Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Publishers: Micro Power
Doctor Who and the Mines of Terror: A Classic Adventure Game from the Golden Age of Home Computing
Released in 1985 for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC, Doctor Who and the Mines of Terror is a classic adventure game that captures the essence of the popular British sci-fi television series. The game follows the Sixth Doctor and his robotic cat Splinx as they embark on a perilous mission to stop the Master’s evil plans.
Gameplay
Doctor Who and the Mines of Terror is a top-down adventure game with a unique scrolling screen mechanic. The player controls the Doctor, who is always positioned in the center of the screen. As the Doctor moves, the entire screen scrolls in the corresponding direction, allowing for seamless exploration of the game world.
The game features a variety of puzzles and challenges, including:
- Solving logic puzzles to open doors and progress through the mines
- Fighting off enemy robots and other hazards
- Collecting key items to unlock new areas
- Managing the Doctor’s health and oxygen levels
The game’s difficulty is unforgiving, and the Doctor can die in a variety of ways, including:
- Being attacked by enemies
- Falling from great heights
- Running out of oxygen
- Touching sharp spikes
Plot
The game’s plot revolves around the Master’s plan to use a powerful mineral called Heatonite to create a weapon that will destroy the universe. The Doctor and Splinx must infiltrate the Master’s secret base, located in the Mines of Terror, and stop his evil scheme.
Along the way, the Doctor and Splinx encounter a variety of allies and enemies, including:
- Allies:
- Splinx, the Doctor’s robotic cat
- Professor Litefoot, a scientist who helps the Doctor
- Sarah Jane Smith, the Doctor’s former companion
- Enemies:
- The Master, the Doctor’s archenemy
- Dalek-like robots
- Giant spiders
- Time monsters
Legacy
Doctor Who and the Mines of Terror was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered one of the best Doctor Who video games ever made. The game’s innovative scrolling screen mechanic and challenging gameplay have made it a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The game has been ported to a variety of modern platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows. It has also been re-released as part of several Doctor Who video game collections.
Conclusion
Doctor Who and the Mines of Terror is a classic adventure game that captures the excitement and adventure of the popular television series. With its challenging gameplay, engaging plot, and memorable characters, the game is a must-play for fans of Doctor Who and retro gaming alike.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
