Crazy Climber

ZX Computing

Instructions 80%

Presentation 85%

Addictability 80%

Value 80%

ZXC Factor 7/10

David Harwood 7/10

A game that I have been looking out for at the software stands that seem to appear in all the stores now has finally arrived. - JUMP, by Unique, is an arcade type game where you are in control of a man climbing his way up a tower block of flats. You have six controls to move either arm or leg and to move left or right. This is far too many for keyboard operation and unless you possess nimble fingers, you may find it quite a task. I think it would have been a good idea to include a joystick option, especially as this game is directed only to the arcade game enthusiast. Controlling your fingers you must climb up the tower block, keeping an eye open for the windows, which mustn't shut or close as you will find yourself falling to the ground. These windows are opened and closed by mad apes, who also throw plant pots at you in an effort to get you off their tower block. An interesting point to note is that in the instructions we are told that apes have overtaken the tower block and at the introduction screen, we see an ape appearing at the window, but as soon as the game starts, Darwin's Theory of Evolution takes place and all the apes have changed into men. The flower seemed to come at incredibly random moments, as quite often there is no chance of escape. This certainly made the game more of a challenge - not to be beaten by these apes (or men). The music is good and the very detailed and smooth graphics are excellent, although they can get a bit boring after a time. This game, though, is a sure must for any arcade freak (or window-cleaner).

Big K

Graphics 2/3

Playability 2/3

Addictiveness 3/3

Overall 2/3

Steve Keaton 2/3

MAKER: Ventamatic FORMAT: cassette PRICE: £5.95 Schizophrenic Spanish import that wears Donkey Kong duds (misleading), calls itself Escalador Loco yet loads as Crazy Climber. The latter is perhaps the most descriptive handles as the game involves climbing the outside of a skyscraper. A dull enough task were it not for the falling plantpots and obstrperous apes you meet en route. The graphics are neat, with the large cartoony climber being effectively animated, and the curse factor alarmingly high. Just when you think you've survived the first floor out pops a bearded terror who brains you with his last petunia. The monkey's even worse (he lurks further up the building). I've simply no idea how you're meant to pass his hairy, flailing arms. (Starting up us equally challenging.) As with other Ventamatic imports the instructions are Spanish and consequently meaningless (unless you're a Spaniard). It was only after much experimentation that I sussed out that it was the cursor keys 5 and 8 which moved the climber left and right (what do you mean it's obvious?), while keys 6 and 7 each moved an arm; U takes the character up the building but only after a firm grip has been established on the next ledge. A stick option would have made life a lot easier! Worth persevering with, though, as the actual game is mucho fun. And of course its scarcity ensures great snob appeal!

Crash

Use of Computer 58%

Graphics 73%

Playability 75%

Getting Started 60%

Addictive Qualities 80%

Value For Money 75%

Overall 70%

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Producer: Unique Memory Required: 48K Retail Price: £5.99 Language: Machine code Author: Jose Manuel Gutierrez This is one of the Spanish games from Ventamatic marketed in Britain through Unique. Jump actually seems a somewhat inappropriate name for this particular game - Climb or fall might have been more accurate. This is actually a Spectrum version of the arcade machine game known as 'Crazy Climber'. Your climber is standing at the bottom of a tower block six windows wide. He automatically climbs up the front door, and after that, you're on your own. The object is to get to the top. Unfortunately all the rooms are occupied by what the inlay refers to as apes but more resemble angry looking versions of BBC deejay John Peel wearing cans on his head. Windows which are blank are safe, especially if the blue blinds are down, but any window with an 'ape appearing is bad news. When fully aroused, this violent species actually hurls potted plants down on our doughty climber, plunging him to his death. Halfway up, the building has no windows in the centre, forcing you to climb on either the left or the right side. Further up still there is a giant ape blocking your path. Once at the top a tune is played and your are taken to the foot of another block with inhabitants throwing different objects at you. COMMENTS Control keys: 5/8 left right, left/right arm, T/U left/right leg Joystick: none Keyboard play: rather weird positions but they work well once mastered Use of colour: good Graphics: large, detailed, generally good Sound: simple tune with some effects during play Skill levels: 1 Lives: 5

'Can I clean your windows, please?'