Grav

Downlow on Brownlow

I've had Grav on my bucket list for far too long. Like many, it's something that I fondly remember and wanted to share with those who may have missed it. Grav is a game similar to Oids, Thrust, and Rotor. However, it wasn't commercial, but rather shareware, released by Martin Brownlow in 1991. Now that's impressive.

The story goes that something evil is going about conquering galaxies and now has its eyes on ours. This predictably evil creature has arrived at Earth, so rather than wait for our demise, we are tasked with a preemptive strike attack at two of its secret bases. Each is split into four separate missions, and we can choose either to do first. Every mission has a briefing; always read that before attempting the challenge. Completing all the levels wins the game and sends whatever this evil entity is back to its own galaxy.

Fancy a quick break? I hope so because I have some screenshots on their way...

The start screen - read the briefing and use its craft options wisely.

Wait, STOP!! Don't shoot that generator because we only have half a tank of fuel.

Phew! I wasn't an idiot after all... That blue glow means I'm refueling.

Gimme that joystick!

Before diving into the main game, I recommend starting with the three training missions. As you begin, you'll notice key information at the bottom of the screen: your score, unused bombs, fuel level, shield strength, and remaining lives. These training levels are designed to help you get familiar with the controls, understand the typical cavern layout, and learn about the dangerous enemies you'll face. The controls are similar to other shooters: Left and Right rotate your craft, Up activates thrust, and Down is something you need later. Tap the fire button to shoot, or hit the Spacebar to launch a powerful bomb - perfect for tougher foes.

Each cavern has a myriad of hostile objects that the enemy has planted in various locations. Turrets are everywhere and fire constantly, while other hazards like Repulsors push your ship away. (Yes, there are Attractors too, pulling you in). Later levels introduce new and improved turrets that fire more rapidly. Another enemy launches homing bombs that seek you out - so shoot them first. The base cannot be destroyed until its bay doors are open. Additionally, don’t go around blowing up everything without thinking. Remember that fuel gauge at the bottom of the screen? You’ll need it. Generators - oddly enough - refuel your ship when you land near them. So maybe don’t shoot those straight away, not until you've robbed them of their worth!

Always begin your game by reading the mission briefing; it instructs you exactly what is required to beat each level. What I didn't expect was the "Review Craft" option, which allows you to use a limited supply of "resource points" to upgrade your craft. This is similar to Rotor but much better and feels part of the game rather than a bolt-on. It's here you get the opportunity to make several adjustments to the controls...

• Impact Shields - to protect from enemy fire (1 point)
• Turn Rate - alter the rotational speed (0 points, so use it)
• Shot Power - costs the most and is possibly overrated at the start (5 points)
• Vane Strength - for better landings (2 points)
• Thrust - for a speedier ship, but practice first! (0 points)

I'm sure you are ready for a screenshot break before the gripping conclusion? Here you are then...

Beginning the first stage, and it's tough from the get-go!

Turrets are firing from both sides, so don't dawdle!

I made it up, and instantly, a hidden turret appeared. I was quick (for once) and shot it!

CryptO'pinion

Let's be honest, for a shareware game, GRAV rocks. It's absolutely superb and almost up there with its commercial siblings, which is quite incredible when you think about it. I adored being able to alter the ship's mechanics (I preferred to reduce the turn whilst increasing the thrust and improving the shields). However, nothing can completely compensate for my gaming skills, but Grav sure tries its hardest. Ha!

It's not all roses, as I found the cavern designs harder than I first imagined. Boy, are there some tight spaces to try and navigate? Not to mention if near a Repulsor, that made it nigh on impossible for me to pass. Also, I hated having to restart from the beginning after dying. My last moan is about the audio - I find it odd that the ship makes no thrusting sound. Everything else makes a sound, yet the engine is eerily silent.

Like the other games previously mentioned, Grav is another "Gravitar" game to gleefully add to our catalogue. It's great to play with smooth scrolling and sampled sound effects. Plus, I loved the little touches - like being able to intercept enemy fire, making use of training missions, and reconfiguring your craft. The only thing is, it's very tough. Are you a good enough pilot to take on this challenge? I hope so because this is a damn fine shooter. Although I shall never have the skills to complete it, I rate Grav an alien-splattering 80%.

• Slap it onto your hard drive https://atari.8bitchip.info/SCRSH/grav.html
• Awesome/Elite has a great disk https://dev.atarilegend.com/games/grav
• Fantastic game maps by SToS https://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.php?p=479534#p479534
• Check out this video by Rob Capper https://youtu.be/DNT2aR06MaU?si=i4e3aisffiTVme_v

Yet another tight space to try and navigate through without embarrassingly dying!

Another tricky maneuver is needed here...

Being shot at from all angles, and then I noticed that bomb-launcher up there!!