Category:

Review

Duration: 22:05

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INTRODUCTION:
In 1978, Earth was invaded by a monochromatic race of aliens from the planet Potaito. Taken to the brink of total destruction by the devastatingly predictable movement of the attacking force, a lone robotic alien commando, code-named Dave, was called upon to rescue our planet. Unfortunately, during the fight Dave's spaceship was destroyed.

REVIEW:
This is a platform game and the aim of the game is to collect bits for building a new spaceship, so you can build a new spaceship and return home. The game has 15 levels and there are 4 bits on every level, and if you collect them in the right order (they will flash in the correct order when starting the level) you will gain access to a bonus level. So in fact there are 30 levels if you unlock all the bonus levels.

The game is pretty much a Manic Miner clone, made the same way by only using three buttons to play – you can go left and right and jump. Just like in Manic Miner the exit door for next level will be available when you have collected all the stuff on the level, but in this game it is hidden, so pay attention to where it pops up when collecting the last bit.

The graphics are very good and so is the music. There is a lot of music, actually there is a new soundtrack for every of the 15 levels, while the same one is always being used for the bonus levels.

Great graphics, great music and great controls, but the gameplay is a bit on the tough side. Already on level 1 you will find out that your jumping has to be very exact to avoid the enemies, and this will definitely not get easier as you proceed and meet bigger and faster enemies to jump over. While you in Manic Miner soon will be able to get more than halfway through the levels, you will have to practice a lot more in this game to get to level 7 or 8.

A nice twist is that the enemies will double up in speed when you have collected the last bit and have to head for the exit door, and the choice between going the easy way and collecting the bits just as you want, or collecting them in order to get to the bonus levels, is also a nice touch. On the bonus levels there is only one enemy, but be aware, because you will lose precious time if he touches you.

The game is made in the very best retro style, because as you come along you will see several familiar sceneries from old classic games!

Rating = 84%

Author: Andrew Gillen
Artist: Jaco van der Walt
Musician: Jaco van der Walt
Publisher: Black Jet

The game can be downloaded for free on Black Jet's website where you also can find other interesting stuff for the Sam Coupé: http://www.blackjet.co.uk/