Tanium _IKARI Commodore 64 game

Embark on a thrilling galactic adventure, equipped with a joystick and keys to navigate the cosmos. After triumphing over alien adversaries in Warhawk, Tanium offers a fresh challenge as players aim to reclaim the titular planet from mysterious foes, setting the stage for an epic comeback.

The game unfolds with a smooth left-to-right scrolling action, tasking players with skillfully avoiding or obliterating waves of relentless aliens. While the landscapes present no threat, encounters with enemies prove fatal. Each level culminates in a showdown against a swift, wriggling serpent, offering a satisfying conclusion to the intense combat.

An informative strip keeps players updated on their score and remaining ships, providing a strategic overview for the action-packed journey that lies ahead.

With its roots in Warhawk, I initially expected Tanium to surpass its predecessor. While not an immediate standout in the scrolling shoot 'em up genre, Tanium does offer engaging gameplay. Despite an initial challenge stemming from the ship's speed and blasting power, once players build up a formidable firing capability, the game becomes a tough yet enjoyable experience. While some sprites may seem familiar and sound effects are minimal, the overall gameplay is enough to justify the £1.99 investment.

Despite its monochromatic graphics failing to inject vitality into the game, Tanium falls short of its potential as a Delta variant due to a few frustrating flaws. The necessity of collecting weapons at precise moments dominates the gameplay, and failure to do so results in a swift Game Over. The loss of gained features with the ship adds an element of realism but may dampen the overall enjoyment. While mildly addictive for a brief period, the heightened difficulty can lead to moments of frustration, overshadowing the reasonably conceived but dull sprites and mediocre backdrops.

The absence of a two-player option is a drawback, but the standard controls and easy weapon selection contribute to a user-friendly experience. Despite a lack of a title tune, the game features feeble in-game effects. Nevertheless, the hookability factor remains strong, dependent on mastering alien formations and obtaining the right weapons for progress.

In conclusion, Tanium offers a reasonably playable shoot 'em up experience marred by its emphasis on playing sequences. While it may not reach the high standards set by its predecessor, the game's engaging elements and challenging gameplay make it a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts willing to navigate through its minor shortcomings.