Space Quest IV: Roger Wilco and the Time Rippers. (game software) (evaluation)
by Richard Leinecker

Roger Wilco foils Sludge Vohaul's plans for revenge by jumping into the Time Rip, and the adventure has just begun. Roger won't rest until he's seen Space Quest XXII, revisited Space Quest I, and stopped briefly at Space Quest X.

Familiarity with Sierra's line of terrific software didn't prepare me for the dazzling opener. Stunning 256-color MCGA graphics, a soundtrack rivaling Hollywood's best, and a well-planned introduction to an exciting story kept me on the edge of my seat.

When you play, don't try typing Look Around. The parser of old has been replaced with a new-generation interface. Click the Eye icon in the area you want to look, and you're given a full report. With the Hand, Walking, Nose, and Tongue icons, you'll have an easy time figuring out what to do.

The story line is full of surprises. When the Latex Babes captured Roger, I witnessed Roger's former lover exacting revenge. And experiencing the Skate-O-Rama in the mall, with its antigravity instead of skates, reminded me that the Galaxeria Mall, after all, was in the middle of deep space. One of the biggest surprises is meeting Roger's son and seeing a hologram of his wife. I won't give things away, but you'll be in for a shock because of his wife's notoriety.

There are technological twists, too. Roger plugs into Vohaul's supercomputer to find the programming room for the supercomputer and avoid the security detail. Once at the programming room, he has an opportunity to format Vohaul's evil storage media.

If you're a Space Quest fan or you just love games that have great graphics and wonderful sound, get this game. It's hard to guess how Sierra will follow this act after exposing you to the far-flung future of Space Quest XXII, but I imagine it will be every bit as stimulating as this adventure.