Personal Computer News


Monty Is Innocent

Author: Bob Chappell
Publisher: Gremlin
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Personal Computer News #102

MONTY IS INNOCENT

As the follow up to the successful Monty Mole, this chase-me-round-the-rooms game from Gremlin Graphics introduces a new superhero - Sam Stoat.

You won't see much of Monty because he's been incarcerated in the bowels of Scudmore Prison. It's Sam's job to find Monty and set him free.

There are 45 playing screens, each featuring part of the prison. Move Sam up a rope or ladder, behind a wall, through a door, down a hole, or simply off the left or right of the screen and a new part of the penitentiary appears.

Monty Is Innocent

Sam has to collect a key from the Governor's office. Since there are eight keys and eight cell doors, it is a matter of luck if he stumbles on the key that will open Monty's cell first time. If Sam isn't careful, he could be as badly off as Monty by getting trapped in solitary confinement with no visible means of escape.

The prison is full of nasties like walking skulls, ghosts and mad axemen. Sam can become invisible for a short while by grabbing one of the bottles of potion that lie around the place. If he finds the armoury, he can also arm himself with a gun and five bullets.

The variety of screens and the illusion of 3D depth (passing behind pillars and sprinting down corridors, for example) are the highspots of the game. The animation is fairly minimal and slightly jerky and there are the usual colour attribute problems when hero and enemy collide. Not bad, and good value for money.

Bob Chappell

Other Spectrum 48K Game Reviews By Bob Chappell


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  • 1984 Front Cover
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  • Wanted! Monty Mole Front Cover
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    The Key To Time
  • Jumping Jack Front Cover
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  • Vampire Killer Front Cover
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