BARGAIN BASEMENT
GOING DOWN
Another trip to the netherworld of cheapies with Mr Stingebucket himself, Marcus Berkmann! (Where's that cheque? MB)
Ocean
£2.99
Reviewer: Marcus Berkmann
Back in 1985 when it first appeared, this was the business. Time, though, has been as cruel as ever, and now it looks a little seedy and well past its sell-by date. All the running events require simple waggling of the joystick - a craze amongst gamers during that period that must have seen off more sticks than a bonfire. Certainly, after Daley's Decath, you too feel as though you have been running and jumping and throwing things all day, and if you want unnaturally developed wrists, and huge pulsating muscles between your fingers, then go ahead by all means. For the long jump and the throwing events, it all comes down to achieving a launch at 45° (or as near as possible) and getting as close to the lines as possible. Pretty skilful, huh? No. the game is pretty impressive for a four years old, but has long been superseded by other games (many of them called Daley Thompson's...). For sport sim freaks only.
Dave: Daley's Decathlon is, of course, one of the several attempts to transfer the arcade game Track and Field onto the Spectrum. In fact, it's just about the best attempt so far. The object of the game (in case there's anyone out there who doesn't know!!) is to compete in each of the ten decathlon events scoring points for speed, height jumped and so on.
In the running events movement is accomplished, as usual, by either hitting two keys alternately or wiggling a joystick back and forth; a further key is used to throw or jump in the other events. Graphically, Decathlon is very good, the only problem being the rather stiff running motions of your man. Ocean's logo scrolls past at the top and a crowd applauds when you do well. Although there are a few small bugs (for example, I have it from a reliable source that it's possible to clear over 400 metres in the long jump!) the game simulates all of the events very well; including an energy limit on the 1500m.
For anyone on the look-out for a Track and Field-type game, this is the best buy at the moment. 4/5 HIT
Ross: Certainly the best track and field game for the Spectrum, although it doesn't contain some of the nicer touches in other versions. 3.5/5 HIT
Roger: Put a few quid in a deserving shamateur's pocket. After all, our boy Daley must've flogged the right to use his name. Good luck to 'im, too, because Decathlon earns its keep in screen time and gave me a lot of much-needed exercise. 3/5 HIT
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