CAR, DIY (and OXO)
         A Review of Syntax Amiga PD Disk 668

                   by David Froude

This disk contains 3 games.  Of the 3 games, two are "adventure"
games and the third, OXO, is a 3D implementation of noughts and
crosses.

The Adventure Games :  The games are played either via the
-------------------    keyboard or the mouse.  Instructions are
available at the start of each game.

CAR

The object of this game is to travel around finding clues and
solving puzzles to find 10 tokens and the hidden car.  This is no
easy task as the tokens, purple hexagons, are spread throughout
the entire game.  There is no sound with this game.

On loading in the disk the games icons are provided and clicking
on "CAR" will provide the instructions for the game, click again
and a control panel identifying methods of movement is presented.
A further two clicks and the game loads in and provides a 3
dimensional view of a pyramid type structure which I believe
houses the car (I didn't get that far) which needs a key for
entry.  To the rear of the structure is a green "door?" which when
"clicked" upon provides steps to the top of the pyramid structure.
In one corner of the area containing the pyramid is an entrance to
passages.  One leads to what appears to be a swimming pool.
Firing at the outline of doors opens the way to other passages.
The game is not easy as you can easily become disorientated if you
are not careful.

DIY

The object of this game is to travel around the environment
finding clues and solving puzzles to find stolen plans.  There are
more than 60 locations to visit.  You need to find 10 different
tools on your journey to build a hang-glider to fly to safety.

The game starts in an enclosed yard.  Close by is an entrance
which gives no admittance to unauthorized persons and a teleporter
which on my first attempt I inadvertently destroyed.  Finding no
way out I fired at a black spot on a gate and it disappeared.  I
was then able to proceed to investigate the environment.  After a
few dead ends, being transported back to the start and a maze of
passages, running into walls, I found the teleporter control.  I
find it difficult to map this type of game and soon lost myself.

I get frustrated with 3D games and could not generate a lot of
enthusiasm for these two games but anyone with an affinity with 3D
may enjoy them.

Compatibility

The disk text advises these games have been tested on the A500,
A500+, A600 and the A1200 and I can confirm that they work on the
A2000 (1.3) and the A4000/030 (3.0).
                              - o -