Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Arcade, Platform, Strategy
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd.
- Publishers: Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd.
Bounder (1985): A Retro Gem That Will Test Your Skills
Bounder is a classic arcade game that was released in 1985. It is a simple but challenging game that will test your reflexes and puzzle-solving skills. The player controls a tennis ball that must be bounced through a series of obstacle-filled courses. The courses are suspended high above the ground, and the ball must be bounced past walls and over enemies. Coming into contact with either, or plummeting over the edge of the course, results in the loss of one of the player’s seven lives.
The courses in Bounder are cleverly designed and offer a variety of challenges. Some courses are straightforward, while others are more complex and require careful planning. The player must use the power squares to their advantage in order to complete the courses. Power squares push the tennis ball forward and allow longer jumps, and they can also be used to reach mystery spaces. Mystery spaces contain extra lives and bonus jumps, but they can also destroy the tennis ball.
Bounder is a challenging game, but it is also a fair game. The player is given plenty of lives, and the courses are designed so that they can be completed with skill and patience. The game is also very rewarding, and the player feels a great sense of accomplishment when they finally complete a difficult course.
Gameplay
The player controls the tennis ball using a joystick. The ball can be moved left, right, up, and down. The player can also press a button to make the ball jump. The ball bounces off of walls and enemies, and it can also be used to collect power squares.
The power squares in Bounder come in a variety of colors. Each color of power square has a different effect. Red power squares push the ball forward, blue power squares allow the ball to jump higher, and green power squares give the ball a temporary shield. The player must use the power squares to their advantage in order to complete the courses.
The mystery spaces in Bounder are indicated by tiles with question marks. When the ball lands on a mystery space, the player is taken to a bonus screen. The bonus screen contains a variety of objects, including extra lives, bonus jumps, and missiles. The player must collect the objects to earn points.
Graphics and Sound
Bounder’s graphics are simple but effective. The courses are colorful and well-designed, and the characters are expressive and charming. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and they add to the overall atmosphere of the game.
Legacy
Bounder was a critical and commercial success when it was first released in 1985. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, clever level design, and charming graphics. Bounder has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game today.
Bounder is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but challenging gameplay, clever level design, and charming graphics make it a timeless classic. If you are looking for a retro game that will test your skills and provide hours of enjoyment, then Bounder is the perfect game for you.
Tips for Playing Bounder
Here are a few tips for playing Bounder:
- Use the power squares to your advantage. Power squares can help you to complete the courses more quickly and easily.
- Be careful when landing on mystery spaces. Mystery spaces can contain extra lives and bonus jumps, but they can also destroy the ball.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is more than one way to complete each course. Try different strategies to find the one that works best for you.
- Practice makes perfect. The more you play Bounder, the better you will become at it. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t complete a course on your first try. Keep practicing and you will eventually succeed.
Conclusion
Bounder is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but challenging gameplay, clever level design, and charming graphics make it a timeless classic. If you are looking for a retro game that will test your skills and provide hours of enjoyment, then Bounder is the perfect game for you.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
