Difference between revisions of "Codename MAT"

Revision as of 07:51, 4 May 2011

Codename MAT Release 1984 Publisher Amsoft Developer Micromega Programmer Derek Brewster Musician None Artist Derek Brewster Genre Shoot-em-up (3D) Players 1P Only Controls Language Media Compatability 464, 664, 6128 & Plus Magazine Reviews N/A - ACU 01, 4/5 - ACU 05, 71% - AA 001, 74% - Amtix 01 Information

Overview

One of the first 'almost' 3D space games: Easily playable, with a dozen or so controls for flying a ship (the Centurian) against a fleet of Myon vessels which are invading the solar system.

Although not on a par with the likes of Elite, it was playable (and had an ending). There were a few very minor bugs in the programming but these had no effect on the playability.

The game was very tricky to get to grips with thanks to the vast array of keyboard controls to compliment the joystick/cursor control of the ship. Perseverence was key, however, and a complex but fun game was to be found inside.

Plot

Codename MAT - MISSION: ALIEN TERMINATION - the desperate plan to place in the mind of a teenager the combined tactical skills of all the planetary leaders in the solar system. MAT is mankind's last hope.

For decades the Myons have sought to dominate the Solar System, whose fleets are now ragged and depleted. They have launched an all-or-nothing attack, knowing that Earth is developing revolutionary space-craft. Only the prototype - USS Centurion - has been built, and it must be pressed into immediate service as both battle-cruiser and tactical command centre.

Piloting the craft in battle and controlling the Planetary Defence Fleets is beyond any normal human... MAT is created.

Now your mind is MAT's mind. Take control of the Centurion and blast off on the greatest adventure of all...

Screenshots & Videos

• Codename MAT
• 

  Solar Chart - One of the Many Map and Instrument Screens!

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  In 3D Battle - more than a passing nod to Star Wars here...

Re-releases and Compilations

• Re-released by Zeppelin Games (1988)
• Appeared on the following Compilations
  • 10 Computer Hits 2 (1986)

Hints & Tips

None - Please feel free to add and remember to give full credit!

Trivia

• Originally released for the ZX Spectrum, author Derek Brewster had decided to name his game Invasion 2000, however, publishers Micromega were unhappy with the name as it didn't reflect the content and made it sound like another space invaders knock-off, which the market was being flooded with at that time. Prior to settling on Codename MAT, the game was also known as Hank during the development stage.
• The game was the first release for Brewster's own company Zeppelin Games when the title was re-released at the beginning of 1988.
• The game spawned a sequel in the form of Codename MAT II published by Domark

Gallery

• Codename MAT
• 

  Cover

• 

  Instructions

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  Tape Side A

• 

  Tape Side B

• 

  Playing Manual

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  ACU Review (1st)

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  ACU Review (2nd)

Links

• Codename MAT at CPC-Power
• Codename MAT at The Amstrad CPC Games Resource
• Codename MAT at the English-language Wikipedia
• World of Spectrum: Link to World of Spectrum