Previous Next

Sprites on a VIC 20? Well, it appears so in this fabulous game for the 16K expanded VIC. Actually, it is impossible to use sprites Sl oS on the VIC, but, by re-defining the character set every time BONGO (you) passes over something, has the same effect as sprites. Anyway, as you would guess from what I have just said, the graphics are good. They are the best graphics I have seen on the VIC, being very smooth and realistic.

The instructions are comprehensive, so you read them and wait for it to load. And wait. And wait. And wait. It takes ten minutes for it to load. The idea of the game is to rescue the princess. You are a mouse. Using the joystick, you move about: up and down ladders, down slides, jumping on trampolines and going through transporters. All to get the five diamonds needed to go on to the next stage. Easy? There are a couple of snags: the baddy who is very intelligent and is out to get you and all the diamonds. The baddy cheats because he can jump from wherever he likes, and if there is one thing he loves it is jumping on you, while you are going down a ladder.

At each stage a tune is played during the interlude and you are shown standing on a bridge opposite the Princess, with a heart between you. Every stage you complete, you move closer to her! True fairytale romance...

The letters BONGO fall randomly from the sky to give you bonus points. With six stages, two player option, three difficulty levels and - as I said - a simulation of sprite graphics, this is the very best game I have seen for the VIC, including favourites like: Jet Pac, Matrix, Arcadia, Gridrunner. A must for VIC owners.