Who Or What Is A Terratrooper?
A Review of Terratopia
Rich Cunningham
Just when I thought I had seen everything in the way of computer games, something different always comes along. If it isn't a new way of presenting graphics, it's a new twist on an old story line. Maybe it's the atmosphere of a favorite game captured by another, in a new and radical way. Maybe I should quit thinking and get on with this review.
The latest program to cross my desk is from Virgin Sound and Vision and is called Terratopia. It is a part of the Virgin Adventure Series, and really has attracted my attention. It is a game designed for boys and girls from the ages 8 to 12 who enjoy strategy, role-playing and adventure games. Terratopia's designers and programmers have combined all these game elements to create a first rate entertainment vehicle.
The concept of the game is quite simple. You are summoned by the elders to become a terratrooper, and learn about nature and help and protect all that is wild and free. But once you have arrived on the island, something is not right. Your 5 companions are disappearing one by one. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to find out what is happening on Terratopia.
Finding out what is happening is the object of the game. You have 13 ecosystems to explore, each one representing one that is found on Earth. Along the way there are a variety of puzzles and activities that help you on your way by providing clues to what you should be doing, and where you should be going. The puzzles are found in very unlikely places, such as on stone cliffs, behind waterfalls, and in deserted buildings. As you explore the island, you will be impressed by the beauty of the hand-drawn scenery that is very reminiscent of a Don Bluth or Disney cartoon. The sounds that you hear fit right in with the game, and help add to the atmosphere of an island. The music isn't very distracting and is pleasant to listen to.
The game has a look and feel that reminds me of Myst. The player is placed on an island and given very little information on what they are to do. All the game play is in the first person, that is, through the eyes of the player. There the similarities end, however. This is a kids game, and Myst is for adults. There are also ecological overtones to the game, ala Captain Planet and the Planeteers. During the exploration of the island, there are literally hundreds of natural and ecological facts that are presented to the player. These are used in the solving of the puzzles, and also for general education.
Installation was a snap with Windows 95. There were some problems with the QuickTime for Windows 2.1 included free in the package, and it was necessary to install it twice, but not a major problem. The included documentation is a colorful booklet, and an on-line manual. The on-line manual is presented in the pdf format, and can best be viewed with Adobe Acrobat 2.1 (also included free on the CD). The manual is needed to help the player over some of the rough spots in the game. This program will be a welcome addition to any home computer library, and will provide hours of quality entertainment.
School House Scorecard
| Product: |
Terratopia |
| Company: |
Virgin Sound and Vision
|
| Cost: |
$34.95 |
System Requirements:
IBM: 486-33 or greater, 8mb ram, Apple Quicktime for Windows 2.1 (included free), 640x480x256 color display, Sound Blaster or 100% compatible sound card, Windows 3.1/DOS 5 or greater, 3mb hard drive space available.
Macintosh: 68040 or greater, 8mb ram, Apple QuickTime 2.1, 640x480x256 color display, 3mb hard drive space, System 7.1 or above.
Breakdown:
Ease of Use 4
Learning Value 4
Entertainment Value 4
Graphics 5
Sound 4
Overall Score:
Copyright © 1997 InfoMedia, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.