frolik
Bass Invader
Here's a classic game that I discovered when I got my first computer, the C64. It has been ported to practically all of the computers of it's day and I also remember playing the PC version but it wasn't quite the same using keys, since then, the sources were released and some nice person developed XRick which was duly converted to our GP32
Graphics:
The visuals are really nice, each level has it's own theme with different block designs (although I've only reached the 2nd!). Occasionally it may be hard to see certain features or artifacts due to the colour pallette being quite restricted - this isn't really a problem since the whole game is based on remembering how the levels work.
7/10 - Good for it's time
Sound:
Catchy jingle that most who played it before will recognise, this was proven to me by an old timer at my work saying he had forgotten the game but knew the tune well when I showed him. Throughout the game there are very basic noises to accompany the gameplay
5/10 - All the sound that is necessary
Gameplay:
You know how it goes by now, hold fire and push up to shoot, down to lay dynamite, left or right to prod with your stick - works very well once you have got used to it. The game is basically a series of puzzles which you must remember for the next time you play, you will only make progress in the game by making mistakes, learning from them, and doing it again. This can be incredibly annoying if you are stuck somewhere and once dead, have to go all the way through the level to get back and experiment. Once you see how the puzzles work, you're away and solving the puzzles, as always, leaves you with a real sense of achievement.
8/10 - Puzzles and Memory are the order of the day
Lastability:
This one is difficult to answer, you gp32 gamers out there are spoilt for choice and there is a tendency to play a game then swiftly move onto the next when you can no longer progress. But if you are prepared for a good challenge and enduring repeat-play over each level, you will be coming back for more. The level codes that are built into the gp32 version (you lucky people) help a lot, but I would not advise jumping ahead without first completing the level - the difficulty curve is quite steep.
7/10 - Will sort out the men from the boys
Overall:
My opinion may be biased because it was a classic of my day, I can see some people playing it and deciding straight away that it's not for them but if you had it when you were younger you will pick it straight up again and race through the first level (very satisfying). It's a solid game, a mix of different ideas that work well together, pleasing on the eye, and very rewarding... Recommended
8/10
Download it here
Graphics:
The visuals are really nice, each level has it's own theme with different block designs (although I've only reached the 2nd!). Occasionally it may be hard to see certain features or artifacts due to the colour pallette being quite restricted - this isn't really a problem since the whole game is based on remembering how the levels work.
7/10 - Good for it's time
Sound:
Catchy jingle that most who played it before will recognise, this was proven to me by an old timer at my work saying he had forgotten the game but knew the tune well when I showed him. Throughout the game there are very basic noises to accompany the gameplay
5/10 - All the sound that is necessary
Gameplay:
You know how it goes by now, hold fire and push up to shoot, down to lay dynamite, left or right to prod with your stick - works very well once you have got used to it. The game is basically a series of puzzles which you must remember for the next time you play, you will only make progress in the game by making mistakes, learning from them, and doing it again. This can be incredibly annoying if you are stuck somewhere and once dead, have to go all the way through the level to get back and experiment. Once you see how the puzzles work, you're away and solving the puzzles, as always, leaves you with a real sense of achievement.
8/10 - Puzzles and Memory are the order of the day
Lastability:
This one is difficult to answer, you gp32 gamers out there are spoilt for choice and there is a tendency to play a game then swiftly move onto the next when you can no longer progress. But if you are prepared for a good challenge and enduring repeat-play over each level, you will be coming back for more. The level codes that are built into the gp32 version (you lucky people) help a lot, but I would not advise jumping ahead without first completing the level - the difficulty curve is quite steep.
7/10 - Will sort out the men from the boys
Overall:
My opinion may be biased because it was a classic of my day, I can see some people playing it and deciding straight away that it's not for them but if you had it when you were younger you will pick it straight up again and race through the first level (very satisfying). It's a solid game, a mix of different ideas that work well together, pleasing on the eye, and very rewarding... Recommended
8/10
Download it here
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