Crazybugs is a Pac-Man type game, but with enough differences to make to make another enjoyable game. You are in a subterranean maze and are being chased by beetles. As the beetles lay eggs, one at a time, you must go, fetch, and lock up the egg in a flashing box. After locking up four eggs, you must exit the maze and move on to the next screen.
Crazybugs comes in two versions: cassette and Timex Command Cartridge. The cartridge very convenient because it avoids loading time. When the computer is turned on, the title screen for Crazybugs prompts the user to enter a skill level (1-3). If nothing is entered, the computer provides an entertaining demonstration.
When play commences, your humanoid appears in the lower left hand corner of the maze. You control him with a joystick or the Q, Z, I, and P keys. You must move quickly because the bugs are intelligent and will soon trap you if you remain idle. After you have locked up the four eggs, you must exit by a flashing white door on the maze’s edge. Then the screen flashes colors, the computer makes unusual sound effects, and the maze undergoes a metamorphosis as a flashing orange box moves around closing up branches of the maze to set up the next screen.
The second screen is harder because there are fewer places to run. Luckily, you are faster than the bugs and have five lives. The third screen is the hardest. It completes the first phase.
The second phase begins with the original maze but has an added twist. This screen has four beetles, plus one superbug. which is much faster than you. Luckily, it is not so smart, and it stops before turning a corner. Another super-bug is added each phase.
This game has many fine points for which it must be commended: 1) The cartridge avoids loading time and allows starting a new game by switching the computer off and on again. 2) Crazybugs makes excellent use of the TS2068’s hiresolution graphics, color, and sound. 3) The game is progressively difficult, providing continuous challenge. 4) Because of the simple concept of Crazybugs, you do not have to read endless pages of directions. 5) The game has on-screen scoring and a hi-score indicator.
As for disadvantages, Crazybugs has only two: 1) initials cannot be entered when a hi-score is achieved; 2) the game has no pause feature, as many games now do. Thus, this game is superb for people who enjoy maze games and who dislike cassette problems.
Cyberzone, the new, improved, and updated version of TS Destroyer (originally published in SYNC 2:4), takes advantage of the sound and color graphics of the TS2068. The object is to shoot through the rotating defense shields and destroy the alien inside. Cyberzone adds some excellent and challenging features.
When the program loads, you have the option of instructions, play, or attract mode. If you leave the title page alone for about 20 seconds, the computer automatically goes into attract mode. To play, simply choose a skill level (1-5). Controls move left and right (arrow keys) and 0 to fire. A joystick can be used instead.
At first, the game seems to be merely an excellent translation of the old game, but soon an alien plane appears and you know that this is different. The plane emerges at the top and swoops down, taking a seemingly unpredictable and unorthodox path to drop deadly accurate bombs. They do not make any kamikaze moves, but, when they are shot down, they fall from the sky like a sack of wet cement.
Just as you find that the planes and very accurate laser mounted the alien’s underside are about your match, suddenly, from the center of the alien’s ship, a wide beam transports a flying saucer-looking object down to a level just above your own. It begins to shoot down your shots, and you cannot blow it away. Then it starts to move and shoot down your shots everywhere you go. You can only destroy it by getting one of the other enemies on the screen to destroy it for you.
If you eventually get through the defenses and hit the alien, there is a bloody explosion and you are advanced to a harder screen. In the later screens, two planes attack you, the laser gets faster, and everything gets tougher.
This game is an excellent job of programming and a source of constant challenge and excitement. The (optional) sound effects, colorful hi-res graphics, multiple levels of play, and high speed action make this a fun game that can be enjoyed by anyone. Small features such as a record of the hi-score, attract mode, interesting destructions, and optional sound complete its engrossing effect.
If you liked TS Destroyer, this version is a must. Cyberzone is one of the best new games for the TS2068.