Requires: Any Macintosh with 32–bit Quickdraw (PowerBook friendly), System 7.0 or higher, Hard Drive required, runs B&W/16/256 colors, 2.0 MB free RAM for B&W or 4 MB free RAM for color (will actually run with less memory with a smaller screen size)
Protection: Original Game disk must be inserted into floppy drive when the game is first booted. This is a “one–time” check.
 
It is unfortunate that some Macintosh games are still largely ignored by the forces in the industry, or that the designer/distributor are unable to get shelf space for it. One such example is MacAttack (MA), which was originally released in December of 1993, and has since gone through a number of updates. The current version makes the game more compatible among the members of the Mac family, including AVs and PowerBooks.
The idea or concept behind the game is not new, but the execution is quite modern. MA is a significant revision of the classic arcade game Tempest, which also had another reincarnation as Arashi. I do remember pumping quarters into Tempest machines at the corner newspaper stand on Broadway a good few years back. These corner stands have largely been replaced by noisy entertainment centers staffed by obnoxious teen–age “minimum–wage help” found in malls very far removed in both time and space from the roots of the video industry. I think it was with a sense of nostalgia that I started to review this game. But the feeling did not last very long — this, after all, is essentially a new game.
In order to keep cats and dogs from sleeping together, the Software Control Agency (SCA) has been established as a means of defense against network corruption. As a member of this agency, the player is a Video Pilot/Virus Hunter who has been provided a graphical user interface (naturally, after all this is a Macintosh) with which to destroy the evil force and restore world order again. This plot(?) could easily be fleshed out to make a dramatic 30-hour ABC miniseries. While we wait for the cast to be assembled, I think we better get back to the game at hand.
The Day of “Michelangelo.” MA arrives in a box which contains the disk, several mailers from GAMETEK, and a solitary multi–purpose “info” card. It takes but a split second to determine that the player will not be required to read volumes before starting game play. Installation is a breeze, and all that remains is to double–click on the game icon.
 
The start–up sequence introduces the programming and development staff, shows the high scores screen, and presents random reports about viruses identified by the program. The background music plays in short — 15 seconds or so — bursts, and is a solid, “driving” tune. However, it also falls victim to its repetitiveness, and I had to turn it off after about 10 minutes. Players can select from one of five levels of difficulty, rated from Easy to “Yipes.” Unfortunately, the game is limited to certain stages based on the level of play selected. Difficulty level three must at least be selected in order to be given the opportunity to complete the game. The “Options” menu allows players to specify the level of detail displayed, to select a faster program speed or one which is more compatible, to toggle music and/or sound on/off, and to enter passwords which allow to start the game at higher levels instead of from stage one.
The background plot is loosely integrated into the action that is going on within the game. Each level consists of a playing field with lanes, which are used by the viruses to travel from the deep end of the field towards the player at the near end. Players use lasers and bombs to destroy the enemy viruses, and protect themselves primarily by lateral movement and the use of a shield with a limited charge. Points are earned for each destroyed virus. In addition, at the end of each level the player receives a bonus for the percent of viruses destroyed. Interspersed among the viruses are “sprites” which provide the standard benefits: more shields, bonus lives and bombs, etc.
 
At the end of certain levels, the player will be given a password which serves two purposes. First, it is required to proceed further in the game, and second, can be used to start the game at a level for which the password has been earned. Typically, the password is needed to reach a stage where the player will do battle with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) unit. These are part of the old defensive system of the Net, and must be overcome before the player can proceed further. They are armed with several weapon systems, are frequently protected by viruses, can even be defended by shield systems, and take multiple hits to kill. Pleasant company really.
Mission Impossible. Roger Kemper has succeeded very nicely in breathing new life into an old game. MA’s strong points are the simplicity of the interface, the gorgeous video and animation speed. Two keys and the mouse are all that is required to control the game. I accomplished all the testing on a PB 520c. The two are well matched: the responsiveness of the trackpad is perfectly complemented by the 30 frames/sec animation of the software. The full screen is a nice touch, and the solid 3D–rendered objects replaced the wire–frame graphics of earlier versions.
Digitized sound is also a plus, and it rounds out the gaming experience very nicely. I think my favorite sound is the cracking open of the eggs which contain the Spider viruses.
The inclusion of the AI’s breaks the monotony of viruses just zooming by. All require different tactics to overcome, and even the first one can be quite difficult to kill. The Final Confrontation is both visually splendid and quite challenging.
Data Loss. MA ran flawlessly and it provided solid entertainment. I encountered no bugs or conflicts with basic system enhancements. I was able to reach Tech Support quite easily for questions, and for the most part, they were helpful.
I did in the end find the game somewhat repetitive. The playing fields do change shape, but they essentially remain either a flat or warped surface. The levels gradually change in difficulty, and the AI levels are quite fun, but at times I just found myself struggling on to meet the next AI. One particular level consists of bulls–eyes which pop up and the player receives points for them based on how quickly they get shot. I did not care too much for this one, and I had a hard time figuring out how this level fit into the game’s background story.
 
None of the above comments should detract from the overall polish of this game too much. After all this is not a cerebral exercise, the game box itself only promises “100% GUARANTEED BRAINLESS FUN!” Roger is currently working on version 1.3, which will allow the game to be completed from any difficulty level. In addition, his other project is a racing game with the working title “Adrenaline.” I do hope to see it come to fruition.
The Last Scrubbing. I must confess that I never completed level 30 successfully. Frequently I did not survive for more than one minute on this level. Multiple guided missiles were my undoing. Despite my best efforts, the Net remained infected. I am confident that the job will be finished by those Virus Hunters who come after me.
MA is tough and will certainly entertain those who love a challenge. For a commercial product, it is priced quite reasonably. It should provide hours of challenging fun. Roger and his team have brought forth a solid game, which should appeal to arcade aficionados.
Pros
• 30 frames/sec animation
• Digitized sound and music
• Passwords allow the game to be started at higher levels
• The AI levels are well designed and are the most fun part of the game
• Solid overall execution
Cons
• The game gets restricted to a certain number of levels at lower
difficulty settings
• Certain levels get repetitive
• The “playing fields” are not as varied as the rest of the game
