Blast Annual


Bean Brothers

Author: John Davies
Publisher: Stonechat Productions
Machine: Spectrum 48K/128K

 
Published in Blast Annual 2020 Volume 1

Bean Brothers

Unfortunately, this isn't the Rowan Atkinson Twins. So no rubbery faces running around here. However, the two main protagonists, Baz and Boz, look very cute. I prefer the slightly sleepier looking Boz. The only difference is how they appear. They control and react in exactly the same way in this platform game written by Dave Hughes using AGDx.

Developer: Dave Hughes

Dave Hughes has been creating ZX Spectrum games, utiilities and artworks since 2011. In recent times the games he has released have been: Andy's Escape (2019), O.P.Z. (2018), Biscuits In Hell (2017), Doodle Bug (2017) And Genblast (2017).

Gameplay

The aim of the game is to get both Bean Brothers to the exit - a teleport, on each of the twenty screens, while avoiding enemies, flicking switches and working together to solve the problems. In some ways, it's very much like a 2D version of Head Over Heels (Ocean Software, 1987). The brothers need to work with each other. The main way they do this is to stand on top of each other so as to reach a platform that they cannot reach if they were attempting to do so by going solo.

Bean Brothers

Switches are mostly used to toggle the location of a locked immovable door-like block. The puzzles are light in complexity for the first dozen or so screens, all logical and making perfect sense. It's more about timing and reactions rather than puzzle solving, which is a style I personally prefer and I think children and adults alike would enjoy this game because of it. Plus, you don't need to worry about losing all of your lives, because you get an infinite number of them.

Hazards consist mainly of timed spikes popping up and the usual patrolling, flying and bouncing enemies. Screen blocks are of the same style varying in colour from level to level. The pass-through platforms are exactly the same for each screen and white in colour, as are the bro's and enemies, and the locks. So not a lot of attribute clash around here then, but not many different colours either, and backgrounds are always black. The in-game tune, by djnzx48, is jolly enough, fits the game well and is never irritating. The basic spot effects used by the game work well in tandem with the music.

Likes

There are some nice little touches in the game, for example when you switch between the Bean Brothers, the bro who you're not controlling shuts his eyes and goes to sleep. This kind of attention to detail shows a lot of love and care has been poured into this game by the developer.

Dislikes

When you die, a massive skull appears. The first time it's a surprise. However, by the sixth or seventh time it's annoying. I'd prefer something a little less spectacular and more amusing.

Verdict

All in all, despite a few tiny elements which might have been done better, this is a solid, professional looking and well thought out platform game which should appeal to players of all ages.

John Davies

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