Admiral Software took on the interesting task of both creating and publishing Dalek Attack, a single player platform game based on the old science fiction series, Dr. Who. It was released in October of 1992 and is appropriate for gamers of all ages, despite the fact that the PBS series was more adult oriented. Dalek Attack was available on multiple platforms beyond the home computer, including the Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST.
As mentioned above, Dalek Attack is based on the British science fiction television series.
Within the series, the Daleks are a type of beast created by the evil mastermind of Davros, who will actually appear in the game as one of the big bosses. The premise of the game will see the user trying to stop Davros from taking over the world by utilizing his evil creations. Davros is hoping to use Earth as a Dalek production factory and Dr. Who will have to travel back in time through the classic police phone booth to the moment when the invasion began and thwart it.
Dalek Attack plays like a pretty standard platform game, with the doctor blasting away at the aliens and advancing from level to level. It is very smoothly animated and the action is
fast-paced, although the graphics are somewhat murky, ala the nineties. The sound is mainly comprised of shooting noises as the doctor attacks wave after wave of Daleks (and the few other alien-esque enemies that are present). You will also occasionally hear the high-pitched squeal of the Dalek: “Exterminate!!”
Dalek Attack does offer a two player mode, which is a bit more fun than the single player offering. Still, it plays the same, only two characters are jumping, climbing and shooting their way along. The second player will play as either Doctor Who’s companion, Ace, or a Unit soldier. The initial player can choose to be the Second, Fourth, or Seventh Doctor, which will make sense for fans of the show. For gamers just looking to do a little shooting, don’t worry about. The choice of character is mainly for sentimental or aesthetic purposes and really does not effect the game play.
Overall, Dalek Attack is standard platforming fun with a smooth scroll and decent animations. It is obviously going to be worth a lot more to fans of the old television series, which is not to say that other people cannot enjoy it for its classic goodness, also.
