1988 Martech
Platform: ZX Spectrum
Ok, so before you say it – yes, Vixen was released on the ZX Spectrum by Martech – but not this particular development. This was a completely different version that was being developed by Keith A Goodyer with graphics by The S.A.M. According to credits, the game was due for music by David Whittaker.
The original game caused a bit of controversy due to the scantily clad Corrine Russell being featured in adverts and within the game. Not sure it helped too much with sales, as the game was withdrawn by some shops.
The demo we have here is courtesy of Dean Hickingbottom, who found the code within his archives and managed to get everything up and running. It is quite early, though it has the main character who can kill enemies and jump around a few platforms. There is no sound, and once you reach a certain point in the map – you will change to a Vixen automatically and be able to navigate a bit more of the map before it loops again. If you go too far to the left, then the game will crash out.
Pressing space gives a credit screen, which although David Whittaker is listed as the musician – there is nothing present in the game. Additionally, Jason Brooke would go on to do the music – so did perhaps David also compose something that was not used?
As for why Keith’s version was not used – it isn’t yet clear, but we hope to learn more soon. The game slows down quite a lot, and that could be one of the reasons why. It seems much of the graphics were re-used in the final game with a number of improvements. It’s a nice early glimpse of a very different development.
With a huge thank you to Dean Hickingbottom for reconstructing and passing onto Games That Weren’t to preserve.
Download
Video
Gallery
