Personal Compuer Games


Uncle Claude
By Alligata
BBC Model B

 
Published in Personal Computer Games #12

Uncle Claude

Uncle Claude is out to fiddle the consumers and it's your job to stop him. The bearded figure, modelled fairly obviously on Sir Clive Sinclair, is an electronics tycoon and is planning to increase the prices of his various products by withholding stocks. I think this particular method of profit making is known as 'demand-pull inflation'. Whether it works in the computer market is debatable.

You, Micro Micky, the punters' friend, must stop this dastardly operation by shipping all of Claude's products out to the shops where the consumers can get at them. To do this, you must move the goods onto a conveyor belt from where, presumably, they are shipped out to the local branch of Dixons. Your task is made all the more difficult by Claude running around trying to kick you out of his warehouse. And, if he can't get you by fair means (knocking you over), he'll get you by foul - by throwing an 'Umstrad' at you. This strange device comes in two forms, one of which is black with blue keys and a diagonal row of coloured stripes in the bottom right hand corner. I can't think what it reminds me of...

Claude's stock changes with each level and includes cassette radios, watches, computers and Cruise missiles. These are all well presented and the animation is good, though at times a trifle flickery. Sound is fairly loud and is used well. There are two features which are at last getting more and more prevalent amongst BBC programs. These are a freeze button, invaluable if people make a habit of ringing you midway into a game, and an on/off toggle for sound, useful if you make a habit of playing late at night and don't want to wake the neighbourhood.

Shingo Sugiura

Uncle Claude

The instructions are full of awful micro in-jokes, but don't let that put you off. Micro moves his legs frantically as you move him round the screen to push the nicely-drawn objects and the movement is very smooth. All the usual features such as freeze option, sound on/off and hall of fame are there. The object of the game may seem a bit too simple and the sound may be a little boring, but it should prove addictive for most people. The variety of objects to push around should keep you busy for a while too.

Simon Rogers

An enjoyable game this, especially the idea of taking the Michael out of Sir Clive. I liked the flying Spectrums and BBCs. Nothing special overall though - I found it a bit tedious the second time round.

Bob Wade

That bearded character on-screen in unmistakable and, as usual, is cast in the role of the villain. The animation is good even when Claude inflicts GBH on our hero, and the ambulance rushes him off to hospital. It's a very simple game idea, but surprisingly addictive.

Rob Patrick

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