Previous Next

Fans of Hanna Barbara's prehistoric cartoon series have had a bit of a treat recently. They've been able to buy Fred 'n Barney boxer shorts and do a promotional bop to the Screaming Blue Messiahs' "I wanna be a Flintstone". They should think carefully though before they invest in this licence.

Seasoned gamers will remember the version released a couple of years ago on the C64. That had nice graphics which caught the feel of the programme, but tedious pick-up-and-drop gameplay. The Amiga version isn't the same game at all, but it suffers from similar problems.

It divides into two sections and has a simple plot which takes you from one to the other. In the first sub-game, Fred wants to go bowling with his old pal Barney Rubble. The problem is that Wilma (the missus) won't let him until he's painted the living room. This wouldn't be such a hassle if Fred didn't have to mind Pebbles (the bubby) at the same time. And what a naughty wee thing she is too. Every time Fred gets stuck into the job, Pebbles nips out of her playpen and start doodling on the walls. Fred has to stop painting, put down the brush (a fluffy-tailed critter) and put her back before he can paint over her handiwork. This happens frequently, and there's a time limit. Perhaps if he gave her a good clout she might pack it in, but you can't do that.

If you complete Part One you get to go bowling with Barney. Away the lads! A few bevvies and into the bowling shoes. And pon my soul if Part Two isn't a bowling sim-ette. A couple of stabs on the fire button adjust an on-screen meter for curve and speed and Fred tip-toes down the alley and slings his ball down. And that's all there is to it.

Grandslam's Flintstones isn't a bad game by any means. The graphics are pretty well spot on, and it captures the flavour of the show well enough. What's missing is any real depth. Part One's arcade adventurish poser is just too short, whilst the bowling sim that is Part Two is totally incongruous. Someone must have run out of ideas.