This page contains information on current releases of software based on the various Gerry Anderson productions. It also contains information about earlier software that is now part of our digital heritage. This page has been updated as the SCi product line has now changed. Also added links to order items from Amazon UK website.

Simon Wickes

Over the years there have been a number of attempts at making computer games based on shows. Thunderbirds has been used as the basis for a number of games dating back to the venerable Sinclair Spectrum and original Nintendo system.

With the revitalisation of some of the more popular properties, we are seeing a renewed interest from developers. Game developer SCi in the UK obtained the licence to Thunderbirds (and possibly Captain Scarlet) to produce games and related software. Their work has spanned platforms and even resulted in some changes during the course of development. When they started, they planned on doing Thunderbirds games for:

• Nintendo Game Boy Color

• Sony Playstation 2

• PC CD ROM

The early screenshots for the latter two included updated versions of some of the Thunderbirds. This was done in order to widen the potential market for the game outside of the UK. However, of late the game screen shots seem to have reverted back to being very close to the machines we know from the show.

The current and pending releases for SCi games are as follows:

• Thunderbirds for GameBoy Color (November 2000)
• Thunderbirds FAB Action Pack for PC ( April 2001)
• Thunderbirds - Operation Volcano (PC)
• Thunderbirds game for WAP (October 2001)
• Thunderbirds Printer Studio for PC (November 2001)
• Thunderbirds for Playstation 2 (Autumn 2001)
• Thunderbirds for Gameboy Advance (Autumn 2001)

Eagle-eyed readers will notice that the PC game appears to have vanished. Not sure why, but perhaps it is due to the added workload involved in re-doing the images for the Playstation 2 release. The following is more information on each item. On the plus side, they added a game for the new Gameboy Advance. This was enough to get me to go out and buy one of these hot little items.

The Gameboy Advance is a massive improvement over the earlier Gameboys in terms of picture, sound and CPU capabilities. Not only that, but it can play all Gameboy games released! And it was only $20 more than the Gameboy Color machines. The Gameboy Advance can be obtained for about $99 at many places in the US and for about £79 in England.

The Thunderbirds game for Gameboy Advance has finally been released. This is available from Amazon UK and will work on any Gameboy Advance system in the world. However, Amazon will only ship to an address within Europe.

Thunderbirds for Gameboy Advance

From SCi site:

Take charge of various Thunderbird vehicles, characters and FAB 1 & 2 to complete an array of missions consisting of more than 30 levels split over 7 environments - Saudi Arabia, Amsterdam, London, South Africa, Russia and Silicon Valley.

Multi-layer parallax scrolling ensures that game play is diverse and captivating.

Multiple game-play scenarios including Thunderbird 1 level which provides exciting side view action, the FAB 1 level gives a top view and an all new character level has also been included

Mode 7 effects, high quality gradient skies, translucency for special effects as well as sprite rotation and scaling ensure that Thunderbirds has the highest quality graphical appearance.

In depth training scenarios provide an optimum learning curve.

The encoded score screen will enable players to link up to magazine and web competitions.

A review will be posted shortly. Here is a link to a large (28MB) movie showing the gameplay.

Thunderbirds for GameBoy Color

Visitors to the Fanderson event in 2000 got an early glimpse of this game, which has turned out to be a really decent play.

I just got this game and it plays OK on the Gameboy Advance.

Never having seen another GBC game, I cannot compare, but I think that the graphics in this game are very well done. What really makes it for me is the use of stills from the show along with some reasonably close theme music. The game itself is surprisingly complex and involves "operating" a number of the famous IR machines including TBs 1,2,3,4 as well as the Mole and FAB1. Variety is good here so you get "defender"-style left-right scrolling missions as well as "overhead" missions and so forth. As each level is completed a password is provided so that you can go back to where you were. As each mission goes on, the stakes get raised, and the game gets more difficult.

