ZX Computing


Grumpy Gumphrey Supersleuth

Publisher: Gremlin
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in ZX Computing #23

Grumpy Gumphrey Supersleuth

The copy we received was a pre-production copy and had no instructions whatsoever, so if I get something slightly wrong here, I claim ignorance!

You appear to be a store detective who is striving to keep his job. Messages appear at the bottom of the screen and I assume you have to deal with them. These tend to vary from the mundane (the boss wants a cup of coffee) to the bizarre (ducks on the ground floor!)

Wandering around, you begin to remember the layout of the store and where various objects can be found. The series or sequence of actions to achieve your objectives is one which you must discover for yourselves. I must admit I have not been able to get very far at all (and I've tried - *how* I've tried!).

The animation is superb and of the large animated cartoon variety, the other characters are carefully created and all the action takes place in a well designed, frustrating complex building. If this kind of visual arcade puzzle is your cup of tea then this game is for you, but personally I find it irritating.

I think there is probably more to this program than I have discovered and so I will simply say that if you lived Everyone's A Wally, you'll probably enjoy this one; if you are easily frustrated then try it out at your local shop first.