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BUG'S QUEST FOR TAPES (CPC)
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Publisher: Novabug.
Developer: YB Soft. Released: 2021. Genre: 2D Platformer. Posted 26th May 2022. By Chris Weatherley © 2022 |
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Single screen platformers are not exactly uncommon on the Amstrad CPC. The vast majority of homebrew stuff in the last few years followed this tried and tested formula, many of which emulating the Super Meat-Boy style. Thankfully, Bug’s Quest for Tapes is a return to the Matt Smith style of arcade platformer, who brought us classics like Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy. Also, if you haven’t noticed, this game is based on my very own YouTube character of Novabug and my weekly streaming show where I test CPC game cassettes in my BugLoft. Fan and friend of the show Yellow Belly had a desire to start writing games and this marked his very first effort. So, I will try and take my biased hat off while reviewing this, but I cannot promise anything. Let’s get those tapes!
The aim of the game is a simple concept; the quest is to collect as many cassettes as possible while completing each screen and finally making your way to the BugLoft, where you will discover how many shows you can make with your collection. During your journey you will encounter many unlikely foes to be avoided, all giving you the fatal insta-death upon a single touch. Sometimes this involves some real pixel-perfect positioning and jumping, an old-skool trope indeed. Like many of this type of game, it’s not supposed to be an easy task, so the replay value here is quite large. But also, it avoids the game-rage frustration through its controls, humour and general wackiness. Some of these tapes are placed in seemingly impossible-to-reach positions, so setting out to collect as many as possible is the ultimate highest goal. I can’t even get ALL the tapes! 44 screens await, separated into four themed levels with the difficulty set on choosing how many lives to start the game with. This will keep you busy for a while, I’m sure of it.
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Bug's Quest features 44 challenging screens and collecting all the tapes will take plenty of practice!
Now, I mentioned the humour inserted into this game, in which there is plenty of but be warned, it’s not for the easily offended types. Shall I give examples here? Of course I will! Enemies come in the form of silly things like inflatable sheep or vampire bats and typical hazards like poisonous mushrooms, spikes and water, (Why is water so deadly in these games?) but also, some surprising adversaries turn up, such as the occasional naked prostitute or even a flying penis! Postman Pat and Dizzy even make an appearance in this very warped world of the bug. These somewhat controversial sprites are numerous indeed, even the SARS-COV2 virus turns up at the Norbreck Castle screen.
This is all merry japes of course with no harm intended and a lot of it is based around in-jokes between myself and my viewership. Casual players may not understand the references, but they can still get a kick out of the cheekiness of it all. However, for those looking to play this game with the kids as a modern retro experience, a family-friendly version is available.
This is all merry japes of course with no harm intended and a lot of it is based around in-jokes between myself and my viewership. Casual players may not understand the references, but they can still get a kick out of the cheekiness of it all. However, for those looking to play this game with the kids as a modern retro experience, a family-friendly version is available.
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We have examined the premise and the tone, but what about the technicals? Visually, everything is clear, backgrounds and sprites alike are nicely drawn and use the Amstrad colour palette to good effect, but can feel scant on occasion. Granted, it’s nothing spectacular, but BQFT fits its theme well, with welcome scenery changes and excellent animation of the Novabug sprite. Sound effects are sadly non-existent, but a very fine AY chip rendition of my own YouTube theme music plays throughout. Now, I find listening to this on loop wonderful and never dull, but some may disagree after several hours. Topping off the fun and functional graphics and slapping chiptune are the introduction screens and the superb loading screen, all of which combine to make an attractive presentation for a programmer’s first game.
Platformer jumping acumen is the order of the day here and you will need to be precise. Levels can differ in difficulty dramatically, some appearing impassable at first glance, but all can be conquered. The controls are sharp and the movement is well-judged as to what is needed for such a game. There are some issues, but let’s be honest, you would expect so from a virgin title.
Platformer jumping acumen is the order of the day here and you will need to be precise. Levels can differ in difficulty dramatically, some appearing impassable at first glance, but all can be conquered. The controls are sharp and the movement is well-judged as to what is needed for such a game. There are some issues, but let’s be honest, you would expect so from a virgin title.
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Platforms can become intangible sometimes, especially when trying to jump to them from a great height. Moving platforms can glitch and interfere with the players sprite in rare moments, and some levels are critical for timing, so much so they become impossible if you miss the mark. There is also ZX Spectrum-esque colour clash in places. Slowdown is kept to a minimum which is impressive given the number of moving sprites on screen, in only one level does it becomes noticeable. All this can add a degree of frustration, but nothing to break the game for you. It’s certainly a more polished experience than some of the titles from back in the Amstrad’s heyday.
Bug’s Quest for Tapes is a humorous, colourful and challenging little platformer to get your teeth into, with its call-backs to beloved titles and traditional platformers, it generates a feeling of nostalgia accompanied by a natty tune. Yes, it’s not perfect and has some problems, but the overall aura of the game defeats this, I believe. Some may not like the smutty comedy, or maybe the sparse backgrounds, but it can still give you a warm smile and a smirk. It also has other things to boast about. This game was produced with no profits made; every penny went to charity. It also was the first-ever Amstrad CPC game to appear on game streaming service Antstream, leading to the hosting of more CPC titles. Like I said at the beginning, I’m guessing my bias will shine through here, so why not give it a go yourself and see what you think. I believe you will enjoy playing with me in my loft…. I’ll get my coat now.
Bug’s Quest for Tapes is a humorous, colourful and challenging little platformer to get your teeth into, with its call-backs to beloved titles and traditional platformers, it generates a feeling of nostalgia accompanied by a natty tune. Yes, it’s not perfect and has some problems, but the overall aura of the game defeats this, I believe. Some may not like the smutty comedy, or maybe the sparse backgrounds, but it can still give you a warm smile and a smirk. It also has other things to boast about. This game was produced with no profits made; every penny went to charity. It also was the first-ever Amstrad CPC game to appear on game streaming service Antstream, leading to the hosting of more CPC titles. Like I said at the beginning, I’m guessing my bias will shine through here, so why not give it a go yourself and see what you think. I believe you will enjoy playing with me in my loft…. I’ll get my coat now.
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VERDICT
"...a humorous, colourful and challenging little platformer to get your teeth into. It’s not perfect [but] is a more polished experience than many of the games from the CPC's heyday." OVERALL: 7/10 |