Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Arcade, Strategy, Tactical
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Vortex Software
- Publishers: Vortex Software
Cyclone (1985): A Classic Helicopter Rescue Game
Cyclone is a helicopter rescue game released in 1985 for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum. The player controls a rescue helicopter and must retrieve five supply crates from a collection of islands, while a dangerous cyclone is in the area.
The game is set in a tropical archipelago, and the player must use their helicopter to fly between the islands, searching for the missing crates. The player can also optionally rescue refugees from the islands, which will earn them bonus points.
There is no limit on the number of crates or refugees the helicopter can carry, and the player only needs to return to Base Island after the last crate has been found and loaded.
However, the player must be careful to avoid the cyclone, which can cause the helicopter to behave erratically at long range, and crash at close range. The player must also avoid low flying planes, which traverse the screen occasionally.
The player also has limited fuel, which can be replenished at helipads on several of the islands, and a time limit in which to retrieve the crates. The screen display warns the player of the cyclone’s proximity, any approaching planes, and also the remaining time and fuel.
The game has two aspects of North and South to switch between, which is necessary as some of the crates are hidden behind buildings or terrain. There is also a map view to help locate the cyclone and the islands.
Once completed, the game loops, with no change in difficulty.
Gameplay
Cyclone is a challenging and rewarding game that requires quick reflexes and strategic planning. The player must carefully manage their fuel and time, while avoiding the cyclone and other hazards.
The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, but difficult to master. The player uses the joystick to control the helicopter’s movement, and the fire button to drop supplies or rescue refugees.
The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and the sound effects are atmospheric and add to the tension of the game.
Development
Cyclone was developed by Panayi, a British video game developer. Panayi was founded in 1984 by brothers Costas and Chris Panayi.
Cyclone was one of Panayi’s first games, and it was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and atmospheric graphics.
Legacy
Cyclone is considered to be one of the classic helicopter rescue games. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and atmospheric graphics.
Cyclone has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and MSX. The game has also been released on a number of compilation albums.
Cyclone remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by many retro gamers.
Tips for Playing Cyclone
- Be careful to avoid the cyclone, which can cause the helicopter to behave erratically at long range, and crash at close range.
- Avoid low flying planes, which traverse the screen occasionally.
- Manage your fuel carefully. There are helipads on several of the islands where you can refuel.
- Use the map view to help locate the cyclone and the islands.
- Be patient and don’t give up. Cyclone is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding.
Conclusion
Cyclone is a classic helicopter rescue game that is still enjoyed by many retro gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and atmospheric graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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