Ack Review
Each issue, a game is picked that was commercially released after the last issue of CRASH was published in September 1991 — this issue it is released by Hi-Tech Software in 1992, and developed by Visual Impact.
In a world where the Spectrum existed in parallel with the next-gen consoles, software developers had all but forgotten about the ZX mascot days. With the mega-popularity of Sonic and Mario, it was time to do what our beloved machine once was renowned for — unique and memorable characters. All hail, erm, Turbo the Tortoise.
After being mutated in a lab accident, our
CRITICISM
We’ve mentioned the
Mario thing, so as far as originality goes, the game doesn’t score bonus points. How do the levels hold up, though? They seem like they’ve been rushed together with no real cohesion. If you’re going to go up against Nintendo, then the meticulous level design is paramount. The engine itself is tight; I feel
titular hero has, for some reason, found himself time travelling to various locations on the globe. He must run to the right on the scrolling landscape, leap over platforms, pick up apples and bash the heads of any enemies he encounters. Anyone thinking that sounds a lot like a certain Nintendo plumber game would be correct — this is a proud and unashamed facsimile of a tried and that the jumping mechanics are decent, and the scrolling is very smooth indeed. The cartoony graphics have a charm to them, and there’s plenty of variety in each of the worlds. It’s the second-best timetravelling out there better than Renegade III but worse than Kokotoni Wilf. tested series of games. Even warp areas are present in each of the six worlds that take you to the bonus screens! The monochromatic levels all come with their bespoke history-related theme: Prehistoric, Ice Age, Egyptian, Medieval, 20th Century & Future worlds. After surviving the varied environments, each level has its exclusive boss fight at the end, which is still Marioesque as Turbo needs to leap on their heads several times.
The game does have some features that are unique to it — firing bullets are the main stray away from the standard convention. These are limited and must be used wisely.
Use of Computer Graphics: Playability:
Getting started: Addictive Qualities: Overall: