Ruff 'n' Tumble

Title		Ruff 'n' Tumble
Game Type	Platform
Company		Renegade
Players		1
Compatibility	ECS and unexpanded AGA
Submission	angus@angusm.demon.co.uk

Review
Ruff 'n' Tumble is halfway between a platform game and a shoot-em-up. It's
sort of a cross between a blast like Turrican and something cute like New
Zealand story.
You control Ruff Rogers who must make his way through four worlds,
consisting of, I think, four levels each. The first world is "The Forest"
and you run and jump your way across a sideways scrolling background,
(although there is some vertical exploration to be had as well), blasting
and dodging your way through seemingly infinite numbers of baddies.
 It has to be said, the game is very appealing from the outset, with
nicely drawn sprites and fairly addictive gameplay. I've not progressed
very far in the game, I think this is down to two things: Firstly, I'm not
very good at this sort of game, and secondly, I'm a bit obsessive about
trying to clear every bit of a level of it's enemies, and collecting every
last power-up. I'd probably do better by-passing a lot of the trouble and
just making further progress a priority. Your default weapon is a rather
pathetic pop gun, that makes no sound at all, unless it's actually hitting
something, whereupon you'll hear the rounds impacting against your target.
As you progress you'll find better weapons, like lasers and flame throwers
that are rather less inhibited in their use of sound.
The sprites are nicely animated on the whole, and you'll find there's room
to develop your tactics in how you take them out, your use of directional
fire and of course, remembering to duck from time to time.
You'll come across treasure caves packed full of goodies, spring platforms
that allow you to jump to higher areas, keys for sealed areas, and
switches that are Save points, that stop you having to replay the entire
level each time you lose a life.
 At the end of the day Ruff 'n' Tumble isn't really my sort of game, but
if it were, I'd have to look long and hard to find a better implemented
example of this game style. Nice job, Renegade.

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