1985: The Day After

1985: The Day After is a gravity-based space action game set in a post-Orwellian future. Big Brother's control has been destroyed, and mankind must survive by collecting nuclear energy pods scattered across planets. You pilot a defenseless spacecraft through eight challenging levels, navigating narrow caverns and planetary surfaces using rotation and thrust controls. Collect all energy pods on each world to escape to the next, while resisting gravity and inertia. The title references George Orwell's 1984 novel, setting a dystopian atmosphere throughout your mission.

ZX Spectrum

Released in 1985 by Mastertronic and developed by Severn Software, this Spectrum interpretation delivers a unique side-scrolling perspective where screens scroll in blocks as your ship reaches the edges. The loading screen features nice artwork with a spacecraft and blue accents. Gameplay handles colour clash well for the system, with the spacecraft rotating extremely quickly during navigation. Terrain across four planets spans twelve levels of challenging cavern exploration. The beeper sound effects are memorable but relentless—a constant siren repeats throughout, accompanied by tapping thrust effects. The demanding gravity physics and unforgiving gameplay make it a test of patience, but those who persevere will find a budget classic that stands among Mastertronic's most ambitious early releases.