Tapper (ABC CSS) Commodore 64 game

Tapper is a high-energy game available on the Commodore 64 and Spectrum platforms, brought to you by US Gold at a reasonable price of £12.95 for the CBM disc, £9.95 for the cassette, and £7.95 for the Spectrum cassette.

In this wild and fast-paced adventure, you assume the role of a hard-pressed bartender, grappling with an onslaught of parched customers. The game kicks off in the Old West Saloon, where thirsty cowboys flood the bar, demanding an unending supply of soda. Your mission is clear: serve them quickly or face the consequences of being flung down the bar like a soda bandit.

The challenge lies in the rudeness of the patrons; they don't wait for a polite refill, instead tossing their empty glasses straight back at you. Dodge the flying glassware while keeping up with the relentless demand for drinks. The bonus round introduces the enigmatic Soda Bandit, a character with a penchant for shaking up fizzy drinks. Choose the shaken can to earn extra points and unlock the Bonus Card, offered after each successful completion of a bar.

Successfully navigate the Old West Saloon, and you'll advance to the Jock's Bar, where the clientele is said to be sports fans. The Punk Rocker's Bar and the Space Bar await those who prove their bartending prowess. The game keeps things interesting with excellent graphics, varied music, and a frantic pace that ensures boredom is out of the question.

For those unfamiliar with Tapper's origins, it started as a Sega arcade game and has now been expertly converted for the Commodore 64 and Spectrum platforms by US Gold. The game's exclusive review in C&VG describes it as a fast and furious experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Your main task is to keep up with the thirsty cowboys in a Wild West saloon, preventing them from pulling you over the bar by serving drinks at lightning speed. With four bars to tend to, the difficulty level increases as you progress through screens with more customers and additional challenges, such as clearing away dirty dishes left by peckish patrons.

The panic-inducing moments in Tapper, reminiscent of the excitement in Chinese Juggler, make it a unique and exhilarating gaming experience. The Commodore 64 version impresses with fast gameplay, cartoon-style graphics, and catchy jingles, earning high marks for graphics, sound, playability, and overall value.

In summary, Tapper is a must-try for gamers seeking a thrilling and challenging bartending experience, blending speed, strategy, and a dash of humor in a Wild West setting.