This is the third of four games so far in the Sydney Hunter series, published by retro specialists CollectorVision. Although the physical editions are currently sold out, the digital download is still available from the company's website.
Plot And Gameplay
Famed explorer Sydney Hunter was in the Yucatan peninsula searching for treasure, when he is kidnapped and held prisoner by a mysterious tribe. They ask Sydney to help them. And so Sydney sets off to explore the temple filled with hazards, collecting diamonds as his reward. Doorways and ladders lead to new screens, all of which are automatically mapped on the interactive map (shown by pressing F1). There are 100 screens to explore in total. Sydney can jump and climb ladders, but contact with any of the enemies or fire will kill him. Enemies include static snakes, rolling skulls and fireballs. Pits filled with moving spikes will prove deadly too. He will also slowly sink into the yellow quicksand unless he jumps his way out. Idols can be collected to give limited invulnerability for a few seconds. The all-important pineapples will add an extra life to the five Sydney starts with.
What I Like
The background graphics are nicely drawn, using hi-res mode for plenty of detail. Sydney is a good sprite, using overlays to add character. The way he burns up when he comes into contact with fire is also well drawn. An excellent intro sequence adds to the quality of the finished product. With a nod to the past, Panama Joe - the star of classic platform game Montezuma's Revenge, makes a cameo on the death screen, guiding Sydney back to the start. The option to turn off the fast-loader is handy for compatibility with some hardware.
What I Didn't Like
The major bugbear with the controls is climbing ladders. Sydney needs to be very precisely positioned to climb up and down, leading to much frustration. The game could also have done with a save function or password, as going right back to the start is harsh (but is perhaps more representative of the classic games it is trying to be like.) In some ways it is too slavish in sticking to the traditions of games such as Montezuma's Revenge.
This is quite a demanding game, with good timing and careful jumps needed to traverse the many screens. Mapping the game out and working out a route will take time, but it is enjoyable to play. The physical editions are going to become highly collectable, but this is one that you should consider paying to download.