Raid Over Moscow

Programmed by Bruce Carver
Software house Access Software

Reviewed by Robert Caporetto

One heck of an oldie here! Raid Over Moscow, released in typical Cold-War hysteria, is in my opinion, one of the best C64 releases ever, (rivalling Paradroid!), and has you controlling a US space fortress (in the tradition of the orbiting laser platform alleged to be built at the time of its release), armed with modified F-19 fighters, and are charged with defending US cities from nuclear strikes by the USSR, by entering Soviet airspace and taking out the launch centres.

In typical Access style, the game is made up of multiple sub-games (sort of like their previous release Beachhead), and the objectives in each sub-game are quite clear, and are usually of a length which isn't too long to induce boredom, or too short to make it flash-by in a 50th of a second, this game, is challenging enough for both the newbie, and the seasoned arcade veteran. You begin by launching a F-19 from the station, which requires precision timing, and minute adjustment of velocity and altitude to exit the blast door perfectly, then moving through the radar's, you enter Soviet airspace and attempt to approach the launch site, then you must target it and level it to the soil.

The graphics, while not up to the standard of more contemporary titles, are still clear enough to keep the action flowing at a smooth frame rate. Alas, the audio is only utilised for SFX, which, portray the action brilliant, with excellent explosions and crashes as you fight the conflict! The background story-line is also rather cool, with the nature of the conflict as well written as some of those military thrillers. In summation, Raid Over Moscow is a true C64 classic, and if you are a fan of action titles, or are just looking for an enjoyable blast, check this out now!!!! PS: F7 is to open the doors!

Overall: 9.5/10 A true classic for C64 gaming