The Windows based version of Glider is a silly little game that is based on a Macintosh hit bearing the same title. It is a very faithful conversion and is strongly reminiscent of the Mac version. Glider has an intriguing history, having started out as a shareware game that was completely void of color. It underwent several remakes and updates throughout the eighties, and eventually the world was given the version available for download here. The game was authored by John Calhoun, and was eventually published by Casady and Greene.
The marketed version was released in 1994.
The premise of Glider for Windows involves, of all things, a paper airplane or glider. The user pilots a paper airplane, which is a very unique idea. The flight model of the paper airplane is actually quite reflective of an actual paper airplane. The user is able to lift the airplane up and down, but offers no real control beyond that. The propulsion of the paper airplane will come from air currents that the user will have to locate and exploit. There are numerous sources of these currents, but the user will have to find them. There are open windows, fans, hot air vents and so forth. The overall goal is to find the open window
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and navigate the plane out of the house. You will have to avoid numerous obstacles along the way, mostly in the form of common household items such as balloons, furniture, sharp objects in general, and the dreaded paper shredder. To aid the little airplane on its mission, there will be a variety of power-ups scattered about the environment. These bonuses can increase the speed of the paper glider, offer the user rubber bands with which to shoot down the enemy, and of course, additional lives. The higher the level the user achieves, the more obstacles there will be to negotiate.
Glider for Windows is an interesting blend of flight simulation action and puzzle solving. It requires a grand mix of skills in order to be successful at this unique game. The user will have to have good reflexes in order to guide the plane, excellent timing to miss moving obstacles, and a strong strategic mind to navigate the ever changing air currents about the house. For a truly unique play, Glider for Windows has a lot to offer the casual gamer, and may be an excellent choice for the player looking for something different.
