''Denizen'' is an action

computer game Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device to gener ...

published by

Players Software Interceptor Micros, also known as Interceptor Software and later as Interceptor Group, was a British developer/publisher of video games for various 8-bit and 16-bit computer systems popular in Western Europe during the eighties and early nineti ...

1988 File:1988 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The oil platform Piper Alpha explodes and collapses in the North Sea, killing 165 workers; The USS Vincennes (CG-49) mistakenly shoots down Iran Air Flight 655; Australia celebrates its Australian ...

for the

ZX Spectrum The ZX Spectrum () is an 8-bit computing, 8-bit home computer that was developed by Sinclair Research. It was released in the United Kingdom on 23 April 1982, and became Britain's best-selling microcomputer. Referred to during development as t ...

Gameplay

''Denizen'' is a science-fiction action flip-screen maze game, with a top-down perspective. The player controls a marine, with the aim of detonating twenty explosive bolts on each of three levels. The marine is armed with a rifle and is initially supplied with 99 bullets. The player can only move orthogonally, in half-tile steps. Each screen may contain one or more enemies, who move toward the marine in a straight line until they reach an obstacle. The enemies attack the player merely by contact, draining the character's health in a manner similar to ''

Gauntlet Gauntlet or the gauntlet may refer to: Common uses *Gauntlet (glove), protective gloves used as a form of armor *Running the gauntlet, a form of physical punishment Arts, entertainment, and media Fictional characters *Gauntlet (comics), a Marvel ...

''.''Denizen'' review from ''Sinclair User'', May 1988, pp 44 Each enemy requires two bullets to destroy. Health is regenerated by returning to the marine's start point on each level. If he is out of ammunition, this also supplies him with a single bullet. Items that can be collected include single-use keycards to open locked doors, ammunition, and a torch which allows better vision in dark areas.

Reception

''Denizen'' received poor reviews, with criticism being levelled at the slow character movement. The weapon firing mechanism was a particular complaint; "The self-loading 'Quick Kill' rifle... is anything but quick",''Denizen'' review; ''CRASH'' May 1988, pp83 " he rifleacts in the manner of an aerosol gun, two slow puffs and off goes yer fly". The gameplay itself was described as a "dull maze plod" with unresponsive and repetitive action.''Denizen'' review; ''Your Sinclair'' issue 31, pp78 However, all the reviewers highlighted the colourful, detailed graphics, with presentation comparable with Players' previous titles.

References

{{reflist 1988 video games Video games developed in the United Kingdom ZX Spectrum games ZX Spectrum-only games Action games