Tai-Chi Tortoise

In the far off land of the Rising Sun, only the most dedicated master the anciest martial art of Tai-Chi. A discipline so precise that only the strongest do not falter. So when the oppressed need help, there is only one breed of hero to turn to.

The evil henchmen of Ratatoui are afoot, spreading fear among the citizens of Downtown Tokyo. The streets are no longer safe at night and the militia are powerless. Only the lightning reactions of the Tai-Chi Tortoise Master can free the people. But will that be enough to save the day?

The History Of Tai-Chi Tortoises

The real heroes of martial art practise the ancient skill of Tai-Chi. A discipline so exciting that it takes over a hundred years to master even the basic moves! For some reason, there are very few Tai-Chi experts in the World. Very strange that.

Only the long lived Tortoises of the Northern Japanese Islands ever learn the art, and even then only after eating really nice bits of lettuce. Training is tough and usually a fierce camaraderie develops between the Tai-Chi tyros.

Every year, to preserve this bond a huge Tai-Chi Tortoise convention is held in the shadow of Mount Fuji (or inside a church hall if wet). This year I was there to listen in on the fantastic tales of daring and valour.

Tai-Chi Tortoises have travelled all around the World, righting wrongs. They were first seen in London during the infamous spate of budgie kidnaps, and their heroics led to the eventual capture of the evil parrot abductor "Pretty Boy" Hannigan.

More recently they appeared in Paris to foil the theft of the "Mona Lisa". The clever thief had convinced security guards that the Da Vinci painting under his arm was just an extra large souvenir postcard! The thief was apprehended by a Tai-Chi Tortoise, alerted by the villain's giggling as he bounded down the gallery steps.

However, it is the Tortoise's role in the defeat of the fiendish criminal Ratatoui that makes for the most exciting story. It involves armed henchmen, large amounts of cheese and... but that would give the plot away.

The Game

The Tai-Chi Tortoise has been sent on a mission to track down the evil Vincent Ratatoui in the sewers of the Metropolis.

To achieve success in his mission, he must collect essential tools and objects that allow him to track down Ratatoui in his lair and put an end to his wrongdoings. Up to *three* objects can be collected by Tai-Chi Tortoise and held in his shell. Simply walking over the desired object when found and pressing Fire whilst pulling down on the joystick collects it.

The objects carried by Tai-Chi Tortoise are shown in boxes on the right hand side of the screen. These objects are scrolled through when Tai-Chi Tortoise wishes to use one of them for a specific task.

Various chests are scattered about the sewers, and once opened, these give Tai-Chi Tortoise extra bonuses to help in his mission.

Best of luck, Tai-Chi Tortoise - the future of cheese is in your hands!!

Game Controls

Tai-Chi Tortoise is controlled by a joystick connected to Port 2 on the Commodore 64/128.

RUNSTOP/SPACE - Pause On/Off, Q - Quit (While paused)

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Press SHIFT and RUNSTOP together.

Game Credits

Program: David Sowerby
Graphics: Neil Hislop
Music & FX: Adam Gilmore