Games Computing


Snappo

Publisher: Oxford Data
Machine: Memotech

 
Published in Games Computing #15

Snappo (Oxford Data)

This game is of the Pacman-Munchman variety. For those yet unexposed to this game, the idea in this version is to guide a little pig's head around a maze to gobble up dots in its path. Bonus points are gained from eating fruit which appear from time to time. Snappo is chased around the maze by chasers which gobble him up if they catch him.

There are four of these which start in a central pen-like area of the maze and venture out after giving Snappo a head start. In the maze corners are flashing booster packs which when eaten enable Snappo to eat the chasers for bonus points. Their ghosts return to the pen to be reborn again. When they start to flash and change back to their original shapes they are still edible, but signalling that they are about to become active chasers once again.

If Snappo clears the maze of dots then he progresses to a higher level with further chasers and more fruit to eat. There are tunnels at the sides of each maze down which Snappo can escape whilst being pursued. Chasers can only travel half speed down these which gives Snappo the edge in getting away. In addition, he reappears at the other end of the maze having hopefully lured all the chasers to the side he exited from.

This version is a faithful rendition of the original and has good clear graphics and sound effects. The movement is smooth and control good by either joystick or keyboard.