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	Title: (HITS AND MISSILES) Planetfall ■ ■ ■ ■
	Author: George Kopp
	Source: Computer Fun, v1(1)
	Date: April 1984
	Transcription by Steve Derby
-->

<p class="larger"><em><strong>Infocom/ At, Ap, C64, IBM</strong></em></p>

From the second you open the package to this rollicking outer space
adventure you know you are in for a good time, and the fun never lets up.
Of all the Infocom text adventures we've played so far, *Planetfall* is the
ideal combination of brain-testing and satisfaction. Here's what you get in
addition to your program disk: One (1) Stellar Patrol ID Card (destruction of
which is "punishable by death"); three (3) picture post cards from outer space
("Wriggle on over to NEBULON! Home fo the WORM PEOPLE"); one (1) diary
(complete with doodles) belonging to the lowliest of the low space cadets
(you).

Even with all this support material, however, you still have no idea of what
you're supposed to *do* in *Planetfall* until you're about a third of the way
through the adventure. What you do a lot of is exploring, and *Planetfall* gives
you lots of real estate to poke around in. You also get to drive a subway
train and sing a ballad to a robot.

The authors have spared no imagination in devising the subtle
details sprinkled throughout. There's the Esperanto of outer space, for instance --
something called Galalingua. In Galalingua, "Infocom games" is
translated "Infokom gaamz". Early on, an ambassador from some unpronounceable
planet hands you a brochure describing these futuristic entertainments.
If you happen to run across the brochure later in the adventure
the computer will say, "Unfortunately, one of those stupid brochures
is here."

The authors also pay due homage to one of their inspirations, the classic
radio drama and series of books, *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*. It's
not long before you find a towel inscribed with the reassuring phrase,
"Don't Panic!" Although the *Hitchhiker's Guide* recommends that you
"always carry a towel", never jump to conclusions -- there are enough red
herrings in *Planetfall* to fill a whole other adventure game. In fact, when
you get to the end you are even promised a sequel. Don't miss the
sequel to this review, by the way, in which I tell you about the time I helped
someone sharpen a pencil.
