As we recently reported, S.C.I.O.N. is the latest title to be developed by the superbly named Sausageware Games (AKA Tom Potter), who recently released a well-received ZX Spectrum game based on the popular 1980s/1990s Children’s ITV fantasy adventure game show Knightmare. However, this latest game from Sausageware Games, S.C.I.O.N., is an all-new original ZX Spectrum title that has recently been published by the retro publishers Bitmap Soft.
S.C.I.O.N is available to buy now on cassette for ZX Spectrum home computers, available directly from Bitmap Soft. The game is compatible with 128K and 48K models of ZX Spectrum, with the only difference between the two formats being that the 128K version has (excellent) music. What’s more, the tape comes with a digital copy of the game, if you’d like to play it on your Speccy emulator of choice, or even on Retro Games Ltd.’s The Spectrum machine.
In the game, you’re a member of the “Special Covert Infiltration Operations Network (S.C.I.O.N. for short), which is a top secret inter-governmental agency dedicated to rooting out and defeating multi-national criminal organisations.” In the game, you have been “hand-picked to join this elite taskforce because your skillset ranks you amongst the best of the best.” Sounds like the plot to a classic 1980s action movie, doesn’t it? And that makes the game being being released on one of the 1980s‘ most popular gaming formats seem all the more appropriate. What this translates to is a top-down shooter with fiendish mazes to navigate as well as plenty of baddies to be disposed of.
S.C.I.O.N feels slick to play, especially by Speccy standards, with well-animated sprites and smooth gameplay. And while S.CI.ON. controls well with either keyboard or joystick, I personally feel that the top-down shooter genre lends itself better to joystick control, with S.C.I.O.N. offering the option to play with wither Kempston or Sinclair joysticks (as one might expect).
S.C.I.O.N. is definitely no slouch in the graphics department, with thoughtful design and use of color ensuring that each playing area has a distinctive look and feel, with the jungle area perhaps inevitably bringing Ultimate’s classic sabre Wulf to mind. What’s more, the sprites for your character and the baddies are well-designed and look great, really adding to the game’s atmosphere. If you can, do play the 128K version, as the enjoyable in-game music also really adds to the atmosphere of the game.
Another nice touch is the well-presented cut scenes telling the compelling story of S.C.I.O.N., adding a welcome level of depth without interrupting the flow of the action.
While S.C.I.ON. perhaps isn’t a game you’re likely to return to over and over again, you’ll certainly have a great time (and quite a challenge) playing through it, and you’ll almost certainly be tempted to revisit S.C.I.O.N.’s appealing blend of mazes and action from time to time. If you play ZX Spectrum games and you like the sound of a slick, atmospheric shooter that has a slightly cerebral element in addition to the blasting action, then S.C.I.O.N. is an absolute must-buy.
Rating: 4/5
