United States Navy SEALs

You'll need big-boy pants!

This is a game with few friends: Navy Seals is deceiving, and my first impression is of an arcade-style platformer. However, this Ocean gem is anything but a typical run-and-gun 'em. It's more ruthless and requires stealth, strategy, and tactics. Extreme perseverance is the order of the day because this game requires a committed player willing to spend many hours mastering the levels. No spare time? Then don't bother!

Taking down scumbag terrorists is all part of the job when you're a member of the US Navy SEALs. The mission requires us to sneak into the lion's den, kill everyone, and plant explosives to destroy their stockpile of missiles. Each map is a layout of platforms within a maze of trigger-happy bad guys.

Use covert tactics - so play slowly and carefully to learn the enemy's location. Many practice games will be required to plan the best route from start to end. This is vital and the only way to successfully complete the mission. This is not easy, so it will not appeal to a casual gamer, who will run away crying!

After wiping away your tears, take a moment to steady yourself. Some games, like The Immortal, are designed to be played through the process of trial and error. Navy Seals is exactly the same. Play a game, progress as far as you can, and make notes. Review those notes and play again. You’ll advance further and create new notes. Repeat this process, and you’ll beat this challenging game in no time. Honest.

Let's take a look at the first screenshot with gorgeous details against its grungy colour palette...

I love the layout of the first level. This is an absolutely fantastic design!

Aesthetics

Navy Seals is a babe with gorgeous visuals that oozes a style I admire. I love the beautiful character animation as you run, leap, climb, and sneak about. Each level complements the environment and feels like something from a cheesy 80s B-movie! Heck, even the screen showing me dead is great. Yep, I said that.

Sound effects do their job well, and the music is an excellent chiptune to bop along to. Like it a lot!!

Hey, it's time for a screenshot. How about one you will see a lot? Here you go...

Don't expect to beat this game on your first attempt. Or second. Or third...

The CryptO'pinion?

This is such a difficult game, but I found myself enjoying the challenge. Each level requires the player to learn all aspects thoroughly, so don't expect a cakewalk. There are two drawbacks to Navy Seals: the time limit, which is harsh. And I don't understand why Ocean didn't include a way to unlock each level with passwords?

Navy Seals won't appeal to the casual gamer as it requires much playtime with strategic planning to figure out an efficient route through, before the dreaded timer expires. Can you do it? I hope so because Navy Seals is a rewarding game, albeit brutal. In fact, brutal might be too namby-pamby a description for this?

Gamers were tougher in the 80s and 90s. Navy Seals prove that fact.

• Hard drive installable versions are available from both D-Bug and 8bitchip.
• Floppy disk games can be found using Old Games Finder.
• Cheating time:

             > Type in WOZZIE into the high score table to activate the cheat mode.

             > Begin a new game. Press W for weapons or RETURN to advance a level.

• Some tips:

             > Dawdle when learning the maps - slow and steady wins the race.

             > Play draft games and make notes of the most efficient route!!

             > Practice! Practice! Practice! Practice! :-)