Jurl

Break Space

Al

Dave Sloane

Mpk

JURL Tonsomo/Johnny Blanchard $1 Sloany's Review The Jurly bird catches the worm, but all Jurl Hogrind is interested in catching is diamonds, lots of diamonds. Catching them at any cost too, even if it means all out intergalactic war and the destruction of Earth. You see, mankind has been a pushy little brat of late, throwing its weight around and expanding beyond the stars and into the territory of some ETs that are understandably none too chuffed at having their space invaded by Earth idiots. With a blatant disregard for diplomacy and delicate peace negotiations, you play the eponymous "hero" and self-proclaimed "greatest Star Diamond miner in the galaxy" who just wants to steam in there and take advantage of those space diamonds that are sitting about waiting for the picking, regardless of the consequences for his home planet. Billed as 'Asteroids meets Pacman', Jurl has graced a number of platforms now with versions for the PC, Master System, PC Engine, Lynx, Gameboy, Atari 2600 and now the humble ZX Spectrum. The game really wears its golden era arcade origins on its sleeve, with strong elements of Lunar Lander and Solar Fox thrown into the mix. In the fine tradition of 48K Speccy games having screechy classical music intros, when you load it up you're greeted with a beeper version of Beethoven's Für Elise. However, let's get this out of the way from the off, this game is tough. Really tough. If I may borrow from Douglas Adams, you just won't believe how vastly hugely mind-bogglingly tough it is. The first level (level 0) eases you into the game. Here you are on your own, blipping about collecting diamonds without any pesky aliens to bother you, and a good job too because controlling the ship is extremely tricky. You might think, "how hard can it be to control a ship with just 3 controls? (left, right & thrust)" Well, I'll tell you - it's a right swine! This level is great for getting to grips with just how sensitive the controls are and how delicate you need to be in order to regain some control over the ship. It's also good for getting the chance to launch full tilt and bounce around at top speed without any consequences, because the ship moves so smoothly and it's so much FUN! Once you've cleared the first screen (and even without enemies it still takes a bit of time to complete) then the trouble really begins. The second level (level 1) throws two, albeit slow moving and non-firing, foes into the mix. Here you have to really start focusing on your wayward ship, as one small overshoot will see you careering into them and smashing into smithereens. Get used to it, it'll be happening a lot. Progress can be made however and the satisfaction of being able to actually clear a screen makes you feel like a god. Although far too difficult for my skills, the whole thing has been coded with a very slick sheen and a clear love for classic arcade action. It's only a dollar on itch and its purchase will encourage the author to make further Speccy games which would only be good thing, especially if they are as well coded as this one. Although hopefully a little more geared for mere mortals to play, eh? Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough!

"Stressful but satisfying"

"this game is tough"

Get dunked on by doughnuts.

Getting trickier now - that green one will home in on you

Just one final elusive diamond to go, and I've died. Typical.