Reviewed by: DNM
Developer: Digital Eel
Publisher: Cheapass Games

I've been looking for a simple game, one that I can fire up of a lunchtime at work for a quick fix, scoffing my sarnies and getting crumbs in the keyboard. A game where there's no need to save your game progress, and where everything is done and dusted in the space of 10 to 15 minutes, assuming you've been successful. Ladies and gents, I believe I have found that game. I give you Strange Adventures in Infinite Space (SAIS) from Digital Eel.

You'll be forgiven for taking a first look at SAIS and/or the screenies to your right and thinking 'What 8-bit emulator is this running on?', but to be honest that isn't too bad a comparison. No matter how much technology is thrown at games these days, nothing will ever touch the feeling and gameplay one could glean from those old computer games. Simplistic graphics, but utterly compelling gameplay is the order of the day. Don't get me wrong, SAIS is a cut above those old titles graphically and in audio, but it manages to ooze the type of addictive gameplay that is so sparse or missing from todays games. The younger generation would look at this paragraph and utterly disagree of course!

SAIS is set in the 22nd century, where you search the star systems of 'The Purple Void' in your exploration vessel, with a simple task of seeking out new technologies and lifeforms, fending off any hostile resistance along the way. Each game is set in a randomised solar system, this of course means that no two games are alike. You get an overall picture of this solar system complete will all the available planets you can visit, nebula you can attempt to traverse, and your home planet Hope, in the Glory system. The aim of the game is to scavenge the most valuable ship accessories, artifacts and lifeforms that you can find, all within the space of ten years, assuming you live to tell the tale! Once you return to Hope, the game ends, and you score gets added to the hi-score table. If you've got a minus sign next to it, then you've not done too well!

Navigating the system is simple, just click on the system/star you want to go to and away you jolly well go! Due to the random nature of the game your first planet could well have you running into a hostile alien race, and you will have to choose whether you want to engage in combat with them or in the words of the Python's galant knights 'Run Away!!!'. The system you visit may well just provide you with an artefact of varying worth, or maybe acquaint you with an alien race that will become your ally. The Klakar race are one of the most common you will come across, and are a useful trade source for more powerful thrust engines, weaponry etc..

This brings me to your standard equipped ship .. In short, it ain't gonna cut the mustard if you're to traverse the systems and get back to Hope within the 10 years allotted. It is purely a case of luck if you happen upon a thrust unit capable of twelve times the speed of light, to replace your creaking rig. Get one of these and you'll be hurtling through the star systems like lightning. Weapons upgrades are also invaluable if you are to conquer some of the more fierce alien races out there. It is also well advised to take up offers of alliance where offered, as they can be the first ones in to attack (and probably die!), but at least you can then wade in to finish the job. A particular favourite of mine is to have twin-multi missiles, throw in one or two allies and sit back while they reap destruction, while your missiles constantly bombard from a distance. Muhahahahahaha! Ahem.

There are lots of nice little touches, like the Timeless Bauble and discovering what this occasionally found artefact actually does. I won't spoil it for you, but it's these little patches of discovery that keep you playing and hoping you find new stuff not previously discovered. One of the more stupidly fascinating things I've found is when you find a derelict space hulk, waiting for your ship to float in and dock had me glued to the screen wondering if some nasty alien would suddenly appear on my screen, or whether the wait would be fruitless. Classic stuff.

For simple drop in, play a bit, drop out style gameplay SAIS is perfect. Difficulty can be modified to your own particular need in a three band easy, medium, hard selection. Eventually you will find that you settle into certain play patterns that more or less always apply to the random system you are playing in, but in reality this isn't the sort of game you are going to be playing day and night. It's a coffee break game. A game you can pick up on your portable on the train or quickly slam on while on the phone to someone you'd really rather not be talking to. Yes, I have done that!

If you're playing games purely on the strength of graphics and sound, then SAIS really isn't for you, but if you're into 'old skool' traditional gameplay and simple strategy concept then you will love it. It only costs $15 too, around eleven of your good old English pounds guv, which for the amount I've played it represents obscenely good value for money.

Oh, and the Yellow...... no, I can't tell you that, I'd have to kill you.

Presentation	0
Gameplay	0
Value	0
Benchmark	0
Score	8
Note: This review used the old ratings system and only the final score is applicable.