Alessandro Grussu


Gluf

Author: Alessandro Grussu
Publisher: RetroSouls
Machine: Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3

 
Published in Al's Spectrum Annual 2020

Gluf

Denis Grachev has been churning out platform games which might seem simple in the gameplay department, but are really polished graphically, with a magistral use of multicolour. In Gluf, you control a strange being, a "Tesla frog", capable of storing energy from batteries if he stands on them. Gluf can store up to ten energy tabs. When he is fully charged, your goal will be to turn the inactive platforms on by simply making Gluf walk upon them. Turning on a platform costs an energy tab, and once discharged, the frog has to be recharged by finding a battery and standing on it. When all the platforms have been turned on, you have to go back to the starting point, thus exiting the level and reaching the next one.

As usual, strange monsters will do everything to prevent Gluf from completing his task. Their touch will force you to start the current level again. Other risks, such as platforms that disappear after the frog passes over them, make for additional obstacles. Since you cannot do anything against the enemies, you will just have to avoid them at all costs, often forcing you to retrace your steps (if this is possible). However, you get infinite lives and there is no time limit for each of the levels, which lowers the overall difficulty level.

In the best "retro" tradition, the basic idea of Gluf is extremely simple, but captivating and very well carried out. The game shows the typical Denis "trademark", a remarkable and colourful graphic detail, especially in the sprite design. Worth mentioning as well are the nice AY tunes, by Oleg Nikitin, which play along Gluf's antics.

Another fine title to add to Denis's already rich "gameography", and to play for all of us.

Alessandro Grussu

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