1st August 1988
To Hell And Back
Nothing is safe anywhere these days, not even in Heaven. I mean, it comes to something when any old Tom, Dick or Mephisto can sneak in and make off with the Ten Commandments. This same dastardly devil has allowed his demons to run amok with them - how disrespectful can you get? Well, even more than this it seems, since the scoundrel has stolen the Archangel Bertram's horn!
Controlling Bertram, you negotiate a path around Netherworld, battling a variety of spooks such as ghosts, zombies and skeletons with your halo: this stuns the attackers and transforms them into angels, allowing them back into Heaven.
The first level consists of a two-way horizontally scrolling screen dotted with firepits which the player must jump using various platforms. Contact with any of the monsters encountered saps your angelic energy (shown as a figure from 0 to 100 in the display at the bottom of the screen). If this is allowed to drop to zero, Bertram shuffles off his immortal coil: however, energy is topped up by collecting the Bibles that appear periodically.
At the end of the level a large monster is defeated to reveal one of the Commandments and allow access to the further levels: these consist of more hazard-filled scrolling mazes with eldritch and demonic beasties hidden at the end of murky tunnels.
Collecting all ten Commandments leads to the final confrontation with Mephisto, in Hell: unfortunately, he has the odds in his favour, with wolves, snakes and gophers(!) at his side. Defeat him and the horn is yours forever - and who knows, you might just be promoted to Big G's right hand man...
GH
This maintains a neat balance between a threatening atmosphere (suggested by the sombre backdrops) and humour (in the bouncy music). The initial appeal lies in exploring the depths of Netherworld, which is inhabited by some smartly defined monsters scurrying over occasionally pretty backdrops: it's fairly standard fare in the gameplay stakes. The tune, however, is very repetitive and soon becomes annoying (for this reviewer, at any rate!). It's little more an average platform/search game in the Ghosts 'N Goblins mould, let down only by lack of polish: however, the Elite version is still far better and, despite its age, I would choose it over this.
PG
After a string of poor releases from CRL, they've proved that there is life after Trigger Happy with this reasonable Ghosts 'N Goblins clone. First impressions - chunky graphics and an inappropriate soundtrack - fail to inspire visions of supernatural encounters, but after a few minutes play it becomes an enjoyable blasting platform romp. The idea of using a boomerang-style halo as a weapon is quite clever, and this lack of seriousness throughout helps excuse the game's aesthetic shortcomings. As play progresses, the standard of graphics increases so interest doesn't drop away as quickly as you would expect. Ten quid is a bit steep considering the comparative lack of polish, but this is a CRL game which is, for once, worth a look.
PS
OK, To Hell And Back is not exactly state of the art, but it is a damn sight more playable than some of the other CRL turkeys currently on offer. Visually and aurally it's OK: a tubby Archangel sprite trudges his way across the meanie-infested backdrops, and the sound consists of a pleasant, if repetitive, tune that plays throughout, but thankfully doesn't drive you up the wall. The going is tough at first - a fact not made easier by the maniacal denizens of the underworld trying to bump poor old Bertram off at the slightest chance - but patience reaps rewards. Overall, an average platform collect-'em-up, that will keep you occupied, for a while.
Verdict
Presentation 47%
Poor instructions, otherwise average screen display and joystick control.
Graphics 40%
Smooth scrolling and (sometimes) pretty backdrops marred by chunky and blandly coloured sprites.
Sound 51%
An inoffensive tune plays throughout.
Hookability 69%
The urge to explore new levels rescues the game's feeble presentation.
Lastability 55%
There are enough levels there if you can ignore the poor graphics and occasionally frustrating gameplay.
Overall 59%
An average platform collect-'em-up in the Ghouls 'N Goblins mould.
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