WaterWorks is a cross between arcade, strategy and puzzle, released only on the SAM Coupe computers. The game provides you with a unique experience - combining speed, addictiveness, the need for forward planning and lateral thinking. A sequel to the original ( WaterWorks II), was published in 1994 being a lot harder game.
Review
STORY / GAMEPLAY Basically numerous puzzles must be solved in order for you to connect up pipes and several of water pipe particles (Nozzles, Blue pipe, Red pipes, Water Collectors, Water Switches etc) so that water can flow from one place to another, maybe spilling out of a special outlet attachment or maybe activating a switch that does something (e.g. , flood rooms), open and close a door, open and close a tap, send sharp spikes hurtling out to kill an enemy or any number of things that is trying to distract you. You ultimate scope in each of the WaterWorks levels is escape through the exit - naturally, it is locked so a key must be found.
GRAPHICS / SOUND The backgrounds themselves are fine; nothing to complain about or to get overly excited about, for that matter. Colors are fine while sprites move fast and smooth on screen. There is a lovely main menu tune, while some minimal SFX during gameplay, but ok, it’s a puzzle game, no one expects more than that.
Screenshots
Sound samples
Intro music:
In-game sound:
Gameplay sample
Hardware information
Sam Coupe
CPU: ZiLOG Z80B @ 6 MHz MEMORY: 32 KB ROM, 256KB or 512KB RAM (up to 4.5MB externally added in 1MB packs) GRAPHICS: Palette of 128 colours. Supports 256x192 (16 colours), 512x192 (4 colours), 256x192 (2 colours) and Mode 1 at 256x192 matching the display and colors of the ZX Spectrum. Was possible to display all 128 colors on screen in static images. SOUND: Six channel, 8 octave stereo sound by Philips SAA 1099 chip.