Computer Gamer


Park Patrol

Publisher: Firebird
Machine: Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Computer Gamer #24

Park Patrol

The job of park-keeper is up for grabs at Papatoetoe Park as the old keeper has had a nervous breakdown. And no wonder! Litter festoons the banks of the river and swimmers do their utmost to drown right in front of your hut. As if that was not enough, they also have the temerity to capsize your raft as you try to rescue them.

Then there is the wildlife. Snakes inhabit the river and are a danger to you and the swimmers. And man-eating turtles do their best to prevent you from picking up the assorted debris. Then, just when your energy is running low and you're feeling the need to pop back to the hut for a quick snack, you find it isn't there. The ants have walked off with it!

You are equipped with a raft for taking you up and down the river bank but can also hop onto floating logs if you want. A few jars of snake repellant are your only help as you try to avoid a watery grave. A flashing help message indicates a swimmer in difficulty and you should return to your hut immediately. Each level ends when you successfully pick up all the rubbish.

Park Patrol is one of those games that is so simple to play and so incredibly addictive that you wonder why you didn't think of it yourself. At under £2 as well, it puts many of its more expensive brothers to shame. Go buy a copy!