Interestingly, the game uses much the same techniques to maintain interest as the TV show, namely a steadily ticking down clock and numerous obstacles. The Hood is featured prominently as he is the mastermind behind the series of challenges ahead of you.

The gameplay is pretty good, striking a good balance of initial ease with sufficient challenge to make you want to keep trying to complete certain levels. A training mode is even available. The password system is interesting as it uses character face images and machines which you scroll. I had 2 passwords I was going to feature here, but seem to have lost them. Here we go again...

Overall, the game is great fun, even if you are not a Thunderbirds nut. If you are, it is time to plonk down some cash for the Gameboy Advance and get this gem. The game has been nominated as Game of the year by a number of magazines in the UK and deservedly so. Finally, a Thunderbirds game which Thunderbirds fans can be proud of. Available from Amazon UK.

RATINGS

Graphics 5/5

Sound 3/5

Gameplay 4.5 /5

Overall 4.5 /5

Thunderbirds FAB Action Pack and free mouse pad - for PC

From the SCi site:

International Rescue for your Desktop!
Re-create the Thunderbirds world on your PC!

Since its launch in 1965, Thunderbirds has gone on to become one of the most popular and enduring series in the history of world television. Set in the year 2065 on a secret island base, the Tracy Family run International Rescue. Their on-going mission is to aid humanity in any way they can.

Together with their London agent, Lady Penelope and genius Brains, as well as a whole host of other characters, they battle the forces of evil including the world's foremost villain, The Hood.

This should work on any PC anywhere in the world. Available for order from Amazon UK.

Thunderbirds game for WAP

From the SCi site:

The game, to be launched later in 2001, will allow fans of the hugely popular classic TV series to play an adventure-based game using their mobile phone. Under the agreement between SCi and Digital Bridges, Thunderbirds will be distributed through Digital Bridges' network of over twenty one leading mobile network operators in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Far East, including many of the biggest mobile operator portals in the world today. This provides a combined user base of over 150,000,000 potential users.

Thunderbirds Printer Studio for PC

From the SCi site:

Let your imagination run riot and create hundreds of different Thunderbirds projects including greeting cards, invitations, bookmarks, ostcards, certificates, placemats, International Rescue membership cards plus lots more!!

Get started straight away with one of the ready-made designs or let Brains guide you through each activity.

Why not put your own photo amongst the heroes of International Rescue and make an extra special birthday card, party invitation or create your own Thunderbirds pictures using authentic Thunderbirds characters, scenes, crafts and special effects straight from the TV show.

And there's even more! Solve an array of puzzles including spot the difference, word search, maze or simply colour in Thunderbirds scenes on screen or by hand.

This is available now from Amazon UK.

Thunderbirds Operation Volcano

Thunderbirds Operation Volcano A volcano is erupting and Thunderbirds swings into action to prevent disaster. You join them in this exciting educational adventure, having loads of fun and learning at the same time.

You're on Thunderbird 5 when you receive a message about the Volcano then use co-ordinate and grid references to find its exact location in the World.

The action then moves to Brain's laboratory where you track a course to the Volcano, avoiding no-fly areas and working out flying and arrival times.

Thunderbird 1 files a reconnaissance mission, followed by Thunderbird 4 submarine, winch pod and Firefly bulldozer. Using different pods lets you complete a series of challenging rescue missions as you race against time.

This is available now from Amazon UK.

Thunderbirds for Playstation 2 (CANCELLED)

From the SCi site:

The game will include over 30 individual challenges set across 9 totally different environments such as the Polar Icecap, the Desert and Space. In these environments, depending on the situation, it will be up to you to choose which of the 5 different Thunderbirds vehicles you will need to complete the task (there will be a total of 20 unique vehicles for you to control).

• Advanced physics & intuitive controls mean that this is a 'pick up and play' game.
• Switch between real-time game play and real-time cut sequences
• Photo realistic real-time graphics
• The power of Playstation 2 will ensure this is the ultimate Thunderbirds experience.