Acorn User


Caesar The Cat
By Mirrorsoft
BBC Model B

 
Published in Acorn User #042

Cat In The Cupboard

Caesar The Cat

This is a BBC Micro version of the popular game about the cat looking for mice in the larder. The cassette comes in simple but effective packaging with loading instructions. There is a catchy collection of background music which is a very effective cue. Thankfully, this can be adjusted to an acceptable level.

Caesar's job is to catch the mice who are eating the food on the larder shelves. When a mouse is captured, a door opens on one of the shelves so that Caesar can take the mouse outside. Points are scored for each mouse, but points are lost if Caesar knocks crockery off the shelves: The score is also reduced by the mice nibbling away at the food, or if Caesar crashes into the walls. When ten mice have been removed, the pace increases and scores increase for the next ten.

There is a constant reminder of the current score on screen, as well as the highest score in the current session. In all, there are ten levels of difficulty.

Caesar The Cat

The graphics are very good, yet simple. The mice nibble convincingly and Caesar creeps stealthily along the shelves, as well as doing cat-like leaps. The game appeals to young and old alike, and is certainly addictive - you can play it for hours.

My one complaint is the lack of loading instructions for the disc user. It seems, yet again, that if you own a disc drive you should not need to be told to *DISC before loading. With so many Beebs now fitted with a disc interface, this is a small but important omission.

If you are fed up with zapping aliens, this could be a good buy at £6.95, and it will keep the children quiet for hours.

Frank Jones

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