Academy (video game)

Lore & Background

Academy is set in a fictional future where, after an incident on 61 Cygnus in 2197 when a rookie pilot destroyed half a planet, Gal-Corp founded the Galcorp Academy for Advanced Skimmer Pilots (GASP) in 2213. The player takes on the role of a cadet who must complete 20 missions grouped in five levels of four to graduate. The gameplay involves piloting a 'skimmer' through a 3D world, with missions taking place on different planets under different suns, affecting the play experience. Players can design their own skimmers, customizing engine and weapon strengths, equipment payloads, and the on-screen control panel. The interface uses the same cursor-and-menu system as Pete Cooke's other games, including Micronaut One, A Whole New Ball Game, and Tau Ceti.

Reader's Guide

Academy expanded on the world physics of Tau Ceti by introducing multiple planets with different suns, altering gameplay dynamics. Its mission-based structure gave players some control over mission order, a departure from the single large gameworld of its predecessor. The skimmer design system allowed deep customization, a feature praised by reviewers. The game received high scores from contemporary magazines: Your Sinclair awarded it 9/10 and a Megagame award, with reviewer Phil South impressed by the skimmer design system and difficulty. CRASH gave it 92%, praising its slick presentation, mission structure, and 3D graphics. Academy represents an early example of mission-based 3D simulation gaming on home computers, building on the foundation of Tau Ceti while introducing new gameplay elements.

Did You Know?

• Academy is the sequel to Tau Ceti, both written by Pete Cooke.
• The game's plot involves the Galcorp Academy for Advanced Skimmer Pilots (GASP), founded in 2213 after a 2197 incident on 61 Cygnus.
• Your Sinclair awarded Academy 8/10.