LYNX Retroactive: Todd's Adventures in Slime World
From: Robert Jung (ap803@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 04/06/92-12:48:32 AM Z
From: ap803@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Robert Jung)
Subject: LYNX Retroactive: Todd's Adventures in Slime World
Date: Mon Apr 6 00:48:32 1992
Another in a series of Rob's Retroactive Lynx Reviews.
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TODD'S ADVENTURES IN SLIME WORLD
1-8 players, horizontal game
Atari Corp., for the Atari Lynx
$34.95
Stereo? No
OVERVIEW:
Okay, let's get the novelty out of the way: TODD'S ADVENTURES IN SLIME
WORLD is the first eight-player video game ever created. That aside, you play
the role of Todd the explorer, who's trapped inside a planet made of
disgusting green slime. There are six scenarios, and most of them requires you
to climb, jump, slide, and fly to the exit, while grabbing as much treasure as
possible on the way (when playing with friends, one scenario has you hunting
the other players to be the last one alive).
Todd starts off with a water pistol and a computer-generated map. As Todd
explores Slime World, he will find valuable slime gems and assorted tools such
as shields, jet packs, or megabombs. Todd will also get coated in the gunk,
whether it's from dripping ceilings or attacks from numerous creatures. The
creatures can be dispatched with the water gun, but too much slime is fatal,
so you must keep Todd clean. Even then, the trip is very dangerous; an
unlimited number of lives are available, and pausing the game gives a
six-character password to let you continue at a later date. A built-in
tutorial makes learning easier.
GAMEPLAY:
This game is HUGE. Most of the caverns used in the scenarios are hundreds
of screens large, and require literally hours to reach the exit. You'll often
look at the computer map, think you're near the end, explore a bit further,
then find a larger expanse of uncharted territory ahead. There's quite a lot
to look at, also: waterfalls of slime, rubbery slime to bounce on, slippery
slime, giant pools of slimy water. SLIME WORLD's creatures will fly, hop, and
jump all over, hoping to either coat you in the ooze, eat you alive, or simply
stick to your face. The six different levels are somewhat distinctive; some
emphasize arcade-type action, while others require careful exploring and
thinking.
As large and varied as it is, SLIME WORLD's weakest point is the lack of
repeatability. It's biggest attraction is the appeal of exploring the unknown.
Once you eventually finish a scenario, there is little motivation to try it
again, as the layout and contents never change; a randomly-generated level
would have helped immensely. While the "hunt the other players" mission is
very enjoyable, the other levels feature little direct interaction, and do not
benefit greatly when ComLynxed. Exploring Slime World is fun, but it's after
the exploration ends that the fun wanes.
GRAPHICS/SOUND:
SLIME WORLD's slime effect is convincing and impressive, with glistening,
unidentifiable clumps throughout, all oozing and pulsating in real time. Todd
himself is highly animated, and can be clearly seen throwing bombs, using
equipment, and performing whatever else you want. Creatures and other objects
are also done well, though not nearly as animated as Todd. In a multiplayer
game, your character has blonde hair while other players are brunettes.
Sounds are interesting, though ultimately not as exciting. Aside from the
title theme, game music consists of repeating clips, ranging from short tunes
to near-random beeps, that change periodically. Sound effects are a bit better,
though a crowd of slime creatures in tight quarters can quickly produce a
jarring kalidescope of noise.
SUMMARY:
TODD'S ADVENTURES IN SLIME WORLD will appeal mostly to players who enjoy
the idea of exploring every nook and cranny of its vast, gooey terrain. For
others, however, the appeal is not as distinct; depending on personal
preferences and the availability of friends, the value of this card will vary
significantly.
GAMEPLAY: 7
GRAPHICS: 8.5
SOUND: 6
OVERALL: 7
Rating values 10 - 8 Great! This game can't get much better.
7 - 5 Good. Average game, could be improved.
4 - 2 Poor. For devotees only.
1 Ick. Shoot it.
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Bringing you quality homebrewed Lynx reviews since 1989.
--R.J.
B-)
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