notable versions

amstrad cpc

It’s debatable whether the Amstrad version is better or worse than the Spectrum. It’s probably on a par, as there’s more colour (although some of the scheme choices later are odd – purple bullets anyone?), but the scrolling is noticeably clumsier. The gameplay is sadly lacking – there’s simply not enough to do other than slog across each level, offing the occasional baddie.

commodore 64

Alas possibly the poorest of the home computer interpretations of the movie, and a huge disappointment to Commodore fans.

The bland, boring gameplay is made even worse thanks to some unattractive, blocky sprites, and even the sound – which is normally the minimum redeeming point on the Commodore computer – is lamentable.

Zx Spectrum

The Spectrum game, coded by Mev Dinc, is at least graphically pleasing, despite a monochromatic main screen. It’s another missed opportunity, however. Once you get over the novel right-to-left scrolling, boredom is inevitable as Jack and his chums trudge through the repetitive scenery, occasionally encountering a lone henchman from Lo Pan’s army.