Tubular Worlds

Tubular Worlds is a fairly popular shareware side-scrolling shooter that unfortunately is never well-known in the United States.

The game features veriety of weapons and enemies in 4 different episodes totalling 16 levels. As the official page describes the plot: "You play the role of a senior cadet at the country's elite school for fighter pilots. Your final exam involves flying the gauntlet of four virtual cyber worlds and destroying the Warlords encountered there. Be warned! At the end of each combat segment a very powerful Warlord will be waiting for you!" Banal, surely, but a plot isn't what great shooters are made of, and fortunately Tubular Worlds is no exception.

Gameplay is definitely a cut above average shooters, which is a pleasant surprise given that it was marketed as a shareware title. The game sports very good graphics, excellent controls, nice sound effects and overall good level design. Weapons come in a wide variety, and you can even configure them (as opposed to new powerups overriding whichever weapon you were using before). The game is a bit repetitive in mid-game, though, and your ship can die from a single shot (from a powerful enemy).

Still, there's enough to please shooter fans here that makes Tubular Worlds well worth a look. Two thumbs up!

Review By HOTUD