The Amstrad CPC version of Koronis Rift is very similar to the Atari 8-bit original. The Amstrad‘s multi-colour graphics mode emulates the Atari graphics so well that you’d have to wonder if it’s a clone of Atari‘s graphics mode… It probably is. 🙂

Koronis Rift was ported to the Amstrad by Mr. Micro Ltd. – for Lucasfilm Games – and first published by Activision in 1987.

The aim of the game is to collect ancient relics, left inside abandoned ‘Hulks’, found on the surface of the hostile planet Koronis, and return to base to examine them them with a big robot. If the relic is unique and powerful you can use it to improve your own ship. If it’s a common relic you can dismantle it and sell the parts.

Koronis Rift uses the famous Lucasfilm Games‘ fractal-generation algorithm to create the planet landscapes, so ends up looking a bit like Rescue On Fractalus, by code association.

The impressive-looking robot screen, back at ship, does take a little getting used to, but it’s worth understanding, so you can salvage valuable items and either sell them, or use them.

Koronis Rift is a classic Lucasfilm Games title, and the Amstrad version is up there with the best of them.

More: Koronis Rift on Wikipedia