1987 Alligata Software (UK)
by Richard Stevenson, David Wright and Nigel Speight
Never heard about this one before. It looks good, but after a few plays you understand why it is so unknown and unloved. First, the way you control the ship it's different from your average scrolling shot 'em up. You can control the speed and even halt the ship movement.
Secondly, the firing is a bit slow and monotonous, a shot per time.
Now, after you destroy a required number of alien ships, the screen border will flash red, you will be able to land your ship, and then move to foot action. In that mode you are required to collect the Orb (the planet's currency), and only then move to the next level.
All would be well if only the color scheme wasn't so confusing. The slow firing doesn't help either, but it's the indistinguishable enemies that sum up the game as a flop.
Why didn't anyone in Alligata notice this is beyond me.
