Games Computing
1st September 1984
Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Ocean
Machine: Spectrum 48K
Published in Games Computing #9
Mr. Wimpy (Ocean)
Ocean Software have now established a reputation for producing quality Spectrum, Oric, and Commodore software, 'Mr Wimpy - The Hamburger Game' is no exception.
The graphic layout is well thought out, not only in the action parts of the screen, but even down to the cassette label and introductory screen.
The Spectrum game can be played in one of four modes - Kempston, Sinclair or Protek joystick interfaces, or keyboard. There is also a demonstration mode which reinforces the cassette box instructions and helps a great deal in understanding which characters to avoid and why. The actual game is divided into two screens, although the second screen becomes increasingly difficult and is effectively several screens.
The object of the first screen is to take ingredients from the right of the screen and transport them to the left avoiding Waldo the burger thief, and the moving manholes. Waldo, who bounces smoothly but unpredictably around the screen, will steal whatever you are carrying if you bump into him - losing you valuable points, but not making you lose a life as the manholes do. If you manage to clear the first screen, by collecting buns, burgers, and cheese, then you enter screen two where you must assemble the ingredients by standing on the buns, burgers, and slices of cheese in their various positions on the screen until they fall into place onto the next ingredient.
You are chased continuously around the screen by the nasties, but if they trap you in a corner of the snakes and ladders like board you can pepper them with one of your three pots of pepper, or make one of the ingredients fall on them. The second screen is much more entertaining than the first. It's a shame that screen one success is necessary to play it.
This is an entertaining piece of software with excellent graphics, neat sound effects - including a rendition of the Wimpy advert theme - and responsive, well positioned, controls which make it deserve a place in any arcade collection.