Zzap


Jack The Nipper
By Kixx
Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Zzap #54

Jack The Nipper

All kids are naughty, that's a fact of life. Yes, even Cedric the oh-so-refined businessman from down the road used to get up to antics which would make your hair stand on end. But there's naughtiness and there's downright evil. And Jack is positively devilish. He is, honest. If you don't believe me, just check out some of the 'pranks' he gets up to in the first of two games dealing with the troublesome tot.

The idea behind Jack The Nipper is a simple one. All you have to do is become the world's smallest pain in the neck, utilising any means at your disposal. And what is at your disposal? Peashooters, glue, expensive (and breakable!) crockery, a bicycle horn and other equally destructive and destructible items are lying around the town, aching to be used and abused by you.

Of course, being a toddler has its problems, your biggest being the dreaded nappy rash...! Being caught by one of the many 'grown ups' in the game brings on the condition (monitored by a Rashometer at the bottom of the playing area); once the level or rash reaches the top of the meter, you receive a (well deserved) spank and lose one of your lives, of which you possess five (four more and you could be a cat!). Success is measured by the Naughtyometer; reach 100% and you achieve ultimate Naughtiness and complete the game.

This is great fun; presentation is tip-top, with humorous adult sprites and a thoroughly cheeky Jack. Jack The Nipper is actually two games in one; you can try your hand at the arcade adventure side of things or, alternatively, you can rush around the many screens and be, to be blunt, a little git. There's something here for everyone (including a wicked sense of humour) and at £2.99, Jack The Nipper is an inexpensive lesson in how not to bring up your own kids!