Cylu: reviews

Review of "Cylu" from Sinclair User #42 (September 1985):

ACCEPT the challenge. Dive into the bowels of a Spectrum and enter a purple
world strongly reminiscent of Ultimate=92s "Alien 8". In fact, game play is
just the same too.
  The Ostans need a new leader and to show your cunning, wit and logic, you
are dumped into a computer to prove yourself. Twenty-four objects, including
books and microdrives, must be collected and deposited at the I/O unit - the
starting point.
  Many objects are hidden behind walls and approach from different angles is
necessary to collect them. Only five objects can be carried at a time
resulting in many trips back to the start.
  A map is essential if you are to conserve fuel which quickly runs dry.
Fuel containers are scattered in the early stages of the game - cunningly
hidden amongst the debris. In later stages you will have to find the RFL -
master refuel unit - which can be carried around and used when necessary.
  Pick up all the silicon chips. They neutralise the forcefields which block
many paths through the maze. The fields are also numbered which helps with
the map-making.
  Further aid comes in the shape of a teleport network, which when accessed,
will jump you to different sections. The only difficulty lies in finding the
key to it. Return to base - RTB - takes you straight back to the I/O unit.
However, if you carry the RTB and RFL, you will only be able to pick up
three other objects.
  The graphics, though well defined, are not as highly polished nor as
detailed as those in Ultimate=92s masterpiece. You control a walking turtle
shell - a many faceted blob - which is difficult to recognise when first
playing the game.
  Firebird says "Cylu" was a borderline case for its Gold range and if the
similarities to "Alien 8" where not so apparent it would have made it.
However, it is an excellent copy, enjoyable and great value, and probably
the best and most playable game in the Silver range.
=20
															  Clare Edgeley

Publisher: Firebird
Price: =A32.50
Memory: 48K
Vote: **** (Out of 5, meaning: "Value for money")