Operation: GAMMA VELORUM, Part Three by Quantum P.

Title Screen

October was a very quiet month on the ZZT front, and only a few games were released. Noteable among these were the zany and thoroughly disorientating Piromaze by Piroteckkie, SolidFrog's puzzle game H20 Revolution, and an interesting fantasy romp called The Guardian. But out on top came Quantum P., winner of June's MTP, with the third part of his epic sci-fi series: Operation: GAMMA VELORUM, Part Three.

In this episode, we find out what happens to Meagan after she was wounded in Part Two. She is discovered alive and well by Arcturus and Cor in an abandoned spaceship in an isolated area of space.

Space Truckin'

Wounded Meagan

Along the way, you will frantically dodge meteors, discover an unnervingly powerful-looking weapon of mass destruction, and attempt to dock a spacecraft. There is also another Wartorn-style RPG battle. The engines are cleverly done and virtually error-free, if occasionally a little difficult to understand for the average ZZT game-playing goon.

The game is really an interactive cinema, using well-drawn (once again) characters in well-themed environments. Quantum has quite clearly demonstrated he is above and beyond your average ZZT artist, although ESP is coming soon ...

Whether through my own advice or his own choice, Quantum even decided to try his hand at a little music. He needs to learn a few tricks of the trade, but the music was otherwise quite reasonable and enhanced the tense atmosphere in some parts of the game.

Finding a Cannon

In fact, the only severe problem with the game is that it gets boring. The story is not particularly eventful (though I was pleased to see a brief moment of light cast on the developing relationship between Cor and Meagan) and at times the purpose of some of the characters' actions is unclear. Regrettably, Quantum's artistry for playable boards has deteriorated. One gets the feeling he is actually uncomfortable programming scenes which actively involve the player; he makes cutscene after cutscene after cutscene.

I also cannot see any significant conflict/resolution plot building up. The only character relationship I am looking forward to seeing more of is that of Arcturus and Meagan; the rather bland personality of Cor makes me question his status as the story's main character.

This scores slightly less than Quantum P.'s original game, simply because the plot development I expected from it is simply not happening. There may be a shock conclusion coming ... but for the moment, down from eight to seven.

7 / 10