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ALL OR NOTHING
Abbex / £6.95

Dave: This is something of an oddity in that it doesn't really fit into any one particular category of game. It's basically an arcade game, but there's also some strategic and adventure aspects.
Visually it resembles Ant Attack, in that the enemy camp you've parachuted into is shown in isometric perspective which can be viewed from different sides - but there's far more to it than that! Your mission is to rescue the secret files hidden in the camp's warehouses but first, you must find the office safe containing a gun and the key to one of the warehouses. Each warehouse contains the key to the next one along with some other useful items like bullets and explosives.
All the time you're playing, the camp's being patrolled by guards who shoot at you, and dogs which just get in the way. Once you've found some money it's possible to bribe the guards to leave you alone for a while, but you can always tempt them to move away with a few carefully placed explosions.
All in all, this is quite a good game. I've a few reservations as to its lasting appeal, but I would recommend it. 3.5/5

Ross: Isometric full-colour graphics aren't such a thrill these days, but they are used well. 1/5

Roger: Get ready for this death-defying program - it's quick wits all the way. 4/5

Dave 3.5/5
Ross 1/5
Roger 4/5

Dave Nicholls, Ross Holman, Roger Willis

All or Nothing is a computer game for the ZX Spectrum, released in 1984 by Abbex. The basic premise of the game sees the player parachute into hostile territory, retrieve secret documents and destroy the enemy camp.

Gameplay

All or Nothing is essentially an arcade style action game that also combined elements of strategy. The game has an isometric display that utilises four cameras, meaning that if your character is obscured by an object, the camera will change automatically to keep the player in view.

Objective

The mission in All or Nothing is to retrieve some secret files contained in the enemy camp and escape, all within a limited timescale. The player must initially find his watch that has been lost in the parachute jump in order to keep track of the remaining time, after which a transmitter may be used to request more time if necessary. While searching for the hidden documents, the player must gain access into a series of warehouses, some of which house keys that then allow access to other locations. This is done by cracking a safe code in the warehouse office; cracking the safe will reward the player with a key, which can then be used to gain access to the next warehouse. As well as housing the hidden documents the player is searching for, these buildings contain supplies such as money, ammunition and explosives.

Enemies

Enemies in All or Nothing come in the form of patrol dogs and armed guards. The latter can be bribed with money found while exploring to temporarily allow the player greater freedom, and also be distracted with explosions. Gas canisters can also be used to incapacitate guards, whereupon their bodies may be searched; as with bribing, ID cards found on the disabled guards allow a limited period of immunity.

Response

At the time of release, All or Nothing received positive reviews, although attracted some criticism due to its brevity (only 10 buildings), poor long term appeal and claims that the use of isometric graphics was no longer impressive. However, eight years after its release, ZX Spectrum games magazine Your Sinclair voted All or Nothing the third best game ever released for the system.