Classic Moments: Sabre Wulf

The defining moments from Ultimate’s jungle-crawling masterpiece

» Platform: ZX Spectrum » released: 1984 » developer: ultimate play the Game

You’d heard the rumours, of course, but you never really believed them. Yes, there was clearly a ‘Wulf’ in Sabre Wulf, but he surely wasn’t going to be a match for your hero. Right?

Starting off deep in the jungle you soon start running rampant, hacking at bats, spiders, snakes and anything else that is foolish enough to stray into the path of your whirling blade. Entering a small clearing you face off against an array of critters, including two indestructible tribesmen, but the fight is worth it as you triumphantly nab the first piece of the legendary amulet you need. Your confidence soars as you break free from the shackles of the maze-like jungle and see looming mountains ahead of you. It’s going pretty well.

Suddenly, and without warning, the dreaded Wulf appears and crouches in anticipation of an easy kill. Overly confident, you inch forward hoping to at least send him running away like those pesky hippos you faced earlier. The Wulf is immune to your blade, though and as you lose your last life you also learn fear. You won’t be going near him again anytime soon…