Commodore User


Hunchback II

Publisher: Ocean
Machine: Commodore 64

 
Published in Commodore User #17

Hunchback II

Level or platform games are almost two-a-penny these days. Well, this offering probably won't lead to early retirement for all at Ocean but it does have plenty going for it. It has an identity, it's not Jet Set Willy in dark glasses nor Chuckie Egg in drag. No, this climbing caper exudes the aroma of old Notre Dame, cartoon-style.

Quasimodo and friends will keep you wiggling the joystick during many hours of compelling play as you strive for the next screen. The denouement centres around a clock tower, with clockwork mechanisms, cogs and winding gear... all Hunchback mincemeat-makers. Of course, there are also the bells, the bells! These replace the standard power pills or keys. Mopping-up the complete set leads you further up the clocktower where you get to ring the big daddies and free Esmerelda into the bargain.

Each stage encourages athletic rope work as you switch bell pulleys to access ledges. Hooks and moving platforms are auxiliary modes of transport, with the ever present threat of a mangling in the giant screws and cogs below. These are most realistically portrayed as is the bone-crushing. In the first three screens, I only encountered bats. There are two more stages plus the belfry where fireballs, arrows, cannonballs and axes are promised. Reach the finale, ring the bells and rescue 'er indoors.

Hunchback 1 was the game that put Ocean on the map a year ago. Now - whether it's Daley Thompson or Frankie Goes To Hollywood - there is an Ocean game to match.