Rockman

Rockman was different on each platform that Mastertronic convertedit to, we’re looking at the superior Vic-20 version of course.  On the surface it bears a striking resemblance to BoulderDash.  You have earth to dig away which supports boulders that fall, and treasures to collect.  Fortunately that is where the similarity ends, although BoulderDash is a fine game, Rockman gives the boulder dodging gameplay a different twist.

The first difference is there’s no scrolling levels, so you see everything on screen and completion of a level will sometimes require some planning.  Once you complete a level, you can choose the next level by leaving via exits at the edges of the screen.  This creates a maze of levels and allows you to choose your route through the game.  Once a level is complete you can return to it to get access to other levels, although you will not have to complete it a second time fortunately.

To complete a level you simply have to collect all the rings without making intimate contact with a falling boulder or baddie that wander the levels.  You’ve also got to dodge some poisonous skulls littered around the place.  Each level has a set number of rings, but two are placed at random along with two skulls and two baddies (the number of skulls and baddies increases later on).  This makes the levels a bit random, you can not always tackle them the same way twice, especially if a pesky skull is in the way!

The levels themselves are designed well, giving a challenge and requiring a strategy to complete.  What is a bit irritating is the placements of the random skulls and baddies can sometimes make a level impossible to solve.  The worst is when a baddie starts up next to you … if you are quick you can just about escape (see the video!).  Another niggle are the controls, they are not as responsive as they could be, which can add a frustrating level of difficulty when attempting precise maneuvers.

However the gameplay shines through and then some.  Overall difficulty is set right despite those niggles and its a game you can easily come back to time and time again.  The graphics are big and bold with an extended screen display so that the levels are a decent size.  The sound is pretty good for a Vic game although the music may eventually grind your ears into submission.

Navigate and complete all the levels in the game and it starts over, with more baddies and skulls to contend with.  Not that it will be an easy task to complete, but with the choice of route through the game and the random placement of some rings, skulls and baddies, you’ll be returning to Rockman time and time again.

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