3D Stunt Rider

Copyright : Amsoft | Reviewed by : Ritchardo

Ever dreamed of being like Evil Kineval: flying majestically over a row of buses and being declared a stunt hero? Then this game is your big chance!

Released way back in 1985, 3D Stunt Rider claimed to be the first stuntman simulator (a concept which even now is still selling games by the boatload!)

A simple brief; you control a stuntman preparing to leap over a pre-determined number of buses and land safely on the ramp on the other side - from the safety and comfort of your own room!

Graphics

The first thing you`ll notice on this game loading up is the splendidly bright and vibrant colour scheme used in the main play area. Not much in the way of shading - this very early game puts the graphics to some later releases to shame. True the fact that the game itself only has two main views (front on when preparing for your jump and from the side whilst in the air) has made it easier for the programmers to concentrate on making it look good.

Time has also been put in to ensure that there is a genuine sense of speed projected by the game in the form of the screen continually scrolling. Despite the constant scrolls, the graphics do not look jerky and once again proves to be a lesson that other developers should have learnt from but sadly didn`t.

Watch out for the right hand of your driver twisting the accelerator too! A nice little graphical touch!

Sound

A garish little tune blares from your speaker on loading and when you begin each new game. Not the best of tunes on the CPC to be honest and it soon becomes frustrating when first getting to grips with the game.

Sound effect wise - much as you`d expect really with the roar of your engine increasing in pitch as your speed does. Other than that the only sound you get is when you inevitably crash and burn!

Gameplay

Gameplay is very simple indeed. Simply accelerate and decelerate to reach the speed that you feel is right to make the jump and push forward and back to control speed through the air. The number of buses being leaped can be changed too when you perfect the first jump but unfortunately the game quickly becomes a simple matter of trial and error as there are no external factors (such as wind etc.) to take into account. It is possible to change direction and pull left and right but there is no real point as even if you just hit acclerate, you don`t drift off course!

That being said, the game is fun to get to grips with but once youve made your first few jumps and realise that there is nothing more to the game, youre unlikely to play again.