TOY_BIZARRE Commodore 64 game

Merton, the nightwatchman at the Gizmo Toy factory, finds himself in the midst of a peculiar situation. The toys in the factory are not just on display; they are in full revolt. His task is to navigate through the chaos created by animated toys and a troublesome character named Hefty Hilda. The objective is to capture these rebellious toys while avoiding contact with Hilda, who has a penchant for turning on the valves that bring the toys to life.

The game's mechanics involve maneuvering Merton through various platforms and toggling valves on or off. Activating the valves results in the inflation of balloons, which, if not dealt with swiftly, hatch into more animated toys. Merton's mission is to maintain control by turning off these valves, thus preventing the toys from causing further havoc. The challenge intensifies as the levels progress, introducing more toys and valves.

Interestingly, the narrative in the game mirrors Merton's real-life duties at the toy factory. The monotony of turning valves to control the toys parallels the boredom of night duty. The game's realism extends to the scoring system, where turning off valves earns points, only to have Hefty Hilda turn them back on, initiating a cycle of gameplay.

Despite the chaos and frustration, the game is lauded for its addictive nature. The graphics and sound, as highlighted in reviews, contribute to its appeal. The interconnected platforms add a strategic element, allowing Merton to stun and capture toys by jumping on them. However, the same strategy can lead to Merton's temporary demise if not executed carefully.

Reviewers had mixed opinions about Toy Bizarre. Some praised its animation, soundtrack, and addictive gameplay, considering it enjoyable for all ages. Others criticized aspects like repetitive gameplay and unoriginality, particularly in the ZX Spectrum version. Regardless, in a retrospective look at 1980s Activision games, Retro Gamer asserted that Toy Bizarre "manages to out-Mario Mario Bros.," highlighting its enduring impact on the gaming landscape.