BEDLAM.F4CG Commodore 64 game

As you navigate through Bedlam's virtual realm, you'll quickly discover that it's more than just another obscure space shooter. The game puts you in the cockpit of a spaceship, pitting you against waves of foes. These alien adversaries, known for their relentless pursuit, can be particularly vexing, with homing bullets proving to be the most formidable challenge.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the game is its control scheme. Moving sideways feels considerably faster than moving backward or forward, which can be a hindrance when evading swarms of enemy spacecraft.

At the conclusion of many levels, you'll face off against formidable mother ships, formidable adversaries that are challenging to vanquish. Only when their eyes are fully open can you take them down, earning a hefty bonus and temporary invincibility in return.

While "Bedlam" may not push the envelope in terms of graphics and gameplay, it offers a competent rendition of the classic vertically scrolling shoot 'em up. The realistic 3-D effects and smooth scrolling are noteworthy, and the game even comes with a delightful pinball bonus stage.

In a gaming landscape filled with generic plotlines about saving the universe, "Bedlam" stands out. However, it's far from captivating, and you might find yourself wishing for a bit more originality in the narrative. Perhaps it's time for game developers to embrace simplicity and focus on the shooting action. I could certainly live with that.

"Bedlam" is an enjoyable yet unremarkable shooter, but the inclusion of the entertaining pinball bonus game makes the overall package worthwhile. Ferdy Hamilton certainly found it worth his time.