The Prodigy (NSC) Commodore 64 game

PRODIGY: A Critical Review

"THAT'S ME?"

Embark on an electric journey in Mechworld with Prodigy, a game priced at £9.99 for cassette, £14.99 for disk, complete with joystick and keys. On Mechworld, life is automated, with even ants functioning as machines. The powerful computer systems dream of organic life, and in the mechlabs, Machine Sorcerer Wardlock has made this dream a reality.

In the confines of Wardlock's labs, Solo the Syntleman, a synthetic humanoid, and Nejo, a humanoid baby, find themselves imprisoned. Solo realizes that a lab experiment has destined them to a life under examination until death. To escape, Solo plans to distract the Sorcerer with confusing data, allowing him and Nejo to make their getaway and explore the world before further experimentation.

Take on the role of Solo, navigating the maze-like mechlabs to find security units that disable Wardlock's security system. Control Solo with the joystick, but be mindful of Nejo, the baby following closely. Attend to Nejo's needs, indicated at the top of the screen, while monitoring Solo's oxygen supply.

The central display features Wardlock's monitors, offering a forced-perspective 3D view of the captives, surroundings, and failed experiments like the Bloberites and Globewells. These obstacles impede progress, with repeated exposure leading to relocation in each zone.

The mechlabs consist of four zones: Ice, Vegie, Tech, and Fire. A teleport system expedites movement between them by entering its chambers.

However, Prodigy falls short in implementation. Gameplay is slow, repetitive, and overly packed, while the graphics fail to engage players. Awkward controls exacerbate the issues, especially when dealing with the challenging task of guiding the troublesome child. Overall, Prodigy lacks appeal, offering a frustrating experience that may not resonate with many players.

Reviewer comments:

• "Here we go again, great concept, bad implementation."
• "Too much crammed into it, slow and repetitive gameplay, unappealing graphics."
• "Awkward control method and challenging child-following mechanics."
• "Frustrating gameplay, difficult maneuvers, and unplayable in some instances."
• "Lacks thoughtful gameplay; could have been better with more consideration."
• "Not recommended unless desperate for a forced perspective maze game."

Rating breakdown:

• Presentation: 65% (Sparse instructions but good in-game presentation.)
• Graphics: 60% (Reasonable definition, unconvincing forced perspective.)
• Sound: 45% (Fair title tune, little in terms of spot effects.)
• Hookability: 34% (Fiddly controls immediately off-putting.)
• Lastability: 45% (Large playing area if one can endure the challenges.)
• Value: 31% (£10 is steep for a monotonous and unplayable game.)
• Overall: 40% (An interesting concept marred by severe playability problems.)