Jetpac
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jetpac | |
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| Developer(s) | Tim and Chris Stamper |
| Publisher(s) | Ultimate Play The Game |
| Platform(s) | ZX Spectrum BBC Micro Commodore VIC-20 Xbox 360 Live Arcade (as part of Jetpac Refuelled) Nintendo 64 (as part of Donkey Kong 64) |
| Release date | 1983 (Spectrum) Late 1983 (VIC-20)[1] Late 1984 (BBC)[2] |
| Genre(s) | Shooter game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Media | Cassette (Spectrum, BBC, VIC-20) ROM cartridge (Spectrum, N64) Download (Xbox 360) |
| System requirements | 16K RAM (Spectrum, BBC) 8K RAM expansion (VIC-20) |
| Input methods | Keyboard, joystick |
Jetpac is a ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro video game developed and released by Ultimate Play The Game in 1983. The game is the first in the Jetman series, and was the company's very first release. The game was written by Chris Stamper with graphics by Tim Stamper. Jetpac was one of the very few Spectrum games also available in ROM format for use with the Interface 2, allowing "instantaneous" loading of the game when the normal method of cassette loading could take several minutes.
In 1999, Jetpac was introduced to a new generation as Rareware included it in Donkey Kong 64. It could be unlocked to play in Cranky Kong's lab, and if players successfully got 5000 points, they would be rewarded the game's Rareware Coin. After taking pictures of 6 Banana Fairies, the player would be able to play it and Donkey Kong any time they wish by going to the mystery menu of the main menu.[3] An updated version of Jetpac, entitled Jetpac Refuelled was released to Xbox Live Arcade on 28 March 2007.[4]
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[edit] Introduction
Typically for an Ultimate release, players are given a tantalising and cryptic introduction :
- The 'Acme Interstellar Transport Company' is delivering SPACESHIP KITS to various planets in the solar systems throughout the Galaxy, and as chief test pilot, all you have to do is assemble the Rockets, and thrust onto your next destination.
- But! as you don't often get the chance of a free trip across the Galaxy, and space travel is, oh, so expensive, now is your chance to get rich! You might just as well stop off on several planets on your journey, collect the odd sack of precious gems, elements or gold, and take them back with you.
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SOUNDS SIMPLE DOESN'T IT!
- But! before you go and make yourself the richest person in the whole Universe, you must remember to refuel your Spaceship, every time you land on a planet, with 6 fuel pods. Any other goodies you collect, are yours to keep.
- Upon landing, you will find yourself equipped with the very latest Hydrovac JET PAC, which can automatically air lift almost any rocket stage, fuel pod or valuables you care to land upon, and release them over the rocket ship base; plus mega powerful, Quad Photon Laser Phasers, to blast any nasty, mean, little aliens who might object to your visit.
- And my! do those aliens get upset, when you collect all of their valuables, and sneak off without so much as a by-your-leave.
[edit] Gameplay
In the game, Jetman has to first assemble his rocket (which comes in kit form), and then fill it with fuel before taking off to the next planet (where the procedure is broadly repeated). Along the way Jetman has to fend off the attention of intelligent (and not-so-intelligent) aliens, while making off with their valuable resources.
After the first level, the rocket stays assembled and just requires refuelling. However, every few levels, the rocket that Jetman flies in on is changed and the new model which replaces it has to be built from scratch before it can be fuelled up to take off. Each new model has a higher number written on it and has a new design, although the gameplay is unchanged.
The screen consists of three platforms on which Jetman can stand, with the area "under" the platforms usually considered to be the most dangerous area in which to hang about. The screen "wraps", so if Jetman or an alien go off one side of the screen, they reappear on the other.
The enemies change every level (however, they eventually cycle) and each alien has a different pattern of movement which means they can be dealt with in a different manner. For instance, the "dart" enemy tends to hover in a vertical column on the left-hand side of the screen until it "fires" across the screen. However, this level can be easily completed by always staying on the middle of the three on-screen platforms and firing to the right. However, the "flying saucer" aliens will follow Jetman and so will require a different strategy to avoid.
[edit] References
- ^ Personal Computer Games, issue 2, page 7. Newsfield Publications, November 1983
- ^ Jetpac review, BBC Micro version, Computer and Video Games, issue 38, page 36. December 1984
- ^ Donkey Kong 64. GameSpot. CNET. Retrieved on 2006-05-30.
- ^ Jetpac Refuelled. Xbox.com. Microsoft. Retrieved on 2008-02-25.
[edit] External links
- Jetpac at Ultimate Wurlde
- Jetpac at World of Spectrum
- Jetpac at MobyGames
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