Amidst all the
sophistication of games, the
half screen tall sprites, the icon
driven adventures, it's worth
remembering where it all
began... in the Arcades. It's
worth breathing a nostalgic
sigh for the times when all
games were simple - some
were simply dreadful but others
were simply wonderful.
And let us not forget Miner
Willy, Matthew Smith's classic
coal cutter. His platform
jumping exploits created so
many clones that many people
still run screaming when they
see a game with only left, right
and jump controls. (Right,
nurse, I think we've lulled this
reader into a sense of security.
Now just slip the strait jacket
on. Nice and secure? Good.)
Roller Coaster has only one
key in addition to right, left and
jump - but that's only a go
faster button. (Good thing we
used the manacles... can't
escape when I drop the big
one.) And
Roller Coaster is
great. Its plot is minimal -
collect the money bags left
inconveniently around a
fairground, jump over
obstacles and go for rides.
That's all. Your little man
doesn't even have a name.
So what is it that makes
Roller Coaster almost as much
fun as the real thing? I'm not
sure. It's a high scorer - but
that's not enough. And it looks
good and has some classy
opening music and spot effects
- but that's not enough either.
Then I think it must be the
sheer addictiveness. Nothing's
so difficult that you won't
achieve something first time -
but to get every bag you'll need
to practise on every ride. And
curiosity about what comes
next will spur you on.
Elite has made something of
a speciality converting arcade
games of late. Here they have
an original that's worthy of a
full sized machine of its own.
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