Buck Rogers - Planet of Zoom

Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom is a third-person rail shooter set in the 25th century, based on the classic comic strip character . You pilot a space fighter through five levels of increasing difficulty, each divided into five rounds . The first three rounds take place on the planet's surface, where you must fly through electrically charged posts while avoiding alien ships and Space Hoppers . The last two rounds move into space, first facing waves of enemy fighters, then a final battle against the hostile carrier mothership . The mothership can only be destroyed by hitting its centre and awards 20,000 points plus a full fuel refill . Your ship has adjustable speed and altitude, with fuel consumption decreasing at higher speeds . Colliding with any obstacle costs a life . Every 20,000 points grants an extra ship .

Commodore 64

The C64 version was originally published by Sega in North America on cartridge in 1983, then later in Europe by U.S. Gold on cassette and disk . Gameplay consists of five difficulty grades with identical round structures but faster enemies and more obstacles per level . The graphics feature spatial depth and correctly simulate approaching gates and enemies, though sprites appear somewhat "blocky" . Sound is used very restrainedly . A noteworthy detail is that the game was originally programmed for the VIC-20 on a 16KB cartridge, and the C64 version shares strong visual similarities with its predecessor rather than fully utilising the C64's hardware capabilities . Zzap!64 reviewed the US Gold release in May 1985 . While considered dated by 1985 standards, the game retains an old-school charm .