1985 Load 'n' Run (Italy)
by Jack Cassa
By '85 standards this was obviously an outdated and weird game. The major software houses were already competing between themselves in order to release the next big thing, or at least a sellabe game.
But small publishers or games magazines like Italian 'Load 'n' Run' couldn't afford such or were inexperienced so they continued to release this obtuse little games.
I've been browsing Load 'n' Run's catalog and found a few interesting games. Nothing over the top, but interesting enough for a few tries. There is one in particular called 'Wormywave' which I thing is quite challenging. When an entry is added here on Spectrum 2.0 I will make my review about that game.
But now let's focus on' The King and the Castle'. To be honest I kinda like this one. It's very simple and weird looking (which is ok with me!). But it's engaging enough to get me hooked. I must say, in a very naive way, that I felt like a kid in the last half an hour just pleased to see what the next level hides!
Graphics are stupid looking but that just makes it more cute. In some ways it reminds me of 'Jungle Fever' or 'Hunchback' despite its inumerous differences.
I know this is one of those easy to hate games, specially with that screeching sound along the game, but the simplicity and unusualness of it just makes me relax and smirk a smile while playing. Isn't that what games are for?
I think I'll end this review now before I change my mind!
Keys: Z-Left X-Right C-Jump
Review by dandyboy on 05 Nov 2012 (Rating: 2)
Not bad, but too simple and predictable to be marked higher than 2 stars .
The graphics are charming, the movements are ok ... but the action is always the same so there is no point playing this longer than 5 minutes . :(
