Andrew Braybrook‘s classic Commodore 64 shooter, Uridium, was converted to the ZX Spectrum by Dominic Robinson in 1986, and – considering the machine’s limitations – he did a remarkable job.

Missing from this version, though, is the destruction minigame and animation sequence after landing (you land, in this; get your bonus points, and then the next level immediately begins). Which is a pity. I dunno why they’d leave them out.

Graphically, Uridium on the Spectrum is very good. The scrolling is smooth and the use of colour between stages is excellent. Sound is limited to an intro tune and sparse spot effects. Playability is good, and the controls are responsive.

Overall: a worthwhile conversion, that is an asset to the Spectrum games library.

An updated version of Uridium, called Uridium Plus, was also released for the Spectrum in 1987. It has all-new levels, and is for those who want more of the same hardcore shooter challenge.

More: Uridium on Wikipedia
More: Uridium on World of Spectrum

Uridium (ZX Spectrum) level names:

01. Zinc
02. Lead
03. Copper
04. Silver
05. Iron
06. Gold
07. Platinum
08. Tungsten
09. Iridon
10. Kallisto
11. Tri-Alloy
12. Quadmium
13. Ergonite
14. Galactium
15. Uridium