Eight Bit Magazine


Mancave

Author: Merman
Publisher: Psytronik
Machine: Commodore 64/128

 
Published in 8 Bit Annual 2019

Mancave

The game revolves around the hero, Richard Morningwood, the father to two misbehaving kids, Brad and Kyle. His wife is the long-suffering Betty, and his mother-in-law is the totally terrifying Fannie. Arriving home from work one evening, Richard sees that his precious man cave has been turned inside out by those mischievous kids. They discovered his secret stash of adult magazines from his teenage days and spread them all around the house. This has done nothing for his already extreme stress levels and his poor heart is now working overtime. The player must guide Richard around his house and collect up all the magazines before his wife finds them - or his rising stress levels have fatal consequences.

Viewed from side-on, Richard explores the levels of his house by climbing up and down the stairs. Magazine pages appear one at a time and flash; Richard must pick them up and take them to the big green rubbish bin in the basement. Running into one of his kids or Betty will cost a life. Fortunately Richard can hide behind pot plants and beds by pushing down. Collecting the magazines will reduce Richard's stress temporarily, but if it gets too high he will have a heart attack and lose a life. Once all the magazines have been retrieved it is on to the next level. Later stages see the arrival of the builder Camp Freddie, who is there to mend the holes in the floor (which Richard must jump over or suffer a fatal fall). Between later levels is a bonus stage where Richard must collect the flying beer glasses while avoiding the builder; survive to the end of the bonus level to earn more points and an extra life. Richard's mother-in-law Fannie will join the chase on the fourth level. The final boss battle takes place in Richard's dreams, where he must use sweets to defeat his mother-in-law and find peace.

What I Like

This made a great first impression, with its tiny animated characters and superb soundtrack filled with great covers. The house background is neatly done too. Having the Trophies to chase as well as a high score does make it an addictive game to play.

What I Don't Like

My stress levels rapidly went up on my first go, as I found it very difficult to get into. This is partly to compensate for the short length of the game, with just four levels and the minigames. The inertia on the main character is also off-putting, although it can be turned off.

Verdict

Stylish but tricky fun from Megastyle.

Merman

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