ThingBouncesBack Commodore 64 game

THING BOUNCES BACK: A Worthy Successor with Depth of Gameplay

Thing On A Spring, ZZAP!'s alternative margin hero, is back after two years for a monumental battle against the Evil Toy Goblin in a new adventure. Priced at £9.99 for cassette and £14.99 for disk, this game takes place in an enormous 11-section factory complex run by the goblin, who is using it to produce a massive army of evil toys. Thing's mission is to close down the production line and bring the evil goblin to justice.

The game impresses with its sheer depth of gameplay. Each factory section is a scrolling area filled with platforms, elevators, lifts, pipes, hazards, and traps. Thing uses elevators, lifts, pipes, and his own spring to navigate, depleting oil supplies in the process. The goal is to recover essential items from each section, such as tape, floppy disk, listing paper, and ROM. The journey involves dealing with the goblin's minions, using mystery plates for surprises (both helpful and deadly), and eventually defeating the Evil Goblin by understanding the factory's workings and avoiding hazards.

The graphics are unusual but effective, featuring garish color schemes on backdrops and cartoonesque sprites. The sound effects are brilliant, though the music quality varies. The game is challenging, addictive, and requires strategic thinking to navigate the complex factory. However, some reviewers find the frenzied speed and control system a bit disorienting, leading to frustration in certain sections, especially the ventilator system.

The game's presentation is solid, with an 83% rating, including an excellent title screen. Graphics earn an 84% rating for effective, colorful backdrops and amusing sprites. The sound gets a 75% rating, with three tunes and impressive spot effects. Despite initial confusion, the game's hookability is high at 92%, and it offers lasting appeal with an 86% overall rating.

While some players appreciate the depth and challenge, others find Thing Bounces Back lacking the character of the original. The redesigned sprite and graphics don't appeal to everyone, and the game can be exceptionally devious, leading to hair-tearing moments. However, with its large map, hazards, and challenging gameplay, Thing Bounces Back stands as a worthy sequel to Thing On A Spring, offering a unique and engaging arcade adventure.