Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri: Power of the Mind Worms [Paperback]

Rafael Kayanan (Author), Steve Darnall (Author), Sid Meier (Author), Michael Ely (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-Flat, airbrushed images illustrate this game-derived fantasy in which a future society still must confront human transgressions against the environment. Fast paced, with clear delineations between good and evil-both qualities requisite to any text intended to attract those who play the electronic version-this tale nonetheless offers interesting characterizations and plot twists. The hero here is, in fact, a heroine who, although scantily clad, wins through intelligence rather than seduction. The mind worms of the title are gruesome and wondrous, used to excellent effect in the denouement as well as the climax. Although the primary audience for this tale will be those Alpha Centauri players who want to expand into book peripherals, it stands alone and has appeal to fantasy and science-fiction readers unfamiliar with the game.-Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This short graphic novel is based on the popular computer game of the same name. In this spin-off, two factions are warring on a distant planet. The Gaians are environmentalists, and the technologically superior Morgans believe in using the planet's resources regardless of the cost. Into the mix comes Lindley, a Gaian who can communicate with the "mind worms" who have been attacking the colonists. The pacing is slow and may refer to the computer game itself; the artwork has that technically professional feel that one expects from computer graphics. In one poignant sequence, after she has been exhausted by dealing with the mind worms, Lindley says that she needs a "human touch." That could be said about the book itself. This first title in a new series could nonetheless have followers among game devotees, and libraries with popular sf collections should expect demand.
-Stephen Weiner, Maynard P.L., MA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 43 pages
• Publisher: Nbm Pub Co (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561632422
• ISBN-13: 978-1561632428
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,770,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Comic adaptation of the video game, March 4, 2007

By 

wiredweird "wiredweird" (Earth, or somewhere nearby) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri: Power of the Mind Worms (Paperback)

The basic story is simple enough. The eco-warriors are led by a beautiful woman who has some telepathic contact with the planet's most dangerous creatures. (Of course, they're not so bad once you get to know them.) They defend the world against the rapacious invaders, whose attack ships are "quick, deadly, and they waste fuel." Wow. What a stunning indictment of the army that's blowing your home to rubble with you in it.

The artwork - the reason I picked this up - is generally attractive airbrush work. Female figures (clad, if it matters) are drawn with affection. Airbrush makes some problems very easy, though, and the problems are apparent here. Way too many edges turn fuzzy, and people's skin often takes a waxy look.

It's a quick, enjoyable read, but ultimately forgettable.

//wiredweird

3.0 out of 5 stars Good but it had flaws, January 27, 2000

By 

Brandon Frymire (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri: Power of the Mind Worms (Paperback)

I have been basically addicted to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and Alien Crossfire for a long time. So I felt this would be very exciting. Only problem is there were some flaws. Some of the game's highest technology was used in the very first part of the post-Planetfall years. And charcters said uhmm to much. Other than that it was pretty good. I want more. But I think there should be more factions included.