Games Computing
1st May 1984Jet Boot Jack (English)
Jack is an amiable figure, donning cap and headphones, who is collecting musical notes, aided by his jet-powered boots.
While the game is loading you watch a colourful screen which includes a countdown. After that there is a title screen which scrolls horizontally to present the high score as well as different options in bubble characters a la Preppie. One thoughtful feature is the ability to jump screens already conquered.
The playing screen consists of five storeys of a record-pressing plant, with musical notes hanging in the air on each storey. You propel Jack around the screen using a joystick. He can hitch a lift on sliding platforms and conveyor belts. To move to another storey you need to get on a lift. If you attempt to get on a lift while it is in motion, Jack loses one of his five lives. He also dies if you miss a slide, collide with a low hanging rock, run out of jet fuel for Jack's boots (which loses all remaining lives) or if you hit one of the different species of bugs (what are they doing in a record factory?!). To avoid hitting a rock or bug Jack can duck with a carefully co-ordinated press of the trigger.
Points are scored for each note collected, and for each bug killed there is a random bonus. To kill a bug, Jack has to go to the floor above it and then jump up and down so that it falls down. To refuel he has to pass through a purple pod suspended from the ceiling.
There are six levels of play, including a practice mode, which is clear of bugs (the creepy-crawly type). Each level consists of ten screens. Completing the tenth screen takes you back to the first screen but on the next highest level.
Just one small criticism is the similarity between the numbers '2' and '3' on the playing screen's scorer.
In this game there is certainly enough to keep you occupied, and not just on the higher levels. The graphics are good and the colours are well-contrasted. Jack looked almost human!
All round, this game is excellent. With this game compatible with the new Atari XL range I am sure English Software has made a game which will sell extremely well.