From: tazzzzz@quip.eecs.umich.edu (Kevin Dangoor)
Subject: Battlewheels
Organization: University of Michigan EECS Dept., Ann Arbor
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 19:36:37 GMT

Hi there!

	Some of you may have noticed the posting about Battlewheels a few
weeks ago (and the mention of it in a recent post that had a lot of stuff from
some BBS). Anyhow, I got my test copy of Battlewheels about a week ago and I
figured I'd post what I thought about it.
	A little bit of background, first. The concept of the game is a
spectator sport that takes place in a number of different arenas. Each arena
has its own layout of obstacles (generally rather sparse). Gameplay involves
driving around the arena and blasting other players with weapons that adorn
your car. If you get hit too many times, your car will catch fire, but the
game gives you a warning and you can jump out of the car. Once out of the car,
you can continue your fight on foot (you have four missiles and a machine
gun on foot).
	This game is, quite possibly, my favorite Lynx game (I own a couple
over twenty of the games and have tried them all). It scores big on multiplayer
action (6 player support that is really well done. If you have a bad comlynx
connection, it will put a "Check Comlynx" message on the screen instead of
just freezing like most games. Plus, you don't have to turn on your Lynxes
at the same time. Just as long as everyone is at the startup screen at the
same time, everyone is in the game!).
	The game also scores big on options. In "action" mode, there are
a number of different cars to choose from (this is a useful system for
handicapping. better players can get less equipped cars). You can add
computer players for a total of 6 total players. The computer players have
a number of different skill levels (they can go from being real wimps on
foot to kill-you-quickly tyrants). Once you've mastered action mode, you
can move on to custom mode.
	Custom mode adds another dimension to the game strategy. You get a
certain amount of money with which to buy cars (this is a settable option).
You can then start with a basic package, and add on options to your tastes.
Budget wisely so that you have enough to buy a car later. Fighting on foot
is not very easy. In between rounds, you have to repurchase equipment unlike
during action mode when you automatically are given the equipment.
	Another interesting aspect to custom mode is how you collect money
during the game. You get money for each kill, plus there is bonus money
available in moneybags scattered in the arenas. The tricky thing about the
moneybags is that you have to get out of your car, pick it up and get back
in. This can be very deadly if there is anyone near you. An arena called
"The Bank" has a section in the middle that can only be entered by players
on foot. That's probably one of the safest places to go for money (and its
probably the safest level for people who have lost their cars in battle).
	Combat takes place in a first person perspective. The A button fires
the currently selected weapon (more on weapons in a moment). The B button
(in combination with a direction) will display other views. Without using
a direction, B will show you a radar map (which can be disabled for challenging
play). B+up will give you a status display about your car (the most useful
piece of information here is the color coded representation of your cars
armor. When it's red, you better be sure you don't get hit there again!).
Option 1 (plus a direction) is used to select weapons. You car has weapons
all over the place. Option 1 + up will switch between your different forward
weapons. Option 1 + right will switch between the different weapons on the
right side of your car. Holding down option 2 will let you leave your car.
	There are a number of different weapons. Missiles, mines and machines
guns are commonly used for damaging the opponents. One interesting weapon is
paint (mounted on the back of your car). If you're a good shot, you'll
cover the enemy's windshield with paint and they won't be able to see you
(in order to fix this, they have to exit their car and get back in... a
dangerous maneuver).
	Finally, something I left out about multiplayer action... You can
select a team play mode (red team vs. white team). Kills are collected on
a team-wide basis.
	This game comes highly recommended. If you're into multiplayer action
you HAVE to get this game (which I believe is supposed to be widely available
next month). Single player, it is still a game with a lot to offer. I don't
think this description of the game really does it justice. It's a fun game
with a lot of options to keep it interesting.

...Kev

Summary: Battlewheels (from Beyond Games) is an excellent game. Great single
player action and even better multiplayer (6-player) action.

P.S. I have no affiliation with Beyond Games other than responding to their
playtesting offer.

-- 
Kevin (Tazzzzz) Dangoor          \ Locomotive (adj): powered by insanity.
University of Michigan           / 
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA         \ This ultraDeluxe powerpack sig has 50% less
internet: tazzzzz@eecs.umich.edu / saturated sponge than the competing brands!
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