C&VG


Troopa Truck
By Rabbit
Commodore 64

 
Published in Computer & Video Games #31

Troopa Truck

Fans of Moon Patrol, as seen in the arcades, can now play the game on a Commodore 64.

Troopa Truck is one of the latest releases from Rabbit Software and your job, as is usual in these games, is to save the Earth. As the driver of a Multi-Terrain Amphibious Armoured patrol vehicle (their name, not mine) you must cross the landscape that scrolls sideways at you. Intent on sabotaging your mission, some extremely selfish boulders deliberately position themselves in your path. However, a swift finger on the Fire button will soon take care of them.

Then there are the aliens which gather overhead. Shooting them will get you extra points, while failing to avoid the arrows they drop will lose you one of your three lives.

Trooper Truck

I first played this game at a trade show in London last month. The first thing that caught my eye (well, ear!) was the sound effects. As well as the catchy tune which plays all the way through the game, you also have the sound of clanking wheels as they bob up and down under the car. If you ask me, it's about time for a 10,000 mile service!

And that tune really is catchy. I was still humming it on the way home from the show.

As well as the decidedly unfriendly boulders, there are also holes in the moon's surface which must be avoided. Luckily, your vehicle is like no other; it can jump. Pushing the joystick up will jump your car just like Miner Willy in Manic Miner. Only thing is, a miner jumping across a gap is one thing; a car doing the same is rather different.

Trooper Truck

I assume that the game gets a lot harder as you progress, as there's a note in the instructions consoling those about to give up. Every obstacle, it says, is passable.

As well as the ability to jump, you can also acclerate and slow down. To help in really tricky bits, you can alter your speed while in the air.

Overall, I found this a very playable game. It's very addictive but I don't know how long the action continues before you are deemed to have succeeded in your mission.

Personally, I couldn't get very far, but had great fun trying. And the tune's good too.

A well-produced game which should prove fun for Commodore 64 owners, Troopa Truck is from Harrow-based Rabbit Software and costs £5.99.