Mindtrap
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mindtrap is a computer game for the ZX Spectrum computer. Made by Predrag Beciric and released in 1989 by Mastertronic Ltd, it was released on other platforms such as the Commodore 64 and the Amstrad CPC. Released for the 48k ZX Spectrum and better, at a cost of £1.99, Mindtrap is a puzzle game of immense proportions: 999,999 levels (contrary to popular belief, not 1 million). The player has to rearrange mixed-up dice so they're all in tidy coloured columns, before running out of time or available moves.
[edit] The Game
Each screen (called a floor), has a set of dice of different colours (Blue, Red, Magenta, Green, Cyan and White). The player has to shuffle the dice around the play area, using a frame which surrounds 4 of the dice at a time. Dice within this frame can be rotated 90° around a central axis, with the ultimate aim of lining up the dice in the correct colour before the time and move limit expires.
Later levels introduce a third dimension of the dice scattered between 2 and 5 floors. Players not only have to rearrange the dice on the floor they are on, but must move dice between the floors to finish the level. The number of moves and time allowed are increased with the subsequent number of floors.
To add to the difficulty of the game, some areas of the floor are blocked off to the frame, so different routes are needed to move the dice.
With the game being a mammoth with 999,999 levels, there is a 32 digit alphanumeric password which is given after a successful completion of a level. The password is unique to the player name, which adds that extra depth to the saved game.
The joystick or keyboard can be used to play Mindtrap. With the option of Keyboard, Sinclair II (L), Sinclair II (R), Protek or the option to Redefine Keys.
[edit] Credits
Mindtrap was:
- Programmed by Predrag Beciric.
- Music Adapted by Vojislav Mihailovic
- Levels defined by Predrag Beciric & Aleksandar Petrovic
- Original music by Sanja & Sloba
- Suggestion by Tixie, Bobi, Moscha & Vasa.
Board Game
There is also a board game called Mindtrap that tests how smart you are through a series of questions. You and other people take turns asking each other questions and telling answers. The questions range from "that's so easy!" to "you have to be a total genious to understand." When you answer a question correctly, you can roll a die and end your turn, or you can move one space and receive another question. The first one or team to make it out of the optical illusion wins.
