Zzap


Buffalo Bill's Wild West Rodeo Show
By Tynesoft
Commodore 64

 
Published in Zzap #54

Buffalo Bill's Wild West Rodeo Show

Yeeha, it's one of them there multi-event sports simulations pardner! Six different tasks lie ahead of you, and it's your duty as living legend, Bill Cody, to ensure that each one is tackled to your fullest abilities.

First off is Target Practice. You're given the chance to demonstrate your shooting prowess in a couple of ways: by knocking out the 'flip up' baddies (being careful not to shoot at the innocent bystanders), followed by a round where a cow-poke hurls empty bourbon bottles into the air, just for you to shoot.

On to Knife Throwing. This highly dangerous sport entails hurling sharp knives at a revolving wheel. What's so dangerous about that? As the poor lass who's strapped to the wheel! Your score in this round depends on the distance from the girl which the knife lands - just make sure that it's not too close!

Buffalo Bill's Rodeo Games

Strap on your spurs and get ready for the ride of your life in Bronco Riding. As the horse does its darnedest to dethrone you, you must push the joystick in the direction indicated by arrows which appear on-screen.

In Stagecoach Rescue a renegade injun has captured a stagecoach and is terrorising the passengers. It's your duty to saddle your horsey and gallup up to the side of the stage, avoiding the suitcases which the indian throws at you, jump onto the coach, climb to the top and take on Hiawotha in a fist-fight to beat them all!

Then it's back to the show for a spot of Calf Roping. Again on horseback, it's lasso time as you attempt to slip the rope over the head of the fleeing heifer.

Buffalo Bill's Rodeo Games

The day's entertainment is wound up arguably the most dangerous of the six events - Steer Wrestling. Catch the seething bull and wrestle it to the floor by waggling the joystick.

Randy

Tynesoft have had a go once before at an 'alternative' multi-event game with Circus Games, which wasn't up to much. Thankfully, Buffalo Bill's Rodeo Games is a great improvement.

None of the events featured would hack it as standalone games, but brought together in one package they add up to value all round. Each sub-game is playable, requiring a fair amount of practice to win through, and thankfully Tynesoft have included a 'Retry' feature so you can do just that!

Buffalo Bill's Rodeo Games

This is a good 'un, across both formats.

Robin

As a fan of the Epyx games I view most other sports games with a certain amount of scepticism. Rodeo Games is sufficiently different from the norm and enjoyable to play even though some of the simpler events aren't worth the long loading time on tape.

The graphic quality is never below good but the sound effects are at times misplaced. I'm surprised there isn't a sense of humour about the game as most of the Epyx games benefited enormously from this. Despite this, there's a good deal of playability to be found within Rodeo.

Verdict: C64

Buffalo Bill's Rodeo Games

Presentation 73%
Unhelpful instructions but the multi-load isn't too much of a pain.

Graphics 81%
Generally effective all round.

Sound 79%
A veritable host of tunes and effects.

Buffalo Bill's Rodeo Games

Hookability 76%
Multi-load may put people off slightly...

Lastability 80%
...but once into the action, it's hard to put down.

Overall 80%
All the fun of the great Wild West in one well presented package. Rootin' tootin' yeeha-ing stuff!

Verdict: Amiga

Buffalo Bill's Rodeo Games

Presentation 79%
Helpful 'Retry' option after each event. Instructions are on the vague side, however.

Graphics 86%
Fluid sprite animation complements effect Wild West backdrops.

Sound 79%
Realistic sound effects and a range of rousing ditties.

Buffalo Bill's Rodeo Games

Hookability 80%
The original scenario provokes initial interest.

Lastability 82%
Each of the stages oozes playability.

Overall 80%
An original twist on a well tested theme.