Syncron

Infobox VG| title = Syncron


developer = Gary Partis
publisher = Superior Software, Blue Ribbon
designer = Gary Partis
engine =
released = 1987
genre = Shooter
modes = Single player
ratings =
platforms = Acorn Electron, BBC Micro
media =
requirements =
input = Keyboard

"Syncron" is a shooter-type game for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron, written by Gary Partis. It was first released in 1987 as the lead game on "The Superior Collection" compilations (vol 1 for the BBC Micro, vol 3 for the Electron). It was eventually given its own release as part of the Superior Software / Blue Ribbon budget series in 1990.

The player must collect a number of orbs by first blasting off their covers, then flying over them to pick them up before depositng them by landing on a runway. They must also destroy alien spacecraft and targets on the scrolling landscape to obtain a set number of points before proceeding to the enemy headquarters and destroying that to move on to the next level.

The game vertically scrolls, with the player being able to change direction at any time, but not change speed. The landscape loops with the player being able to reach the bottom by travelling up far enough, and vice versa. The game is incredibly fast and smooth scrolling (particularly for the Acorn Electron which lacks hardware scrolling ability), and the author once stated that he designed "Syncron" as an exercise in pure speed rather than playability (Micro User magazine, January 1989).

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