Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes?
Hector vs The Mutant Vampire Tomatoes From Hell was released in 1993 by Pete Whitby of Jetpac fame (a superb conversion). Of course, this is a platformer based loosely on the Space Panic genre and begins with a fascinating demoscene-like presentation I loved. Heck, it even has a scroller to read - what a great start.
Each screen has a selection of evil tomatoes roaming like they own the place! There are four types each with different characteristics and abilities but the only way to kill them is to dig holes with our trusty spade and hope they fall in. Then we rush over and smash in their faces with a spade. Gruesome fun and dead simple.
The monsters have various levels of AI. This means there are the thickos who are all too willing to fall into a gaping hole. Plus the the smarter ones who can jump and brandish weapons. What, you thought these privileges were yours alone? Don't expect them to remain helplessly trapped inside a dug hole - hurry!
Actually, there's little need to hurry because there's no time limit. That's right, no time limit. Fabulous!!
Joystick Controls
Hector can walk, jump, and climb ladders and I must say how slick and responsive the joystick controls are. To dig, hold down the fire button and push upwards, whereas pulling down fills it in. A hole doesn't need to be completed to temporally capture a tomato. That is a superb element, especially on later levels.
Hector is free to change direction in mid-jump anytime and can cling and fall off ladders at will. That's a lot better than it sounds. This tomato-basher can even sneak up on any tomato to instantly begin the joy of clubbing. Try it!! Oh, and don't forget to jump! Have I said just how amazing the controls are? Okay, let me say this - the joystick controls are extraordinary for both function and fluidity of action. Wonderful just wonderful!!
Splattered tomatoes produce a range of bonuses - points, bigger leaps, extra lives, and more. Do you want guns? We have guns that can shoot, freeze and even throw out sliding landmines (an unexpected and welcome mechanic). Always grab any bonuses as they are an integral part of the gameplay and success!
Okay, let's take a moment's pause with the boring reading for another screenshot...
Aesthetics
Each level feels 8-bit and is no Rainbow Islands or Magic Pockets but that's okay because I like the style. This is perfectly apt for the Panic theme. The sprites are the best thing with cute expressions and are nicely animated - just wait until you see the Berzerker, so freaky. A great and unique drawing - I love how he looks!!
Music is wonderful and there's a great reason for that - thank you Jochen Hippel for his magical musical talent!! The sound effects are produced from a variety of FM samples so, I imagine Pete didn't have an Atari STe, which is a tremendous shame. Hang on, did I just hear a Rick Dangerous sound effect? Oh yes, excellent!!
The CryptO'pinion?
Hector provides a brilliant spin on the Panic genre with perfect controls for fluent movements that have us leaping and clubbing the freaky fruits with ease. However, I'm baffled why he climbs the ladders so slowly as this doesn't gel with the rest of his movements. And that's my only beef with this incredible PD game.
For me, the game design, controls, and AI are marvellous. All these help make the game so playable and therefore very, very addictive. Quite simply this is one of the best platformers I've played in ages.
Okay, the all-important download, a great video by Wasabim, and more awesome screenshots...
