Zzap


Super Scramble Simulator

Publisher: Gremlin
Machine: Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Zzap #52

Super Scramble Simulator

After programming Kik Start I and II, Shaun Southern mounts up for yet another motorbike game.

Fifteen courses are divided up into five sets. The three courses in each set must be completed (in any order) to go onto the next set. If you fail to complete a course inside the time limit then it's 'game over'.

Courses feature hills, water obstacles, logs, and VW Beetles! Besides accelerating/braking, you can use one of three gears. If you stall the engine, fall over or go off the course, you are penalised by crucial seconds being taken off your time limit.

Stu

Super Scramble Simulator

Kik Start II is one of the best budget games around. A full price version would obviously have to be exceptionally good to better its predecessor, and Super Scramble Simulator isn't. Replacing the two-player option of Kik Start II are mediocre graphics and three gears which add nothing to playability, especially when the game plays a lot slower.

Phil

This would have been a fair budget release, but it's definitely not worth the full price tag. The whole concept is dated and the side-view graphics are crude. But most annoying is the way that the slightest error in your riding is mercilessly punished. This is worsened by the fact that you only get one 'life', and there's no option to practise the later courses.

Amiga Update

The Amiga game should be reviewed next issue and will cost £19.99.

Verdict

Super Scramble Simulator

Presentation 42%
Brief but effective instructions.

Graphics 39%
Respectable main sprite, but minimal animation.

Sound 35%
In-game sound is limited to engine noises.

Super Scramble Simulator

Hookability 39%
Initially a touch frustrating.

Lastability 36%
There are fifteen courses, but will you want to keep playing?

Overall 38%
An overpriced follow-up to the much superior Kik Start II.