Pyrotechnica game

One thing I have never been able to understand is: why is it that, in films, books and computer games, the future is always painted as a bleak, apocalyptic shadow of its former self. With an increasing number of peace treaties being signed and greater arms reduction measures already happening, shouldn't the year be full of people singing and dancing through beautiful meadows with flowers in their hair, completely starkers?

Well, not if you're reading the scenario to Psygnosis' newie, Pyrotechnica. In this 3D shoot 'em up, the future is a very nasty place indeedy. Working freelance for a huge multinational corporation with a stupid name, it's your job to rescue lots of captured pilots who are trapped on a big star. You control a space ship, and basically you have to manoeuvre around a 3D environment, blowing things up.

Now that sounds original. By using a quite minimal play area, which is decorated with some pretty lights, the game still manages to move at quite a pace without looking drab. However, if you're the cautious type like myself, you won't be aiming to break the speed barrier, instead you'll be going for that sneak-up-on-the-baddies-quietly-and-slowly-blow-them-to-bits strategy.

Unfortunately, this is what you seem to have to do most of the way through the game, as if you reach any "exciting" speeds, not only is it a lot harder to blow anything up successfully, but bumping into anything results in you losing all control over your craft and trying to regain control proves to be a worse nightmare even still.

Pyrotechnica is a fun 3D action game that is a precursor to Interplay's blockbuster Descent in many ways albeit not in popularity , not the least of which in smooth rotational graphics and similar goal: to find exit to the tunnel in each level while avoiding the enemies' weapons. The controls are a bit non-intuitive and the graphics confusing, but after you get the hang of it you'll find it a fun and addictive game, with ruthless computer AI and some very nice weapon effects.

Sukyake 1 point DOS version. Great game! It got nice sound effects and nice graphics. But this game deserves a remake. Share your gamer memories, help others to run the game or comment anything you'd like. If you have trouble to run Pyrotechnica, read the abandonware guide first! We may have multiple downloads for few games when different versions are available. Also, we try to upload manuals and extra documentation when possible. If the manual is missing and you own the original manual, please contact us!

It's just The levels are comprised of black, with colored squares that line the edges of tunnels and openings, some of which animate like a theater marquee. One could argue that the graphics are done this way in an artistic fashion, and say that the tiny bullets and repeating-circle missiles back that up. Still, despite the lack of visual flair, it does possess a certain style in its minimalistic approach, and the ships have some decent designs. Aurally, the game is quite good.

The tunes created are nice and pleasant to listen to, and while they won't make you tap your foot, they work to create an atmosphere. The sound effects are varied and of good quality. From lasers, to rapid fire gun turrets, to explosions, they sound good. Overall, the sound design is well done, and does the job nicely. There's really not much else to say here. The gameplay is more or less what you would expect of a game like this. Your goal is to make your way through each level alive, while accomplishing sub-missions along the way namely, rescuing Wingmen.

The controls are a little floaty, but they fit considering you're supposed to be in zero gravity. Your shield doesn't take many hits before it's drained. And when it's gone, you're open to damage that will occur very quickly unless you can speed off to relative safety. Thankfully, there are some repair gates scattered around the levels to help with ship damage, and your shield also regenerates over time.

You have a selection of four different guns, four different secondary weapons, and this, coupled with some power up gates, gives you virtually all the weapons you'll need to survive right from the get go. Yes, you have counter measures for the missiles the enemies fire at you. It gives the game a slight simulation touch, as does the ability to eject in an escape pod which you continue fighting in, though with less weaponry.

This helps expand the arcade-like nature of game by giving it a little more depth. Finally, as you go from one stage to the next, you encounter layouts that grow more devious in their designs. They never reach the mind-bending insanity of the Descent series, but they can still prove to be tricky, and give you problems. Speaking of problems, the game isn't without faults.

As I mentioned, the graphics are pretty barren.