A platformer on wheels
This is an attractive platformer developed by Carsten Neubauer of Bones Park and published by Virgin Games. We're not using our feet as this is a rolling platformer - because we're on skates - in the quiet town of Fieldington. This is a lovely area which has recently suffered the theft of its crown jewels. I know, I know...
Fortunately, the gang of bumbling thieves were disturbed so hid each jewel inside glittering boxes and scattered them about the town before fleeing. Why? I don't know but Scotland Yard then decided it was a good idea to enlist Ronny as their secret agent to recover the stolen jewels in return for a generous reward.
Ronny uses skates to get around this oddball town but he can climb ladders and leap across most platforms. He will need every ounce of agility to avoid and kill the nasties that lurk here. And there are a number of silly creatures so defend yourself by hitting the fire button to fling your supply of killer salamis. You heard me correctly...
Ronny needs to watch out for various nasties, even those cute little birdies!
Run, Jump and Kill
The controls are responsive and allow Ronny to leap from ledge to ledge but, as usual, reaching for the function keys to activate a gadget is a bit of a pain. The status panel displays various pieces of information: love hearts indicate health, a clock is counting down, the number of remaining jewels, and the gadgets enabled. Along the way, you can be stopped to run errands for extra credit. This is an excellent way to top up your earnings.
Ronny also has four spare pockets to store cool gadgets and these are essentially power-ups. They provide a variety of functions like a Super Jump or the Magnet which attracts any out-of-reach items. There is a massive range of different power-ups and I really like Power Sneeze!! Coins can be collected to spend in the town's shop. However, be wise and leave enough cash for your bus fare which is the method you take to play the following level.
I love it when a platformer not only looks great but plays great. The controls are a joy and complemented by interesting ideas and amusing gameplay. Simple and it works. Why didn't I know about Rolling Ronny back in the day? I missed this one and I'm gutted about that! Anyhow...
This jump across the water looks tricky! Surely, I can make it in one?
16-bit Sex Appeal
The visuals are fantastic with superb cartoon quality, comical sprites and smooth scrolling. It's obvious that colour is a big deal because of the richly decorated backgrounds, even the title screen is a stunning Spectrum 512 image. I believe this was Bones Park's only Atari ST game and they should be proud of their commitment.
The audio is nice with a sweet title tune (that I can't get out of my head) all thanks to Adrian Dalecki. The neat sound effects are accompanied by an obsessive tune that manages to get my foot tapping. No complaints!!
Hang on a moment, there's an actual droplet of water chasing me? Or is it a ghost lol
The CryptO'pinion?
As platformers go, Rolling Ronny doesn't exactly break the mould but a skating clown is a rather odd idea but it works (
even if he has mad hair - well, just look at the hideous barnet - lol - brilliant). There are a few niggles which I didn't care for, the most irritating is failing to collect enough cash for the bus fare. I hate that!!
However, there is something quirky and extremely entertaining that I love. It's so much fun - for all the family - whilst offering a challenge that keeps you coming back for more (and more). This ain't no lame Amiga port, it's obvious that a lot of love went into making Rolling Ronny. One of the best platformers for the Atari ST. Yes, I said that.
Floppy & hard disk versions from Klaz!