Previous Next

I'll state here and noe that I'm not a fan of cute games or gameplay. Forget the rubber truncheons and air bubbles just give me a phase plasma rifle in the forty watt range and I'll take care of anything you can throw at me.

Which might give you some idea of the amount of firepower available in Rodland but, that said, I got darn excited after a few minutes of play as Rodland is a step above the ordinary as far as cuties go. So I put down my automatic and picked up a rod and believe me I found nothing fishy about this game.

The basic plot involves two disgustingly cute fairies, Tam and Rit whose mum has been kidnapped and placed in the Tower of "Maboots". Their task is to rescue her and to succeed they must go about it with more energy and enthusiasm than a squirrel trying to climb a greasy pole to get a pint of Carling Black Label!

They're equipped with magic rods which stick like very sticky poles to their enemies' anatomies enabling our heroes to fling them from side to side and destroy them. Some enemies release icons which include a variety of weapons from small flying bombs, to big stationary bombs and various other items of destruction. These are activated by walking into them and, although they don't harm Tam or Rit they cause havoc to their enemies. I especially love the big bang stationary bombs.

Using their rods they are also able to extend ladders between platforms, a very useful feature apart from the face that their enemies can follow them across them too.

But there are other ways of getting between platforms including jumping on balloons and going through magic doors (Hurrah!).

There are thirty-five platform levels, eighteen different enemies including: mutant spitting sharks, clawing lobsters, boomerang throwing starfish and four major end of level guardians. A gigantic crocodiles, a cute whale, a dozy elephant and a dreadfully dangerous goat, all take you on in a beautiful, well-animated end-of-levels fight.

The graphics are well planned and although I'm disappointed that there's no colour on the playing screens the sprites are very well drawn and animated. Furthermore, they respond to joystick control quickly and smoothly. This means that gameplay is superb and extremely addictive.

If you want a game that's funny, cute and has lots of lastability then you won't go far wrong with Rodland.

Gosh! This game has the best presentation I've seen on the Spectrum for a very long time. Playability is cute, fast and above all fun fun fun ('till your daddy takes the T-Bird away).

Gee I love this game! Great cartoon graphics and ridiculous animal enemies combine to create the most enjoyable bash I've had in ages. You won't get fairy wairy for 'til you finish!