Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Binary Design, Ltd.
- Publishers: Quicksilva Ltd.
Glider Rider (1986)
Glider Rider is a classic ZX Spectrum game that combines motorcycle racing with hang gliding. It was developed by Raffaele Cecco and published by Codemasters in 1986. The game is set on a remote island, and the player must destroy the reactors on the island by dropping grenades on them. The reactors are defended by laser gun towers which can be temporarily disabled by disrupting their control towers.
The player’s character rides a machine which is a combination motorcycle and hang glider. By driving down a mountainside and suddenly reversing direction, the player can take to the air. He can fly in any direction, or lose height, but cannot climb higher. There are many mountains on the island to help him achieve flight. To destroy a reactor he must fly over it dropping grenades.
On touching ground the motorcycle is restored. If the player falls in the sea he will be eaten by sharks.
Glider Rider was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, graphics, and sound. The game was also ported to the Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC.
Gameplay
Glider Rider is a challenging and rewarding game. The player must carefully plan their approach to each reactor, taking into account the location of the laser gun towers and the terrain. The game also requires good timing and reflexes, as the player must drop their grenades at the right moment to destroy the reactors.
There are a total of 16 reactors on the island. Once all of the reactors have been destroyed, the player must fly to the exit point to complete the game.
Graphics and sound
Glider Rider has impressive graphics for a ZX Spectrum game. The island is rendered in great detail, and the explosions and other effects are well-animated. The game also has a catchy soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere.
Legacy
Glider Rider is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games of all time. It was one of the first games to combine multiple genres, and its innovative gameplay has been praised by critics and gamers alike. The game has also been cited as an influence on later games, such as the Grand Theft Auto series.
Conclusion
Glider Rider is a classic ZX Spectrum game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game with great graphics and sound. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then I highly recommend checking out Glider Rider.
Tips for playing Glider Rider
- Plan your approach to each reactor carefully. Take into account the location of the laser gun towers and the terrain.
- Time your drops carefully. You need to drop your grenades at the right moment to destroy the reactors.
- Use the mountains to gain height. This will help you to avoid the laser gun towers and reach the reactors more easily.
- Be careful not to fall in the sea. If you do, you will be eaten by sharks.
Additional information
- Glider Rider was one of the first games to be developed by Codemasters, who went on to become one of the most successful video game companies in the world.
- The game was originally going to be called “Eagle Rider”, but the name was changed to “Glider Rider” to avoid confusion with another game called “Eagle Rider” that was released in 1983.
- Glider Rider was ported to the Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC in 1987. The Commodore 64 version was developed by Raffaele Cecco, while the Amstrad CPC version was developed by David Whittaker.
- Glider Rider was re-released on the ZX Spectrum Next in 2018. The re-release includes a number of new features, such as improved graphics and sound, and a level editor.
Review Score
8/10
