Summary

Release Year: 1985
Genres: Arcade, Platform
Platforms: Acorn Electron, Amstrad CPC, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
Developers: Catalyst Coders
Publishers: Melbourne House

Gyroscope (1985): A Forgotten Gem of Isometric 3D Gaming

Released in 1985, Gyroscope is an isometric 3D maze game that was heavily inspired by the Atari arcade classic Marble Madness. The player controls a spinning gyroscope and must guide it from the top of a course to the bottom within an allotted time limit. If the gyroscope topples off the edge, a life is lost. Hazards on the course include potholes, aliens, and glass slopes which cause the gyroscope to spin in random directions. There are five courses comprising four screens each. The gyroscope must land on a marked square to complete each level.

Gyroscope was developed by British studio Psygnosis and published by Atari Games. It was released in arcades and on home computers such as the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC. The game was a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative gameplay and impressive graphics.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Gyroscope is very similar to Marble Madness. The player controls a gyroscope from a third-person perspective and must navigate it through a series of increasingly difficult mazes. The gyroscope can be moved in any direction, but it will continue to spin in the same direction until it hits an obstacle. This spinning motion can make it difficult to control the gyroscope, especially on narrow ledges or when trying to avoid hazards.

The goal of each level is to reach the bottom of the maze within the time limit. The player must also collect keys to unlock doors and avoid hazards such as potholes, aliens, and glass slopes. If the gyroscope topples off the edge of the maze or runs out of time, a life is lost. The game is over when the player loses all of their lives.

Graphics

Gyroscope was one of the first games to use isometric 3D graphics. This gave the game a unique and immersive look that set it apart from other games of the time. The mazes are rendered in bright neon colors and the gyroscope is a smooth, metallic sphere. The game also features some impressive special effects, such as the way the gyroscope spins and the way the aliens move.

Sound

The sound in Gyroscope is simple but effective. The game features a catchy title screen tune and a variety of sound effects that help to create a sense of atmosphere. The sound of the gyroscope spinning is particularly distinctive and adds to the game’s overall charm.

Legacy

Gyroscope was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy sound. The game was also ported to a number of home computers, which helped to introduce it to a wider audience.

Gyroscope has been cited as an influence on a number of later games, including Super Monkey Ball and Marble Blast Ultra. The game’s unique gameplay and isometric 3D graphics have also made it a popular choice for retro gamers.

Conclusion

Gyroscope is a forgotten gem of isometric 3D gaming. It is a challenging and addictive game that offers a unique and immersive experience. If you’re a fan of Marble Madness or other classic arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Gyroscope.

Review Score

8/10

Developer: Catalyst Coders

Gyroscope (1985)