Gear up for a rollicking ride through the galaxy as we explore 'Liberator' on the Commodore 16. This side-scrolling shoot'em up is a cosmic comedy of errors and mayhem, where the fate of Earth rests on your trigger-happy fingers. Developed by the mysteriously named D. R. Gamon and unleashed upon the world by the equally mysterious Magnificent 7 Software in 1987, this game is a hilarious blast from the past.
Release Date and Developers
Picture it - 1987. A time when mullets were the height of fashion, and 'Liberator' made its grand entrance into the gaming scene. Priced at a budget-friendly £1.99, it was a steal for a ticket to the cosmic circus.
D. R. Gamon, our elusive gaming genius, crafted a space opera that's part comedy and part chaos. And if that's not intriguing enough, it was also later published by Alternative Software Limited. With a name like that, you know you're in for something out of this world.
The Plot
The premise is as epic as it is absurd - Earth is on the brink of doom, thanks to the menacing Alien Anconian Fleet. The Motherships are closing in, and your only hope is a Liberator Strike Craft. As you fly your Liberator over the Mother-ships, your mission is to destroy gun emplacements, dodge enemy ships, and ultimately, start a meltdown in their reactors.
Gameplay
Lose a life, and you won't have to start from scratch - it's a miracle! You do need to keep an eye on your fuel level, though. Run out, and it's game over. But don't worry, you can refuel by flying through pulsating fuel tunnels, because apparently, that's how intergalactic fuel works.
The Graphics and Sound
The graphics are as good as it gets for the Commodore 16, with the occasional flicker that makes you wonder if it's the aliens or your screen glitching. There's no music, but who needs it when you're battling aliens in space? The basic sound effects do the job, even if they don't quite hit the high notes.
The Difficulty Factor
The difficulty? Well, it's like trying to figure out if your spaceship's cup holder can also be used for storing interstellar snacks. Some may find it challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be laughing your way through the cosmos. And here's a little secret - auto-fire is your best friend.
Finale-o-rama
In conclusion, 'Liberator' on the Commodore 16 is a cosmic carnival of hilarity and chaos. It's a game where mayhem meets strategy, and laughter is your only defense against the Anconian Fleet. So, prepare for cosmic clowning, load up on space snacks, and get ready for an intergalactic escapade that's not naff at all!
