Knot in 3D
| Knot in 3D | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Malcolm Evans |
| Publisher(s) | New Generation Software |
| Platform(s) | ZX Spectrum |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Action |
Knot in 3D is a ZX Spectrum action game by Malcolm Evans published in 1983 by New Generation Software. It resembles a three-dimensional (i.e. with three degrees of freedom instead of only two) version of the Light cycles game from the film Tron.
Gameplay[edit]
The game takes place in a 16 × 16 × 16 three-dimensional grid with the display being a first-person view of what the player can see in front of them. Initially empty, this space is filled up by the player (who constantly moves forward) leaving a trail behind them. There are a number of computer-controlled "chasers" doing the same thing who leave a differently coloured trail behind them. As the player and the chasers move through the grid, it becomes more and more densely filled, and therefore there is a greater likelihood of crashing into a trail and need to change direction to avoid the trails.
Reception[edit]
Crash magazine commented that it was hard to see how Knot worked at first, but described it as extraordinary and addictive.[1] ZX Computing also said that Knot was initially confusing until the player is used to the perspective. The graphics were highlighted as some of the best fast-action colour graphics on the ZX Spectrum.[2]
In 1997, Next Generation reflected on Knot in 3D as "a landmark title blighted by the inability of most players to think in terms of three dimensions fast enough."[3]
In 1991 Your Sinclair magazine ranked the game 60th in their top 100 Spectrum games of all time.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ "Living Guide". CRASH (1). February 1984.
- ^ "Software Reviews". ZX Computing (8310): 20. October 1983.
- ^ "Towards Reality: The Rise of 3D Gaming". Next Generation. No. 37. Imagine Media. January 1998. p. 79.
- ^ "Top 100 Spectrum games of all time". Your Sinclair (70). 1991.
External links[edit]
- Knot in 3D at SpectrumComputing.co.uk
- New Generation Software tribute created by Malcolm's daughter Rachel (archived)