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Knot in 3D

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Knot in 3D
Developer(s)Malcolm Evans
Publisher(s)New Generation Software
Platform(s)ZX Spectrum
Release
Genre(s)Action

Knot in 3D is a ZX Spectrum action game by Malcolm Evans published in 1983 by New Generation Software. It resembles a three-dimensional (i.e. with three degrees of freedom instead of only two) version of the Light cycles game from the film Tron.

Gameplay

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Gameplay screenshot

The game takes place in a 16 × 16 × 16 three-dimensional grid with the display being a first-person view of what the player can see in front of them. Initially empty, this space is filled up by the player (who constantly moves forward) leaving a trail behind them. There are a number of computer-controlled "chasers" doing the same thing who leave a differently coloured trail behind them. As the player and the chasers move through the grid, it becomes more and more densely filled, and therefore there is a greater likelihood of crashing into a trail and need to change direction to avoid the trails.

Reception

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Crash magazine commented that it was hard to see how Knot worked at first, but described it as extraordinary and addictive.[1] ZX Computing also said that Knot was initially confusing until the player is used to the perspective. The graphics were highlighted as some of the best fast-action colour graphics on the ZX Spectrum.[2]

In 1997, Next Generation reflected on Knot in 3D as "a landmark title blighted by the inability of most players to think in terms of three dimensions fast enough."[3]

In 1991 Your Sinclair magazine ranked the game 60th in their top 100 Spectrum games of all time.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Living Guide". CRASH (1). February 1984.
  2. ^ "Software Reviews". ZX Computing (8310): 20. October 1983.
  3. ^ "Towards Reality: The Rise of 3D Gaming". Next Generation. No. 37. Imagine Media. January 1998. p. 79.
  4. ^ "Top 100 Spectrum games of all time". Your Sinclair (70). 1991.
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