Tarzan Commodore 64 game

Martech presents an arcade adventure that delves into the legendary story of Tarzan, a man raised by apes in the heart of the African jungle. Priced at £9.95 for the cassette version and £12.95 for the disk, Tarzan offers a gaming experience where players can control the iconic character using either a joystick or keys.

The narrative unfolds as Tarzan, also known as John Clayton-Lord of Greystoke, returns to the jungle with his wife, Lady Jane Greystoke, for a holiday. However, their tranquility is shattered by the evil chief of the Wamabo, Usanga, who kidnaps Jane. Usanga's sinister plan involves forcing Tarzan to retrieve seven gemstones, known as the Eyes of the Rainbow, stolen from the tribal shrine. Failing to accomplish this task within three days will result in Jane becoming the prey of Sheeta the Panther.

In terms of gameplay, Tarzan embarks on a quest through a dense jungle filled with hazards, including caves, swamps, and treacherous quicksand. The ape-man must navigate through a maze of challenges, confronting headhunters, lions, snakes, spiders, and other dangers. Along the way, Tarzan must collect essential objects such as a rope and a torch to aid in his exploration.

Visually, the game offers decent graphics, with a large map to explore. However, some critics argue that the lack of original features hinders the overall excitement. The on-screen timer adds urgency, and if Tarzan fails to collect all seven jewels in time, Jane's fate is sealed.

Despite its intriguing premise, some players find Tarzan lacking in playability. The lack of scrolling and the repetitive nature of the jungle scenes contribute to a sense of tedium. Additionally, the character's slow pace and poor animation detract from the overall gaming experience.

In terms of presentation, Tarzan receives mixed reviews. The loading screen and title screen are deemed poor, but the atmospheric music, especially during nightfall, adds to the overall ambiance. The jungle drums and the original Tarzan theme tune enhance the auditory experience, even though the graphics and animations might leave something to be desired.

ZZAP! Magazine, in its February 1987 issue, gives Tarzan a mediocre overall rating of 50%. While acknowledging the game's graphics and music, the review expresses concerns about poor playability, lack of originality, and doubts about the game's value for its price.

In conclusion, Tarzan by Martech provides a glimpse into the legendary life of the jungle hero. Despite its visual and auditory appeal, the game falls short in terms of playability and fails to capture the essence of the iconic character it seeks to portray. Arcade adventurers may find it worth a try, but the consensus suggests waiting for more exciting releases in the gaming world.