PIEPATI by Ale

 

PIEPATI by Ale for ZX Spectrum 48K

   Here we are again, marvelling at the boundless imagination of our talented participants. This time we received a game based on the well-known ‘rock, paper, scissors’. As the author is Spanish, I gather that the name of the game comes precisely from ‘PEI-dra’ (rock), ‘PA-pel’ (paper), ‘TI-jera’ (scissors). The budget for imagination ended up being spent on developing the game, and nothing else.

   It should be noted that the game was developed entirely on the qaop online emulator. Our collaborator is certainly brave and determined.

   The game welcomes us with a screen of instructions, which I will now translate.

Rock, paper, or scissors fall. If rock falls, you must intercept it with paper; if scissors fall, with rock; and if paper falls, with scissors. To change objects, press fire.

Keys
O left
P right

N, M or SPACE fire

Sinclair joystick port 1

Press fire to play

  So, fire I press.

   The setting is reminiscent of Tetris on the GameBoy, due to the bricks on the sides of the screen.

   At the top, we are informed of the remaining lives, the score, and the high score. One of the three elements that give the game its name falls from the sky (Vitalstatistix was right about something) and we have to eliminate it from existence by selecting the antagonistic element as indicated in the instructions for beings from another galaxy where this pastime is unknown.

   Cue the song.

"I wanna fall from the stars
Straight into your arms
I, I feel you
I hope you comprehend"

- Mick Hucknall

Goodbye, paper, good bye.

 The sprites are well drawn and the movement is smooth. You can also switch elements while moving. In short, it's highly playable.

  

   Any mistake will cost us one of our three lives.

   The famous rock, paper, scissors sandwich: A very simple yet perfectly presented game that invites you to play again and again. What's more, it's written in BASIC and doesn't need modern wizardry in the form of acceleration to maintain the arcade spirit. Well done!

Scrambled Smile: 2/10

Broccoli and Squid Yoghourt: 3/10

Deep Fried Ice Cream: 6/10

Strawberry Monosodium Glutamate: 7/10

Affable Hot Chocolate Sauce: 8/10