Cud Lee's Quest

A cuddly platformer?

I remember playing this platformer by Robert Dytmire years ago. I enjoyed its 'alternative' style as it features rather "odd" mechanics, which are weird. But stop - wouldn't life be boring if every platformer played the same? With that in mind, Cud Lee (geddit?) was originally aimed at a younger audience with interesting child/tutor features by design. I think there's something quite charming about it, so it should appeal to all.

The aim is to fight our way through the hordes of baddies to rescue captured Pixies. It sounds easy, but you'd better watch out for a range of enemies who are roaming through the screens. It's like a weird dream, and this mechanic I adore. They are literally wandering the screens, going about their business - whether you can see them or not. These suckers love to jump, and many are tough and can even fire weapons!

The joystick controls are the first thing that hits you because everything feels low-grav with weird movements. Collecting power-ups is a good idea to increase speed, jumping abilities, weaponry, and extra lives. Keys will unlock doors, and some walls can be climbed like Zool because of "strange knobby things".

Graphically, this is no Hoog or anything else from the Atari ST's PD library. Backgrounds are boring, and the environments aren't anything much to write home about. However, it's got a certain charm with the character sprites being the best thing. Plus, their numbers are huge, and I found them humorously detailed.

The sound effects are made from a mix of chip and samples. This mash works well, but the 'WORRR' when something dies is quite pathetic. So pathetic that I loved it to bits. Hey, it's a PD game... Come on!

Cud Lee's Quest is crudely entertaining, and that's the point. I'm unsure if it will appeal to everyone as it's hardly a conventional platformer. What I love is the freedom we're given and the speed at which we can explore. Also, the ability to float (err jump) with great efficiency through the screens is utterly superb.

Genuinely, one of the silliest and most compelling games. I think you will love this platformer!!

Grab the disk image if you're tempted?

Gotta love the baddies and their freaky jumps, but watch out for the little blue guy's arrows!!

Weapons are great and can be powered up to kill these hopping crazies with great efficiency!!