a bulletproof pulse.
TRANSMUTER
Posted by: Code Masters, 1987.Gender: Shoot'em up, arcade.
Extra: 1 player, joystick and keyboard.
THE STORY
In the distant future, the sun grew old and no longer provided energy to Earth. Humanity had to dig deeper into the bowels of the planet, using the heat of its core to survive. Each generation dug deeper, leaving behind deadly defenses to protect themselves.Eventually, a ship was created from the abundant minerals in the Earth's mantle, and the last descendants of man were able to leave the dying planet. Only the fighting machines remained, tirelessly guarding the humans who had long since left.
You now play as Overlord Tenz, one of the newborns of the first off-world colonies. You have been chosen to return to the cold planet to clear the traps left by your ancestors and save unsuspecting space travelers.
The ship you are on has a standard photon cannon, but it also comes equipped with a Nucleo-Ion Transmuter, a unique device that absorbs raw energy through titanium blades and converts it into many pre-programmed forms.
GAMEPLAY DYNAMICS
Your ship moves from left to right, shooting at everything in sight, as any impact with the terrain or enemies means losing a life. Some take just one shot; others require multiple hits to be destroyed.
Just like in«Nemesis» (Konami, 1985)In this game, you start out with a ship barely equipped with a weak cannon; but by annihilating your rivals, you accumulate points that, in turn, allow you to activate additional weapons. The more enemies you shoot down, the better the extras you can choose from.
«TransMuter» consists of 4 levels, each with three stages: in the first, you must destroy numerous enemy ships and bypass ground defenses; in the second, you face a boss - a ship that you must hit several times in the central part; and in the third, you travel through a cavern where you can only survive without touching its walls. Between these last two stages, there will be a bonus round where you can accumulate points to select weapons.
GAME SCREEN
The action takes place in the upper two thirds of the screen.
In the lower section you can see the symbols for each power-up. Depending on how many points you accumulate, they will light up yellow to indicate which one you can select. The name of the available extra is displayed below the icons.
THE POWER-UPS
Press the space bar to activate the extra whose symbol will light up yellow.- Speed: faster propulsion.
- Double: Doubles your firing speed.
- Bomb: Drops a shot that then advances horizontally.
- Laser: long range shot; perhaps the most effective weapon.
- Addon: A small satellite appears that adds firepower to you.
- Shield: Protective shields that allow you to charge into enemies, destroying them. They work for a limited time and do not protect you from collisions with terrain or walls.
PROS AND CONS
Pros
Interesting variety of weapons.
Title screen music by renowned David Whittaker.
Cons
The graphics are very simplistic, and even with the speed power-up, the pace of the game is quite slow.
The most infuriating thing is how easily lives are lost at the slightest contact with the ground or walls - particularly in the underground labyrinth stage.
The sound effects are simple and repetitive - not to mention the melody when you die, which will be burned into your brain.
EVALUATION
A slow-paced shooter is unthinkable, with implacable controls that do not forgive the slightest mistake and even less so with scenarios that encourage collisions.
MORE DATA
- Transmuter was originally developed for the ZX Spectrum, and was later ported to the Amstrad CPC and Atari computers. A version for the Commodore 64 was advertised, but never made it to market.
- The graphics and code for the Atari XL/XE version are the work of Maureen Copeland, sister of Ian Copeland - famous programmer of titles such as«Draconus»«Blinky's Scary School», «Ninja Commando», «Fantastic Soccer», «World Soccer», among others.
- The game is also known as "TransMuter" and "Trans Muter".
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