venom strikes Commodore 64 game

Venom Strikes Back is the third installment in the series, and it attempts to strike a balance between familiarity and innovation. Gremlin, the developer, seems to have learned some valuable lessons from its previous attempts while also introducing fresh elements to the game.

The game's premise revolves around the heroic Matt Tracker, whose son Scott has been captured by the evil network VENOM, led by the dastardly Miles Mayhem. To rescue his son, Matt embarks on a solo mission, setting the stage for an action-packed adventure.

Visually, MASK III is a step up from its predecessors, boasting large, colorful, and well-animated graphics. This upgrade adds to the overall appeal of the game. However, it's the gameplay that truly counts, and here's where the game presents a mixed bag.

Matt is controlled using either a keyboard or joystick, and he can jump, crouch, and fire while collecting different types of suits along the way. These suits provide various abilities, from firepower enhancements to healing and jumping prowess. While this diversity is welcome, the game's controls can feel somewhat clunky at times, making precision movements a challenge.

The levels in Venom Strikes Back take players through a variety of environments, from deserts to forests and even space. However, the gameplay is marred by constant missile attacks and precision jumping, which can be frustrating. The jumping mechanic, in particular, demands a learning curve, requiring players to time their jumps perfectly.

One highlight is the ability to collect Masks, each granting different powers, including invincibility and flying. These add an extra layer of strategy to the game, as you must decide when and how to use them strategically.

On the Commodore 64, the game manages to maintain addictiveness, despite its flaws. The sound effects, though overjoyed, contribute to the overall charm. However, the Amstrad version pales in comparison, with inferior graphics and gameplay that lacks the thrill factor.

The Spectrum version performs admirably, with detailed graphics and smooth gameplay, making it an enjoyable experience. The MSX II version holds promise, but a definitive verdict awaits further testing.

In conclusion, Venom Strikes Back is a mixed bag. It improves upon its predecessors with better visuals and introduces intriguing elements like collectible Masks. However, it falls short in terms of controls and gameplay, particularly in some versions. While it may not be a masterpiece, it offers enough addictive qualities to keep players engaged, especially on the Commodore 64 and Spectrum platforms. Gremlin's efforts to strike a balance between faithfulness to the source material and innovative gameplay are commendable, even if they don't always hit the mark.