Personal Computer News


Captain Sticky's Gold

Categories: Review: Software
Author: Bob Chappell
Publisher: English
Machine: Atari 400/800

 
Published in Personal Computer News #071

Sticky Habits

Sticky Habits

When I want a packet of chewing gum, I just nip into the nearest confectioners. But not Captain Sticky, that would be too easy.

Objectives

The cassette inlay details a preposterous plot, but don't let it put you off. Captain Sticky has a secret vice - he's a chewing gum addict. As he's a bit short of ready cash, he must dive to the bottom of the sea in search of gold in order to maintain his habit.

Down below, all is not sweetness and light - fish, leeches and monster crabs all show signs of belonging to an anti-gum organisation.

In Play

Captain Sticky's Gold

A rollicking nautical tune, reminiscent of A Life On The Ocean Wave, precedes demonstration.

On screen is a view of the ocean depths with enough swimming fish to make an angler drool.

On the sea-bed are three platforms, towards one of which a bar of gold drifts to rest. On the surface, Captain Sticky, in full diver's rig, prepares for a dip into the briney.

Captain Sticky's Gold

He is attached to his boat's jib by a lifeline. Colliding with a fish cuts the line, causing a Sticky end.

He can harpoon the fish but not the air leech, a white amorphous wobbler which sucks away some of the Captain's oxygen on contact.

A gauge shows the amount of air left - the supply is replenished on return to the surface. Once a gold bar has been reached by Captain Sticky, it is automatically hauled up to the boat. Sticky must then surface in order to obtain a new length of rope.

When ten gold bars have been safely landed, you move to the next level where the going gets rougher. A buzzing helicopter drops bombs, seabed-to-Sticky missiles proliferate, force-fields crackle and monster crabs come out for a quick chomp on a sea captain.

Complete the eight levels, and then cycle round again but faster. You can start on any level. Control is by joystick only, with a two-player game option.

Verdict

Colourful graphics with plenty of action and bags of sound effects (loved the theme tune) make this an enjoyable game. Never mind the potty bubble gum motif - have some bubbly fun.

Bob Chappell

Other Reviews Of Captain Sticky's Gold For The Atari 400/800


Captain Sticky's Gold (English)
A review by T.A. (Home Computing Weekly)

Captain Sticky's Gold (English)
A review by PC (Personal Computer Games)

Captain Sticky's Gold (English)
A review

Other Atari 400/800 Game Reviews By Bob Chappell


  • Greatest Hits - Volume 1 Front Cover
    Greatest Hits - Volume 1
  • Lapis Philosophorum: The Philosopher's Stone Front Cover
    Lapis Philosophorum: The Philosopher's Stone
  • Suspect Front Cover
    Suspect
  • Drop Zone Front Cover
    Drop Zone
  • Master Chess Front Cover
    Master Chess
  • The Price of Magik Front Cover
    The Price of Magik
  • Arcade Classics Front Cover
    Arcade Classics
  • Escape Front Cover
    Escape
  • Blue Max Front Cover
    Blue Max
  • Winter Olympiad '88 Front Cover
    Winter Olympiad '88