Amstrad Action


Ghouls
By Micro Power
Amstrad CPC464

 
Published in Amstrad Action #1

Ghouls

There are only four screens to this platform game but it is much faster than games like Manic Miner with each screen being diabolically difficult to complete. On each screen, you have to get your Pacman-like ghoul to the top right of the screen gobbling dots and power jewels as you go.

Movement is very fast which makes jumping over objects a matter for great precision. This, combined with the fact that it's very easy to get killed, means you're likely to get through a lot of games very quickly.

The first problem is that it is very easy to mis-time a jump off the edge of a platform, while falling from even quite low heights can prove fatal. This is nothing, though, compared to the difficulty of timing leaps over such horrors as spiky mats, which may cause you endless frustration. Another hazard is a ghost that slowly homes in on you but can be disabled for a while by getting a power jewel. Other features are moving platforms, expanding walkways bouncing spiders and springs to propel you up floors.

Ghouls

There is a time limit for each screen which is converted into a bonus if you complete the screen, or kills you if it runs out. If you can complete all four screens you get a bonus life but just doing one is achievement enough.

Good News

P. Fast reflex action.
P. Extremely tough screens.
P. Good sound effects.

Bad News

N. Incredibly frustrating.
N. Not many screens.
N. Timing is very difficult.