Southern Belle (video game)

Infobox VG
title= Southern Belle


caption=
developer= Hewson Consultants
publisher=
distributor=
designer= Mike Male, Bob Hillyer
series=
engine=
version=
released= 1985
genre= Train simulator
modes= Single player
ratings=
platforms= Acorn Electron, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
media= Cassette
requirements=
input= Keyboard

"Southern Belle" is a train simulation video game published by Hewson Consultants in 1985. "Southern Belle" was unique at the time of release in that it was the first 3D steam train simulator available for home computers. The game allows the user to take over the fireman and/or driver duties on a King Arthur class passenger steam locomotive on the London to Brighton line.

It was programmed by Mike Male, who teamed up friend and railway buff Bob Hillyer. [http://www.sincuser.f9.co.uk/043/htsquad.htm "The Hewson Express"] article from "Sinclair User" issue 43, October 1985; retrieved from Sinclair User Magazine Online]

Gameplay

The aim of the game is to complete a simulated journey of the Southern Belle steam passenger train from London Victoria to Brighton while keeping to speed regulations, being careful not to derail when going around curves and completing the journey on time. There are various options available including a demonstration run, where the computer takes control of the locomotive, and a number of challenges such as beating the real record breaking run for that line, set on July 26, 1903 (at 48 minutes 41 seconds).

equels

"Belle" was followed up in 1987 with "Evening Star", also published by Hewson and programmed by Mike Male and Bob Hillyer. [WoS game|id=0001673|name=Evening Star] "Star" is set on the old Somerset and Dorset line between Bath and Bournemouth.

Critical reaction

"Your Spectrum" reviewed "Southern Belle" [ [http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~jg27paw4/yr19/yr19_41.htm "Southern Belle" review] from "Your Spectrum" Issue 19, October 1985; retrieved from the Your Spectrum Unofficial Archive] in October 1985, giving an average rating of 5 out of 10. The reviewers felt that "Belle" made a welcome change from space games and had intuitive controls, but was ultimately lacking in excitement.

"Electron User" reviewed "Southern Belle" [ [http://www.acornelectron.co.uk/eu/revs/hewson/r-sout.html "Southern Belle" review] from "Electron User" #3.08, May 1986; retrieved from "Acorn Electron World"] in May 1986, giving an overall score of 7 out of 10. The reviewer praised the title's originality but questioned if it could hold the attention of gamers who were not railway enthusiasts.

"Zzap!64" reviewed "Southern Belle" [ [http://www.zzap64.co.uk/cgi-bin/displaypage.pl?issue=015&page=042&thumbstart=0&magazine=zzap&check=1 "Southern Belle" review] from "Zzap!64" July 1986; retrieved from "zzap64.co.uk"] in July 1986, giving an overall score of 88%. The reviewer concluded: "A superb simulation of a dull subject".

References

External links

*WoS game|id=0004653|name=Southern Belle
*Lemon64 game|id=2382|name=Southern Belle