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Dweep
 Have you ever seen two supposed grown-ups squabble for control of the mouse? It isn't a pretty sight, but such has been the case here at Quandary since Dweep entered our lives. Not since Lemmings or The Incredible Machine have we had so much fun with a level-based strategy/puzzle game. Dweep is a cute ball of purple fluff with legs and owl-like eyes and your task is to simply guide him home to where his baby Dweeps are patiently bouncing. Well, it would be simple if it were not for the intervening obstacle course laden with hazards just waiting for an unwary, or unlucky, Dweep to blunder into.
The pitfalls are many: laser beams and bombs will turn Dweep into a pile of black ash out of which a pair of eyes will blink reproachfully; hot plates will leave him floating like a balloon in mid-air where fans may blow him off course; ice tiles will freeze him solid. But all is not lost. You can also turn these potential hazards to your advantage providing you have a well thought out strategy and the necessary items to assist you. For example, a bucket of water will quickly bring a floating Dweep down to earth and a flaming torch will unfreeze him.
As you manoeuvre Dweep around each level he will be able to 'pick up' various items by simply bouncing into the square that contains them. These will then appear in your inventory at the bottom of the screen from where you can select and judiciously use them to further aid Dweep's journey. Some items can be used both on Dweep and on objects in the game world, it is up to you to decide how, where and when to use them. Success in the game relies on strategy not on reflexes, though timing is important on a couple of levels. If you make a mistake you will have to restart the level from the beginning, but usually it doesn't take too long to get back to where you were.
This full-screen game consists of 30 levels of increasing complexity plus a bonus 'secret' level. The first 10 levels are available as a demo to download from the Dexterity web site though the really tough ones come later. There is a well-graded learning curve as new items are introduced as you progress through the levels and you usually get a slightly easier game to get you started with the new item.
Each level is accompanied by suitably 'boppy' music and the graphics and sound effects are great. A wet Dweep will squelch as he moves or hoot in surprise as he floats above a hot plate. Bombs go off with satisfying explosions, mirrors shatter in a shower of glass and fans placed in the path of laser beams spark and splutter before they disappear.
Dweep is a highly-addictive, fun-filled and challenging game that will delight and, no doubt, frustrate the whole family. Children will probably need adult assistance to negotiate the tougher levels, but don't worry, adults can find this assistance on the Dexterity site in the form of excellent hints and step by step solutions. The full game is very reasonably priced and 20 level expansion packs (including one specifically for younger children) are planned for later this year. Dweep is currently only available on-line at Dexterity Software. Download the demo and check it out.
(Press Release from Dexterity Software)
This Gold edition of Dweep includes the original Dweep game, both Dweep expansion packs, and a built-in level editor. The 75 included levels are supplemented by an on-line level archive where players can freely download the newest levels as well as share their own levels with others. The built-in level editor features a simple icon-driven interface with no pull-down menus to navigate, so players can create new levels for the game in a matter of minutes. Dexterity Software also supports Dweep Gold players with free hints and solutions to all levels on-line.
You can learn more about Dweep Gold at Dexterity Software and order it securely on-line with free electronic delivery. The game includes an unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee if you aren't satisfied for any reason.
Dweep Gold is priced at $24.95 and is available from Dexterity Software,
18540 Plummer St. #105, Northridge, CA 91324. A $15 upgrade offer is
available to previous Dweep owners for a limited time.
Copyright © Gordon Aplin 1999.
All rights reserved.
System requirements:
Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/NT4.0 or better, DirectX 5.0 or better, Pentium 90mhz or better, 16 MB RAM, 3 MB Hard Drive space, DirectX-compatible 16-bit video card (65,000+ colors at 640x480) DirectX-compatible sound card, Microsoft-compatible mouse.
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