Spindizzy (video game)

Infobox VG| title = Spindizzy


developer = Electric Dreams Software
publisher = Electric Dreams Software
designer = Paul Shirley
engine =
released = 1986
genre = Puzzle
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: Not Applicable (NA)
platforms = Amstrad CPC, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
media = Cassette
requirements =
input =

"Spindizzy" is an isometric computer puzzle game released for several 8-bit formats in 1986 by Electric Dreams Software.

A sequel to "Spindizzy" for the Amiga, Atari ST and SNES, called "Spindizzy Worlds", was released in 1990 (Amiga, ST) and 1993 (SNES).

Plot

A new dimension has been discovered with a mysterious artificial world hanging in space and the player, as Trainee Cartographer for Unknown Worlds, has been given the task of mapping this new world. The player has been equipped with a Remote Scout Craft, an old-fashioned Geographic Environmental Reconnaissance Land-Mapping Device, known as GERALD.

Gameplay

The player controls GERALD which can take the form of an upturned pyramid, gyroscope and ball (the player can transform between the three to vary the physical characteristics of GERALD) around a series of linked isometric screens. The goal of the game is to collect all of the jewels (found throughout the game) in the allotted time and at the same time explore all the screens. Many of the screens have puzzles that need to be solved in order to obtain certain jewels and reach certain parts of the maze. The collection of a jewel is rewarded with a small increase in the time limit. If the player falls off the play area into space or too far (resulting in the destruction of GERALD) then they are docked some of their remaining time and GERALD is transported back to where it fell from. Once the player’s time runs out the game is over.

Puzzles

The puzzles to be found in "Spindizzy" vary and are all based around negotiating the isometric world the GERALD finds itself in, sometimes in order to reach certain jewels. Some are simplistic mazes that need to be negotiated. Others require a large amount of carefulness and reflexes from the player in guiding GERALD over precarious drops, sometimes on slanted platforms. There are also various lifts in the game-area that can be used to reach higher-up parts of some screens and that GERALD can activate by running-over the necessary marked-tiles.

Remakes

An unofficial remake of Spindizzy has been announced in the retrogaming community in 2006. This release will feature full 3D graphics, original and new maps, isometric and first-person viewpoints, a new original soundtrack and a map editor. The game will run on Linux, Windows and Mac OS X machines and the source code will be available. [ [http://indygamer.blogspot.com/2006/10/spindizzy-remake-preview.html Remake blog item] from Independent Gaming blogspot]

ee also

*Marble Madness

External links

*moby game|id=/spindizzy|name="Spindizzy"
*WoS game|id=0004756
* [http://www.lemon64.com/reviews/view.php?id=586 "Spindizzy" at Lemon64.com]
* [http://www.crashonline.org.uk/29/spindizzy.htm review of the ZX Spectrum version] from CRASH magazine
* [http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/spindizzy.htm review of the ZX Spectrum version] from Your Sinclair magazine
* [http://www.dadgum.com/halcyon/BOOK/SHIRLEY.HTM Interview with Paul Shirley]
* [http://west.club.fr/Nostalgie/spindizzy/spindizzy_e.html Map of Spindizzy]

References