Cybernoid II: The Revenge Longplay (C64) [50 FPS]
87Developed and published by Hewson in 1988
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Al82_Retro
Add me on Google+: http://bit.ly/1tPwL1u
Time Codes:
Loader: 00:00
Main Game: 06:38
For today's longplay, I decided to check out the C64 version of Cybernoid II, a sequel to the original Cybernoid released by Hewson in 1988. I'd not played either of the games before, but I had heard Jeroen Tel's own fantastic remix of the music from the game online, so I decided to check out the actual game and see how it plays.
Designed by Raffaele Cecco and coded by Nick Jones, the objective of the game is to prevent a fleet of evil space pirates from plundering Federation supply depots and to bring them to justice. As the titular Cybernoid, it's up to you to show those pesky miscreants just who's boss around these parts by dealing out some serious laser-beam, space justice!
The game is set across four different levels, each of which is comprised of a number of static screens. Each level must be completed within a strict time limit, as shown by the timer bar located in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Complicating your task are the fleets of enemy ships, obstacles and gun emplacements, all of which block your path.
Fortunately for you, your craft is equipped with quite the array of weaponry. As your disposal are cannons, bombs, shields and other tools that can be used to take out the bad guys, as well as destroy parts of the scenery. Pressing keys 1 to 5 changes your active weapon (shown at the top of the screen), whilst holding down the fire-button activates it. Be sure to keep an eye on the numbers shown on the weapons display since these state how many times you can use the weapon before supplies are exhausted.
Additional supplies can be found inside special supply canisters dotted around some of the screens, as well as dropped from destroyed enemies. The canister will replenish ammunition for the currently selected weapon, so be sure to have the correct weapon selected else the canister will be wasted.
Despite your craft's extensive range of armaments, there are a number of enemies that are impervious to your laser blasts and should be avoided at all costs. These enemies typically travel along flat surfaces, up walls and across ceilings and generally make a huge nuisance of themselves.
Dealing with these enemies is sometimes a lot easier than it seems. On some of the screens, these robots are actually boxed in by parts of the scenery and it's only thanks to over-zealous shooting on your part that they can actually get loose; it's a good idea to keep your finger off the trigger until you've had change to full appraise the layout of the screen and enemy locations as it will make things easier in the long-run.
Whilst the principle objective is to reach the exit in each level, collecting enough supplies from defeated foes will result in being awarded an extra life and some bonus points. Of course, destroying enough enemies to earn the required 1,500 points takes time, so there's always the danger that you'll run out of time and have to start all over again.
The game is quite attractive and boasts some nicely drawn background graphics and sprites (Hugh Binns). Performance is also impressive since the game throws huge numbers of enemies at you simultaneously with little sense of slow-down. What's even more surprising is the way that enemies explode when destroyed, scattering debris and sparks all over the screen, only adding to the impressive visuals.
Then there's the music, featuring some absolutely rocking tunes from Jeroen Tel (Maniacs of Noise). The tape version of the game includes some fab music to accompany the loading graphics, whilst the main in-game music is ridiculously catchy. Sound effects can be enabled at the expense of the music, but when the music is as good as this then it's simply no contest as to which you should pick.
Whilst the game might seem deceptively simple at first glance, play it a few times and you'll start to appreciate the subtleties in the design - although you can simply try to make a mad dash for the exit, you may stand a better chance of success by trying to earn enough booty points and bagging the bonus life on offer.
Perhaps the one main problem with the game is the difficulty, especially some of the screens that require you to move into a small gap between enemies and follow their movement patterns. Added to this, the chaos and flying debris caused by exploding enemies can often obscure other ships and their projectiles, resulting in the occasional frustrating death since you can't always see what's going on; this is definitely a game not afraid to punish you for each and every mistake you make.
Even so, for those with patience and who like a solid challenge, Cybernoid II offers plenty of shooting action that will keep you coming back for more. Boasting some top-notch visuals and backed by some superb music, this is a game that comes highly recommended.
#retrogaming