Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Puzzle, Strategy, Tactical
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Vortex Software
- Publishers: Vortex Software
Alien Highway: Encounter 2 (1986)
Alien Highway: Encounter 2 is a strategy/action game played from a 3D isometric perspective in which you must successfully chaperone a bomb along a long, straight stretch of highway and into the alien base at the end of it. There are thirty screens to pass through and most are filled with hazards that threaten to block your progress (such as barrels) or destroy you (aliens and explosive mines).
Players control a robotic “Vorton” (resembling a Dalek from Doctor Who) and one of the things that provides Highway Encounter with its unique appeal is that the bomb is constantly being pushed onwards by your extra lives – four more Vortons, who accompany you along the highway. A key strategic element to the game is for the player character to travel several screens ahead of the bomb to clear a safe path for it; normally this would be done by temporarily blocking the bomb’s forward motion. However, if the bomb is left in an unsafe location, it is possible for all your extra lives to be lost without the player character being destroyed once. Once all spare lives are lost, the player character must manually push the bomb.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Alien Highway: Encounter 2 is simple to learn but difficult to master. The player character can move in four directions and can fire in eight directions. The bomb can only move forward and can be stopped by obstacles or by the player character standing in front of it.
The player character’s main weapon is a laser that can destroy aliens and explosive mines. The player character can also collect power-ups that give them temporary invincibility or increased firepower.
The aliens in Alien Highway: Encounter 2 come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some aliens are slow and easy to kill, while others are fast and deadly. The player character must use their wits and reflexes to avoid the aliens and reach the end of the highway.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Alien Highway: Encounter 2 are simple but effective. The game’s isometric perspective gives the player a good view of the highway and the surrounding environment. The aliens are well-animated and the explosions are impressive.
The sound in Alien Highway: Encounter 2 is sparse but effective. The game’s soundtrack is composed of simple melodies that create a sense of tension and excitement. The sound effects are also well-done and help to create a realistic atmosphere.
Overall
Alien Highway: Encounter 2 is a challenging and rewarding strategy/action game. The game’s simple gameplay is easy to learn but difficult to master, and the variety of aliens and obstacles keeps the game fresh. The graphics and sound are also well-done and help to create a immersive experience.
If you’re a fan of strategy/action games, then I highly recommend checking out Alien Highway: Encounter 2. It’s a challenging and rewarding game that will provide hours of enjoyment.
Tips for Playing Alien Highway: Encounter 2
- Stay ahead of the bomb. This will give you time to clear a safe path for it and avoid getting yourself killed.
- Use your laser wisely. The laser is your only weapon, so make sure you use it to destroy aliens and explosive mines.
- Collect power-ups. Power-ups can give you temporary invincibility or increased firepower, which can be very helpful in tough situations.
- Don’t be afraid to sacrifice your extra lives. Your extra lives are there to protect the bomb, so don’t be afraid to use them to block aliens or explosive mines.
- Be patient. Alien Highway: Encounter 2 is a challenging game, so don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually reach the end of the highway.
Review Score
7/10
