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Pi-man's gold gamble
ANYONE concerned about the fate of the Pi-man will be relieved to hear that after the alcoholic excesses of Pi-eyed, he is now utterly reformed, even to the extent of entering for five events in the Olympic Games.

That, however, is probably the best piece of news about the latest game from Automata, Olympimania. Apart from the usual excellent graphics - the most spectacular sequence is the Olympic stadium with its rostrum and wildly waving crowds - the game has a limited amount to offer in the way of entertainment. The five events - Pi-jump, Alpi skiing, Pitathlon and so on - are all similar, with a series of obstacles to jump and some unlikely hazards to overcome, such as rival competitors who dig holes beneath the Pi-man, or fish and alligators in the case of the swimming event.

In all the events, it is extremely difficult to win a bronze medal, let alone a gold, and as a result the interest soon palls in spite of the amusing graphics. The reverse side of the tape, true to Automata traditions, has a pop music track, described as a choral extravaganza of the Piland International Anthem. The kindest thing to be said about it is that by comparison it places its companion game in a favourable light.




OLYMPIMANIA Memory: 48K Price: £6 Gilbert Factor: 6

OLYMPIMANIA
Automata / £6.00
You, as the Pi-Man, must compete in five events at the Olympics in an effort to win as many gold medals as you can.
Jon Every screen in this totally original game is both colourful and clear, and the graphics are extremely well-defined and very smooth. Overall, a well thought-out and well represented game. 8/10
Simon Four of the events in these games are amusingly called Pi Jump, Alpi Skiing, Steepichase and Butterpi - all of which resemble one another to some extent. But with smooth, flicker-free graphics, and contrasting colours, the game is still fun. 6/10
Ian This one is fairly easy to play - only three keys are used - and the program responds quickly when they're pressed. But at times, the speed can be a little too fast, making success frustratingly difficult. 8/10

Simon Cox, Ian Simmonds, Jon Warner