Firetrack

Firetrack is a vertically-scrolling shooter programmed by Nick Pelling and released for the BBC Micro and Commodore 64 platforms in 1987 by Electric Dreams Software.

Nick Pelling designed the game and programmed the BBC Micro and Commodore 64 versions which were released in 1987 by Electric Dreams Software.

When including the game on the 1989 Play It Again Sam 7 compilation, Superior Software also commissioned a conversion to the Acorn Electron which was carried out by Chris Terran.

On the BBC Micro version, it automatically detects sideways RAM expansion if present, which allows more detailed graphics on the levels, without any changes to the underlying gameplay.

Zzap!64 gave an overall score of 88%, commenting that the game could "truly be said to be of arcade quality" and is "fast, frenetic and extremely playable – easily the best vertically scrolling shoot 'em up to date".

Firetrack on the BBC Micro showing landscape, explosions and enemies, with player ship to lower left.