SWIV
| Developer: Random Access | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: Storm | Sound: |
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| Year: 1991 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Shoot’em up | Lastability: |
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| Number of players: 2 simultaneous | Rating: |
8/10 | |
Here’s SWIV, the splendid sequel to Silkworm! You still get to choose between piloting a helicopter or a jeep, but now the scrolling is vertical, sparking the never-ending debate about the meaning of the title: SilkWorm In Vertical for some, SilkWorm IV in Roman numerals for others (this would be the name of a homing missile in the game), or even Special Weapon Interdiction Vehicles, or finally Secret Weapons Installation Verification. The last three are mentioned in the manual.
In any case, the graphics have been significantly improved. The game spans a single, very long level with no loading times. Various elements, like those spinning squares that block shots, seem to be borrowed from Xevious (arcade, 1982). The sound effects, of excellent quality, make up for the lack of music. However, as with the first instalment, I find the weapons a bit lacking in imagination.
Recently (in 2024), a young colleague asked me if I knew SWIV. I replied, “Of course, but where do you know it from? You weren’t even born in 1991.” And he showed me this on his mobile…
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