James Pond 2: Codename Robocod
| Developer: Vectordean | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: Millennium | Sound: |
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| Year: 1991 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Platformer | Lastability: |
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| Number of players: 1 | Rating: |
8/10 | |
Dr. Maybe has sabotaged Santa’s toy factory! Uncool!
James Pond heads to the North Pole!
Barring a few exceptions, the Amiga doesn’t exactly shine when it comes to “pure” platformers like Mario or Sonic. This genre requires perfect character control. The commands must be simple and responsive. How can you expect a single-button joystick to compete with a home console controller?
James Pond 2 managed it. Don’t ask me how. The little fish can stretch indefinitely and cling to the ceiling to reach elevated areas. He jumps, runs, flies, always at a breakneck pace and with unexpected ease.
Finally, as in all good platform games, countless secret passages reward the inquisitive player with all sorts of bonuses and funny vehicles. Who ordered a flying bathtub?
That said, there’s one thing I just don’t get. The game takes hours to complete, yet there’s no save function? Not even a password to pick up where you left off? You’re expected to finish it all in one sitting? Fortunately, the emulator solves this problem…
Amusing detail: the game is sponsored by the Penguin biscuit brand!
The AGA and CD32 versions were released in 1993.
In a similar vein, check out Castle of Illusion (Sega Genesis, 1990).
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