“TCQ” (short for “Tactical Combat Quest”) is a game for the MSX system, notable for its combination of strategy and action elements. Released in the 1980s, the title is an example of how the MSX hardware capabilities were used to their fullest to deliver an immersive gaming experience.

/\OR[] is a platform and puzzle game for the ZX Spectrum and MSX, inspired by Mondrian's paintings, and Kandinsky's basic shapes.

The latest production by Paul Andres, author of the acclaimed Devwill Too ZX and Virgil's Purgatory, embraces the graphic limitations of these machines, transforming them into abstract production tools.

With the same determination, we converted the cassette tape, an obsolete media, into an object of art. We went even further, and recast the acrylic box as a canvas.

This magnificent cassette, born from the partnership between Teknamic and I'm publishing, and from the artistic talent of Amaweks, contains both versions of /\OR[] for the ZX and MSX platforms.

The digital version is available for free at this link: https://amaweks.itch.io/tcq

Graphics and Audio: The graphics of “TCQ” are at a good level for the MSX platform, with well-defined sprites and a background that conveys the sense of a vast and detailed game world. Despite the limitations of the resolution of the time, the levels are quite varied, with scenarios ranging from urban to natural settings, well characterized and easily recognizable.

The audio, while not particularly complex, accompanies the action well. The background music, while simple, is quite catchy and helps create the right atmosphere for each phase of the game.

Gameplay: “TCQ” is a game that mixes elements of real-time strategy with action sections, where the player must command his troops in battle. The game dynamics develops on multiple levels, where the tactical aspect plays a fundamental role. It is necessary to carefully plan the movements and actions of your soldiers, but also to react quickly to enemy attacks, creating a balance between reflection and speed.

An interesting feature of “TCQ” is the inclusion of geometric symbols such as the square, the triangle and the circle, which play a fundamental role in the game mechanics. These symbols, which could recall the universe of Squid Game, are used as distinguishing marks for different factions and units, adding a visual and symbolic element that characterizes the game. The square, triangle, and circle not only decorate the game, but also influence the strategy, representing different specializations and powers for the enemy troops and forces. In this sense, “TCQ” plays with these symbols as tools of identification and strategy, recalling an aesthetic that might seem familiar to those who have seen series like Squid Game.

The game offers a good variety of missions, with different objectives ranging from all-out defense to infiltration missions. The difficulty increases in a balanced way, challenging players to perfect their strategies and make quick decisions during battles.

Controls: The controls are fairly intuitive, although they do require some practice to fully master. The interface is fairly simple, but allows for good control over resource and troop management. The only limitation may be the difficulty in moving soldiers quickly during intense combat phases, but nothing that seriously compromises the experience.

Longevity: The game offers good longevity, thanks to the variety of missions and the possibility of exploring different strategies. However, for those looking for a truly tough challenge, “TCQ” might seem a bit repetitive in the long run, as the gameplay dynamics do not change drastically as the missions progress.

Conclusion: “TCQ” is a title that will appeal primarily to fans of strategy and action games, offering an interesting combination of tactics and combat. While it is not a game that changes the genre, it manages to offer a solid and engaging experience for MSX fans. There are moments of frustration, but the satisfaction of winning battles and completing missions more than makes up for the difficulties. If you are a fan of tactical war games from the 80s, with a symbolic touch that recalls the square, triangle and circle as strategic elements, “TCQ” is definitely worth a try.