 Some games require a back story, whereas other games don't. Edge Grinder falls into the second category. There's no need for an elaborate and cliched plot detailing how you are mankind's last hope against yet another race of hyper-violent alien invaders hell-bent on destroying planet Earth; Edge Grinder is a game about scoring points, blowing shit up and grinding walls. And that is all there is to it.
The game originated from a collaborative cross-platform 8-bit development competition started on the Format War forum, the concept being the creation of a simple shoot 'em up that could easily be converted to a number of different machines. The end result of several months work is a Caravan-style, frenetic and challenging score-attack shoot 'em up. To date there have been versions released for the Amstrad CPC and ZX Evolution.
After starting the game (by pressing fire on a joystick/pad plugged into port 2), you move your ship around the claustrophobic tunnel via directional control and shoot via the fire button. The Edge Grinder ship has a very small critical hitpoint (only the middle of the craft is vulnerable), and you are encouraged to rack up points by grazing your wings against the scenery as much as possible (the ship will glow when you grind successfully).
The alien craft attack in waves and have varying strength values. You'll need to learn these attack formations in order to succeed. Grab your trusty ZipStik, Competition Pro or joypad and mash those buttons!
Trivia: the name Edge Grinder was a direct response to the whole Edge (TM) debacle starring everyone's favourite internet and trademark troll, Tim Langdell. Edge Grinder is available on cartridge from RGCD  |