ANTS LOST by ZXKerl

 

ANTS LOST by ZXKerl for ZX Spectrum 48K

   We are in luck, because before the best competition ends its current edition, we have received another contribution from the imaginative ZXKerl. We remain in the world of insects, but this time he teaches us something surprising about ants.

   And no, it's not related to the best 3D game ever made:

   It's a phenomenon known as the Ant Mill or Ant Death Spiral.

   "An ant mill is an observed phenomenon in which a group of army ants, separated from the main foraging party, lose the pheromone track and begin to follow one another, forming a continuously rotating circle. This circle is commonly known as a "death spiral" because the ants might eventually die of exhaustion." - Wikipedia

(not an actual ant mill, but looks good)

   So, now know more about ants and continue to be amazed by ZXKerl's inventiveness.

   The concept of circles leads me to play the song Circles:

"                                   

                                                               "

 - Joe Satriani (it is instrumental)

   OK, OK, I'll have to choose another one:

"I got ants in my pants

And I need to dance

Come on

I got ants in my pants

And I need to dance

Some big fine mama

Come and give me a chance"

- James Brown

   Aware of the traditional difficulty of ZXKerl games, I am ready to load it.

   Hmmm...

   So?

   I must admit that it took me a while to figure out how to play. It's simple, but, as I feared, extremely difficult. 

   The force that will save the ants (the coloured number 8s) is the yellow cross that we must place equidistant between one of the insects and the blank number that identifies its colour. Luckily, ZXKerl has been merciful and has kept the numbers that identify the colours according to Sinclair's team. Once in the middle, we create a circle that connects the ant with its colour number. These circles are impregnated with pheromones that will help the six-legged creature find its way and save its life. Sounds simple, right? It's not, because the ants don't stay still and our rescue system moves rather slowly. A slight acceleration in the emulator improves things. But don't be fooled, the difficulty remains.

   After many frustrating attempts, I have discovered that you can be a big-hearted entomologist without lifting a finger. Since ants move erratically (very well coded, indeed), they will eventually come into contact with the number that corresponds to their colour and will be able to return to servitude to the anthill as non-individual parts of a higher being. Sometimes this earns you points and sometimes it doesn't, but you are left with the satisfaction of having done good.

   All right then, everyone into the anthill: Imagination and inventiveness in the form of a game is what once again characterises this contribution from ZXKerl. Fun? Yes. Difficult? Also yes. Someone should volunteer to make the UDGs for him! I recommend playing it.

P.D.: If Ants Lost has sparked your curiosity to learn more about the world of ants without having to study biology or dive into a sea of scientific articles, this novel is perfect for you:

Scrambled Smile: 6/10

Broccoli and Squid Yoghourt: 3/10

Deep Fried Ice Cream: 7/10

Strawberry Monosodium Glutamate: 7/10

Affable Hot Chocolate Sauce: 5/10