Atari User


Leaper ()

Author: Mike Rowe
Publisher: Bug Byte
Machine: Atari 400/800/600XL/800XL/130XE

 
Published in Atari User #18

Leaper

Leaper is a delightfully simple game, which is more or less identical to Leggit from Imagine Software released a few years ago and no longer available. Surprisingly, to load the game you need to type CLOAD followed by RUN.

You control a little green character, Leaper, who can move to the left and right as well as jump. The screen consists of six thin horizontal bars each with a narrow moving gap.

Your task is to reach the top of the screen by positioning yourself below a gap then leaping up on to the next level.

Leaper

Unfortunately, if a gap appears below you, you fall down a level - and this happens with frustrating regularity.

You can run off the screen on one side and reappear on the other, which adds another dimension to the game. But you need to be careful as action can occur off screen and you could get killed.

Each jump costs you energy, a limited commodity. YOu also have to contend with the Gribblies, which run along the various platforms.

Leaper

They come in six different forms - Gub-Gubs, The Last VW, Cupid's Arrow, Mutant Hot Cross Buns, the Gyro-Biro and UFOs. Some move along the platforms at a leisurely pace while others really shoot along. Contact with any is fatal.

If and when you reach the top level you must jump up at a letter to illuminate it. You return to the bottom of the screen to face a greater number of adversaries. Your task is to illuminate six letters to spell the word 'Leaper'.

The concept is quite entertaining and in general well executed. Leaper and the other characters are well animated, colourful and humorous, but action does freeze for a split-second when you jump.

The game is good value for money, but its simplicity is its weakness. I suspect that the attraction may wear off after a few weeks because it lacks variety.

Mike Rowe

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