Previous Next

There's some real hover-bover here: a joystick can't be used, simply because there are too many operations to perform concurrently. Try to combine the accuracy of upward thrust with lateral movement whilst pumping out laser bursts. Thirty four-way scrolling screens to immerse yourself in, though you must be prepared to accept a squashed playing area.

Perfecting keyboard control will keep you quiet for some time, then there are the mysteries of the planet itself. Really a practice mode, just to come to grips with jet-pack flight (and free fall!) is called for. Meteors are no respecters of your sensibilities and quickly eat up lives. To collect the 99 crystals demanded will require all your skill, guide and experience.

Above ground, all the nasties are zappable; down in the hurdle-hoppers finishing school, patrolling androids are invulnerable, what's more in some zones a multitude of mortal meanies insist in warping in to plague you almost willy-nilly. Security lasers, slides and conveyor belts will provide headaches, especially as the Zone Master is ready to snatch a life for slow progress.

In a nutshell, Rocket Roger is an imaginative, obstacle-strewn quest for treasure with a complement of intergalactic intruders likely to provide hours of engrossing entertainment. But only after you have perfected the delicacy of touch to exploit the rocket-pack fully. I'd be content to explore the whole play area, let alone "win".

Rocket Roger is further proof that there is plenty of programming talent left at Sheffield-based Alligata, despite the departure of one Tony Crowther Superstar.

Even if Tony's leaving has not had too serious an effect on the fortunes of Alligata, it has made them slightly paranoid about talking to computer mags. One Alligata programmer apparently got the idea of branching out on his own as a result of the magazine interview.