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Crusoe castaway
NO prizes for guessing the theme of Crusoe from Automata.

A map of the island takes up half the screen, and includes objects which may be useful to Crusoe, who is shown as a small figure. Various status indicators are also shown.

Crusoe's task is to assemble a decent set of living equipment without running into thorns or boulders and reducing his strength. If Automata's eccentric style appeals, you will enjoy the game, though the crabbed script and minute screen detail are likely to irritate even the most persistent.



Richard Price


CRUSOE Memory: 48K Price: £6 Gilbert Factor: 5

CRUSOE
Automata / £6.00

Roger: Like most well-written adventure programs, Crusoe gives the impression of literacy and intelligence to the humble ZX Speccy and, as someone who badly needs his severely flagging ego flattered by any means possible, I have to admit enjoying this desert island experience.

Screen format includes both a parchment logbook and one of a number of maps charting the castaway's position. The action involves shuffling the poor old soul round the island, feeding and watering him when required, and looking for all the available 'finds' to assist his survival. Apart from not letting him starve to death, the player also has to steer him around a selection of static and mobile hazards, as well as correctly answering his questions; he even responds in a like manner to unprintable abuse!
Gradually, his well-being improves and his lifestyle becomes more civilised - but how on earth do you get to find Man Friday? Well, he can stay in the undergrowth for all I care!
The complications, vaguely intellectual demands on the player and wittily detailed graphics, are at the core of Crusoe's ability to amuse. 4/5

David: Jerky graphics and poor sound did not endear me to this desert island disaster - all the elements are there ... it just doesn't quite work. 2/5

Ron: Well, I'm not quite sure what the idea of the game really is, but I spent ages trying to find the mysterious Man Friday. Has anyone out there found him yet? 3/5

Roger 4/5
Ron 3/5
David 2/5

Roger Willis, Ron Smith, David Lester