3D Lunattack

Infobox VG
title = 3D Lunattack


developer = Graftgold (Steve Turner)
publisher = Hewson Consultants
designer =
engine =
version =
released = vgy|1984
genre = Shoot 'em up
modes = Single player
ratings = N/A
media = Compact Cassette
requirements =
input = Keyboard, Joystick
platforms = Sinclair Spectrum and Commodore 64

"3D Lunattack" is a computer game released in vgy|1984 for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 by Hewson Consultants. It is a sequel to 3D Space-Wars and 3D Seiddab Attack and was followed by Astroclone.cite web|url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/infoseekid.cgi?id=0002955|title=3D Lunattack|publisher=World of Spectrum]

The player takes control of a Z5 Luna Hover Fighter in an attack against the Seiddab command base. The Z5 must be piloted through three rings of defence before destroying the base.Citation|title=3D Lunattack Review|newspaper=CRASH|date=May 1984]

Gameplay

The game requires the player to attack the Seiddab base, which is protected by three rings of defense. The first consists of robotically controlled tanks which fire missiles; these tanks can be destroyed by laser fire. The second ring is an area of mountains protected by mines, which are set to explode when the player gets too close. They may be shot using the Z5's lasers, or dodged. An exploding mine rocks the players craft altering its course. The third ring of defence is studded with missile silos, which may be attacked with the Z5's lasers. If the player manages to penetrate the command zone, the base must be repeatedly strafed while avoiding its defensive fire power.

At any time the player may be attacked by Seiddab fighters. The Z5 is armed with air-to-air missiles that can be used to destroy the enemy fighters before they come into range. Once they are visible, the lasers must be used. Weapon selection is automatic- if the target is below the horizon lasers will be used, if the target is above then missiles will be fired.

The screen displays a cockpit with a horizon of mountains, and enemy craft displayed, and crosshair sights of the Z5's weaponry. There is also a radar display which switches on automatically when an enemy hover fighter is detected, and places a small box near the enemy location indicating the range to the fighter. At this stage missiles may be fired and forgotten.

Below the main display are indicators for fuel, armament type in use and hull temperature, which increases to a critical point with each enemy strike.

An additional treat is the recording on tape immediately after loading. To hear this you simply unplug the EAR socket on the recorder and sit back. Alternatively for those with Currah, just turn up the telly volume and listen to the instructions on playing the game as related by the mission commander to ‘you’.

Reception

VG Reviews
rev1 = "CRASH"
rev1Score = 90% (A CRASH Smash)
rev2 = "Sinclair User"
rev2Score = 6/10Citation|title=3D Lunattack Review|newspaper=Sinclair User|date=June 1984] Reviews were mixed. While "Sinclair User" only gave the game 6/10, "CRASH" awarded it a CRASH Smash at 90%.

"Sinclair User" said of the game "The controls are difficult to handle and of the type where you lose position rapidly through having to over-correct continually.", while "CRASH" decided that "The display is wonderful, the best three dimensional Battlezone-type game yet... Really excellent, most playable and addictive too."

References

External links