Telecomsoft seems to have a bit of a reputation in finding 16-bit titles that can't possibly be converted down to the Speccy - and then doing just that! First there was Virus, which astonished almost everyone who saw it on the Spectrum, and now there's the equally complex Carrier Command - Realtime Software's massive 3D shoot 'em up/strategy game for maritime warfarers. (Aye, Jim Lad.)
    The packaging is up to Rainbird's usual high standards, incorporating a fact-packed booklet which introduces the story and gives a brief outline of the game's major functions and objects. It also gives you a telexed message explaining your brief.
    

THE MISSION DATELINE: June 4th 2166 SUBJECT: Southern Ocean Development STATUS: FOR YOUR EYES ONLY Further to our previous conversation, it has emerged that ACC Omega has been reprogrammed by the outlawed Stanza organisation. It is now inevitable that this advanced carrier will attempt to invade and destabilise the vital Gamma Base island chain.     Commander, as you already know, this island chain is vital to our military and economic strength. It is therefore imperative that you take charge of the ACC Epsilon and put an end to this scheme by any means at your disposal.     Your ship has been specially equipped with a newly programmed computer virus which will allow you to take command of any island which the Omega has already invaded. This, combined with state of the art Manta fighter and amphibious Walrus craft, will shorten the odds in your favour. But remember Commander, the Omega is also a highly developed aircraft carrier - and Stanza will stop at nothing to take over this archipelago.     From here on the strategy is in your hands. However I would suggest that you avoid an initial confrontation with the Omega and instead concentrate on a policy of island colonisation and the cutting of supply lines. This will serve to weaken the opposing craft and strengthen our position in the inevitable confrontation.     Good luck Commander - from here on you're on your own... End of message...

    And that's the essence of Carrier Command. Taking the helm of the Epsilon, it's your task to take control of 32 islands. Along the way it's necessary to set up supply lines, defence bases and resource islands to help you stay afloat and achieve your ultimate aim of destroying the Omega.
    Commanding the Epsilon is a demanding job - it's not just a case of tugging on the joystick, and watching where the bow points. There are supply levels to be maintained, repairs to be carried out and strategies to be devised. Most of these commands are icon-driven, with each selection leading to a number of sub-levels and duties to be carried out.
    This probably gives the impression of a slow moving brain-blender (and there are sections which require a lot of thought) but if you really want to you can always just play around with the joystick - sailing around islands, flying one of the ship's three Mantas or attempting a landing in an amphibious Walrus.
    Damage is sustained throughout the campaign so repairs should be carried out automatically but you'll still have to attach priorities (Low, Medium or High) to each of the ship's components.
    It would take me forever to list everything in this game so I'm not going to, but the beauty - there's so much to see, learn and do that you'll probably never tire of it and remain sailing the seven seas forever like some kind of computerised Marie Celeste. They said it couldn't be done - but it was and I for one am mighty grateful. Go splice the mainbrace and find out for yourself!
    

Many thanks to Alan Maxwell for typing this up

Ratings given by other magazines

9/10      9/10    Crash Review ---

Info supplied by the SPOT*ON database

YS Cross-references
		Carrier Command/Rainbird	YS43	94
		Carrier Command (in The YS Official Top 100 Part 4)	YS73	No.12