Previous Next

This is the latest offering from the English Software Company and I must admit that it is a rather silly game, but in the nicest possible way. The only instructions received with the game were a brief introduction to the characters involved. Having said that though, you do not need to be of Mastermind calibre to understand the object of play.

Your mission is to reach your "kousin" (!) who resides, I assume, at the end of your journey. The object being to jump over any obstacles that appear in your path on your way. This involves vaulting over dustbins that lift their lids as you try to jump them, bushes, frogs, worms and postboxes. Whilst leaping these items, you have also to avoid bombs dropping from an aeroplane.

The graphics are bright and cheerful but somewhat jerky with an accompanying sound of the William Tell Overture with plenty of action to keep you occupied. You have four lives in each game and each screen is timed so you cannot afford to hand around too long. The keyboard controls are well laid out on the BBC version (joystick option is only available on the Electron) with a pause facility if you need to answer a call of nature whilst playing!

I am not sure how many screens there are altogether as I gave up long before reaching my "kissin' kousin".

This is not because the game is either too hard (or too easy). It was just that, after jumping over many obstacles, I felt that there needed to be more variation rather than just repetitive leaping about. Although, to be fair, on some stages you do have to shoot objects as well.

I would estimate that this program would find a ready market with the under-12s but it is perhaps not quite sophisticated enough for anyone older, as its addictive qualities are somewhat limited.

The game reminds me (vaguely) of BC's Quest For Tyres but doesn't have the lasting interest with each screen bringing a different challenge that takes many attempts to work out.

Kissin' Kousins just seems to be much of a muchness. One you have established that you have to jump over the objects to reach your goal, then that seems to all there is to it.

It is a pity that more elements could not have been introduced to give it a more addictive quality. The game itself is well laid out.