AGH Atari 8-Bit Computer Review: BLUE MAX by Synapse This one is similar to EA's "Strike-series" games (Desert Strike, Jungle Strike, etc.) that found its way onto consoles and computers in the 90's, and Blue Max holds its own against them. Featuring unbelievable 3-D scrolling, a Zaxxon-esque isometric (slanted) perspective, and tremendous attention to detail (down to the shadow of your World War I bi-plane as it flies overhead), it almost makes Zaxxon look like Pong. You start off by taxi-ing down a runway and take off. Then you maneuver to the proper altitude to strafe or bomb enemy tanks, boats, some deadly enemy airplanes and buildings. The bottom of the screen gives reports on your altitude, speed, fuel and other data. You had better be careful, though, because you only get one plane. If it's shot down or runs out of fuel, that's all she wrote. Thankfully, you can land at occasional airports and extend playing time by refueling and rearming. Once you knock out the right targets, you fly over the enemy city, where you must complete your mission -- to blast three key capitol buildings and land at a friendly airport. Bob Polin has created a masterful action flight game that combines razzle-dazzle graphics, effective sound and rare game design and execution, which adds up to one of the best action games on the Atari home computer. Title Blue Max Publisher Synapse System Atari 400/800/XL/XE Graphics 8 Sound 7 Gameplay 8 Overall 8 Reviewer Keita Iida