Chinese Juggler

Author: CA
Publisher: Ocean
Machine: Commodore 64

 
Published in Personal Computer Games #6

Chinese Juggler

The first unusual thing about this game is that it was written by a Hungarian professor. This doesn't explain its title, but it does help to show why it has a completely different feel to any other computer game you've played.

It's based on that nail-biting circus act in which the performer has to keep a set of plates spinning on sticks.

The act is converted to the screen in brilliant 3D graphics accompanied by a wonderful piece of circus music to keep you feeling jolly.

Chinese Juggler

Using a joystick, you must manoeuvre the delightfully-animated juggler to pick up a plate and set it spinning on one of eight sticks.

This is achieved simply by moving him right next to the stick base and pressing the fire button. Simple. He must then collect another plate and repeat the trick.

The trouble is of course that the juggler must keep returning to each stick to give it a fresh spin or the plates will fall off. The way in which they are shown wobbling as they gradually slow down is superbly realistic and if you're not careful you'll be thrown into blind panic.

Chinese Juggler

One additional piece of fun is that you can get the juggler to throw a plate into the air and catch it again. changing its colour. White plates spin the longest. This game is very nearly brilliant. Its major flaw is that once the first stage mastered it doesn't offer enough variety or challenge.

The only real difference in later stages is that the plates slow down quicker, and you can only place those of certain colours.

On only my fourth attempt, I got through about ten levels, scoring 68,000 points in a game lasting 40 minutes. I was too exhausted to try again.

CA

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