C&VG


Jet Boot Jack

Publisher: English
Machine: Atari 400/800/XL

 
Published in Computer & Video Games #30

Jet Boot Jack

Jack, the jet-powered jogger, is the star of English Software's latest offering for the Atari range of computers. He zips around happily collecting musical notes in a Manic Miner-style world of elevators, conveyor belts and assorted nasty bugs.

The game may not have the most original theme in the world but Jack is a little graphic gem. He wears a jogging baseball cap and "Walkman" headphones!

The action takes place in the Record Pressing Plant and Jack's one aim in life is to collect enough musical notes to create the greatest music collection in the world! Not much to ask. There are ten multi-level screens and the game features five skill levels with varying hazards and point-scoring capabilities.

Jet Boot Jack

Jack jogs on his way using his amazing jet-boots and these need refuelling from time to time. To do this, you must guide Jack into one of the several fuel pods dotted around the screen. The game ends if Jack runs out of fuel.

You get bonus lives if you score 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 and 80,000 points - but it should take you some time to reach that level of skill. Unless you've already beaten Manic Miner, that is! Oh yes, you also get a points bonus for completing a screen.

There is a high score feature - with a read-out on the display at the start of each game and on the top of the screen as you play. And the loading display - featuring Jack again - is neat!

Jet Boot Jack

You can play the game using the joystick and it will take a bit of time to get used to the ducking and jumping actions. Jack kills bugs in the plant by jumping up and down on the level above the little creatures. The Fire button makes him duck under any overhanging obstacles that might block his path. Once you've mastered these controls you'll be off and enjoying yourself.

As I've already said, Jet Boot Jack is not the most original game around - but I found it quite addictive and enjoyable and can't wait to get back to take a crack at reaching that tenth screen!

Jet Boot Jack comes from English Software of Manchester on cassette or disc for the Atari 400/800 and XL range at a bargain price of £9.95 and is available now in major high street stores.