Plan 9 From Outer Space
Title Plan 9 From Outer Space
Game Type Adventure
Company Gremlin Graphics 1992
Players 1
HD Installable Yes
Compatibillity All-ish
Submission Gregory Donner
Review
INTRODUCTION
Rated as the worst movie in film history, Plan 9 From Outer Space finally
makes it way to the Amiga in the form of a interactive adventure game.
Having seen the film "Plan 9 From Outer Space" I was a little disappointed
that the game doesn't follow the original story-line, but instead uses the
movie as a 'backdrop'.
RUNNING PLAN 9
The game comes in a nicely printed box similar to that of a Cinemaware
game, with four double-density disks, and a manual. If you have a second
disk drive, Plan 9 will use it. Games can be loaded and saved to either
the hard drive (if run from your hard drive), or a floppy disk. This is
almost a necessity since the game is so big.
Created in 1992, Plan 9 runs fine under OS 3.1, although it has the
tendency to lock up after a half-hour or so of gameplay. (I'm currently
trying to check my system to make sure it isn't something caused by a
commodity). The small but nicely printed manual clearly explains
everything from the movie itself to how to install the game on your hard
drive using the provided install script.
THE GAME "PLAN" :) (sorry, couldn't resist)
The object of the game is to retrieve six reels of film and return them to
their original owner, the producer. The game uses the mouse (or keyboard)
for the duration of the game, and is literally a point-and-click adventure.
A nice introduction on a cemetery stone sets the mood, after which you
find yourself sitting in the producer's office being hired to find and
return the lost reels from one of his (albeit unnamed) movies. The game
isn't copy- protected, but uses the old standby of entering a random word
from the manual before you can begin. This takes the form of the producer
asking you the question, which is a nice way of blending it into the game.
Once the producer gives you the low-down on what he wants, he leaves the
office, and you're on your own to find the lost reels.
The graphics and sound are plain, but acceptable, and don't detract from
the gameplay itself. There is eerie music playing in the background the
whole time, which adds a nice sense of mystery and adventure, without
being annoying (you can switch it off). The actions you're able to perform
during the game are:
Hit, Give, Use, Take, Talk, Open, Push, Close, Drop, and Examine.
You can combine up to three actions at a time, so there is flexibility and
lots of things to try. There is a some animation in the game, but very
simple. It's just enough to support the story and keep it moving.
There is a level of dry humor throughout the game, and helps to keep it
interesting.
The good news is that this game will soon be a lot easier to get hold of.
Gremlin is releasing a CD of their published games, and Plan 9 in one of
them that will be included.
HINTS/CHEATS
Whether there are any 'cheats' in the game is unknown. There is however, a
44-step text file that contains the complete solution to the game should
you get stuck. Simply e-mail me, and I'll be happy to send it to you.
CONCLUSION
This is a very playable game that runs under OS 3.1, and considering it
has a hard drive install option with loading and saving of games, I
recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure games. It's not a requirement
to have seen the movie, but I would recommend you see it at least once; it
will give a better appreciation for the game.
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