Puzzle Game The Sentinel for ZX Spectrum

The Sentinel is a puzzle video game released in 1987 by Firebird Software. The primary objective is to absorb the Sentinel, a stationary enemy that oversees the landscape, and replace him as the ruler. Once the Sentinel is absorbed, players can hyperspace into a new world, continuing their journey across thousands of procedurally generated landscapes.

The game begins with the player entering a landscape number between 0000 and 9999. Each landscape presents a unique challenge, with the Sentinel and Sentries scanning for energy-rich squares. Players must strategically absorb and create objects to manage their energy, represented by icons on the screen, and avoid detection by the Sentinel.

Energy management is crucial, as players create Robots, Boulders, and Trees to navigate the terrain. The Sentinel and Sentries rotate, absorbing energy from visible squares. If detected, players must quickly move to avoid energy drain. Hyperspacing is a last resort, costing energy and relocating the player randomly within the landscape.

Developed by Geoff Crammond and featuring music by Tim Follin, The Sentinel is known for its innovative gameplay and challenging mechanics. The game was designed for the ZX Spectrum and remains a classic example of early puzzle video games.