Splat

Copyright : Alternative Software | Reviewed by : Ritchardo

You must guide Zippy around the Massive Exploration Area which slides unpredictably, intent on turning our hero into Strawberry Jam should he crash into one of the four outside walls.

The aim of the game is to take Zippy through many hazards to the gate on level 8 (no chance). On his way through the levels Zippy must eat as much grass as possible while avoiding other objects such as water or the drawing pin. You get a bonus for completing each level. The level indicator shows how far through each level you are.

Graphics

Although undeniably simplistic even to 1984 standards, Splat?s mode 0 graphics have a real charm to them thanks, in no small part, to the game?s hero, Zippy the Spider. Accurately named, Zippy scuttles around the screen at breakneck speed and thanks to the design gives the game a real sense of character? despite the fact he has only four legs?

Basic anatomical oversights apart, Splat! looks exactly what it is: a simple, early arcade game. The rest of the graphics are pretty bog standard if blocky depictions of grass, drawing pins etc.

The player can change the background colour at any time by pressing DEL which helps avoid some of the ?funkier? colour combos in the game.

One final point of note, when it comes to the graphics, is the menu screen. Although far from outstanding by later standards, the quality of font and character set is far superior to most of Amsoft?s early releases, making Splat! look that little more polished.

Sound

There is a clue in the name of this game that hints at the range of sounds available. Splat! it?s called and Splat?s about all you get apart from the odd ping to indicate grass or plums being scooped up by our arachnoid chum. The splat (or more accurately, bang) chimes every time Zippy croaks it, whether it be squashed against the scenery or from running over a hazard.

No title or in-game music, unfortunately.

Gameplay

Easy to understand and even easier to play, Splat! relies heavily on the addictiveness of the task to try and disguise the lack of variety. And it succeeds, to an extent, as the one more go factor to this game is very high

Simply put you must avoid the edges of the screen and gobble up as much grass (visible and invisible) and plums as you possibly can. Now, I?m no expert on the dietry requirements of insects but I?m pretty sure that most spiders tend to eat flies and the like rather than grass and fruit but then why let that get in the way of a good game?

The scrolling of the screen is random and unpredictable leaving you with a number of split second ?dare I risk it?? situations to face and you?ll find yourself coming back to give it one more crack.

Having said that it is impossible to deny that the game can soon become frustrating especially as you are put back to the start of the level each time you die. The scope of the game is also somewhat limited and its appeal can wear off rapidly after you begin to master the game.