UPNDOWN 23D Commodore 64 game

This isn't a game designed for boys or girls; it's for grannies. If that sounds bad, you couldn't be further from the truth because the granny in this game can jump more cars than Eddie Kidd and even crush them.

In your buggy car, which looks somewhat like a Citroen 2CV (the corrugated iron one), you take on the role of a granny who must navigate a pattern of scrolling roadways collecting colored flags.

In this peculiar arcade game, you'll find a lot of addictive qualities. Despite lacking stunning graphics, excellent sound, or realism, I kept coming back to see if I could improve my time and score. If you have £10 to spare, you could make much worse choices than this.

Gameplay:

The streets on the screen twist and turn, occasionally going up and down hills and over chasms, featuring scenery such as mountains, lakes, rivers, and woods. There are ten flags to collect on each stage, and their positions remain the same each time.

Jumping is a crucial tactic, and you need to master specific techniques for various situations. Be cautious around corners, as you can't turn mid-air, potentially leading to a crash landing. Jumping up hills can also be dangerous, as aggressive drivers might appear in awkward sequences. Wait until the last moment before leaping to avoid multiple cars at once.

Flags on slopes can be tricky to reach, and jumping off a downslope can be deadly. On different levels, the layout changes, though some sections and flag positions may still be recognizable. You'll also find bonus items like ice creams and balloons on the course, collecting which grants you extra points.

Levels of Play:

There are three levels of play. The easiest has fewer obstacles, but you'll need time to figure out the best route to each flag. The roads are filled with various vehicles, from slow-moving cars and lorries to fast-moving tankers. All of these must be jumped over or crushed for points by landing on them.

Collisions on the ground and landing off the road are fatal. You can jump gaps if you time it right, and to achieve fast finishing times and bonuses, you must cover the ground quickly. Going backward is possible but leaves you vulnerable, as you can't jump.

In later stages, the flags appear on moving trollies, which you have to crush. Controlling the car is a matter of pushing left or right at junctions, while joystick forward and back control acceleration and deceleration. The fire button makes you jump.

The music that accompanies the game, although repetitive, adds an immersive quality to the game and doesn't become annoying.

B.W.

I thoroughly enjoyed this absorbing game, especially the constant need for attention and quick reactions. The evolving routes and increasing traffic make the game progressively more challenging and interesting as new obstacles appear. This game has a high frustration factor but is equally addictive, as retracing the entire route to collect a missed flag adds to the challenge.

Presentation: 73%

• Three game options
• Joystick or keyboard controls
• 1 or 2 players

Graphics: 61%

• The cars are nicely designed, but there's limited detail in the backgrounds.

Sound: 60%

• Repetitive music but somewhat enjoyable.

Value for Money: 71%

• Priced at the upper range but worth it.

Originality: 65%

• Features elements similar to the game "Burnin' Rubber."

Hookability: 70%

• Easy controls and a captivating objective make the game addictive.

Lastability: 74%

• Offers plenty of variety and additional challenges at higher levels.