Comments

"Spindizzy Worlds" by Electric Dreams is actually an updated version of the original "Spindizzy" (1986) from the 8-bit era! The original was released on the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and Commodore 64. "Spindizzy Worlds" was created specifically for the ST and Amiga! It introduced a new term into the gaming world..."collect 'em up"! This game offers an original blend of action, puzzle solving and skill!


"Spindizzy Worlds" really is something special! It doesn't happen every day that an original game like this is created! And it is even more exceptional when this turns out to be a winner. "Spindizzy Worlds" is best compared to "Marble Madness", only a bit more complex, with more variety in gameplay!


Your name is Gerald, and you are a spacecraft of some sort! Your mission? Mapping a new dimension! it's your job to make it through all the different levels, collecting extra fuel, diamonds and other goodies to prolong your lifespan, while solving all kinds of puzzles. To make matters worse, you'll encounter hideous aliens, who drain your lifeforce (fuel) when you'll get in touch with them!


Graphics

In all, graphics are pretty good. Landscapes look nicely detailed and colorful. Every level is represented in an isometric 3D view, which is really nice to the eye, but not always as effective. Sometimes the angle works in your disadvantage. But you'll get used to that. The craft floats fluently over the screen. Too bad the programmer chose the hideous flipscreen scrolling. But apart from that, everything is OK!


Sound

There isn't much to be heard in this game. Apart for the nice, digital intro track (done on Quartet), some sparse sound effects are used throughout the game. And admittedly, they sound bad. But believe me, you don't need sound in these kinds of games, they will only distract!


Gameplay

You start the game by choosing the level of difficulty and the speed mode! It's recommended to pick the "easy" level first, because here you'll have the ability to test your skills in a tutorial level. Solving the puzzles in this level is as easy as eating pie, and you will get loads of hints to make life even easier. Once you made it to the finish line, it's time for the real deal! Puzzles vary from simple "button pressing to open door" puzzles to very complex brain teasers. And remember, all of the solving has to be done before your ships fuel runs out!


There are also more action oriented levels. In these worlds you'll have to finish a screen within seconds. You'll be flying over ramps, falling into holes and if you're out of luck, vanish completely of the map! That's part of what makes this game so great! There is something for everybody. In all there are about 30 worlds for you to explore, and at the end of each world you'll be warped into a bonus round. Most of the time your mission here consist of collecting as much goodies as possible within a certain amount of time! Before entering the next world, you have the option to save the game - and I recommend you to do it as often as possible!


Controlling your craft is easy, but guiding it skillfully through all the ramps is something else! You'll have to get used to the view first. Once that's behind you, the difficult task of balancing begins. When you start playing, you'll notice that making the ship stand completely still when you want it to, is an art form by itself! Gerald suffers from inertia, lucky for you there is a brake button, to make him stop on the spot! Still, you'll be hitting yourself when you fell of that ramp, making your craft shatter into pieces and losing even more fuel!


It's seems as if the programmers have thought of everything. There are other helpful options. Like the map, to give you an idea of the magnitude of the level. Pressing the numeric keypad will scroll over the playfield. And if you press "R" or "T", you're able to change the point of view completely! Great stuff!


Conclusion

"Spindizzy Worlds" is a great game. I'm not really a puzzle fanatic, but this game really deserves a spot in every ones collection! Some levels are a breeze, others will have your brain boiling. And when you give this game a shot, you'll learn that puzzle games can be an adrenaline pumping experience too! Definitely recommended...