Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Genesis Software Development
- Publishers: Codemasters
CJ’s Elephant Antics: A Nostalgic Journey Through the African Savanna
Released in 1991 for the Commodore 64, CJ’s Elephant Antics is a charming and challenging platformer that follows the adventures of Columbus Jumbo, a baby elephant on a quest to return home to Africa. Developed by Genesis and published by Codemasters, the game was ported to various other platforms, including the Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, and Nintendo Entertainment System.
Gameplay
CJ’s Elephant Antics is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Columbus Jumbo as he makes his way through a variety of levels, each filled with obstacles and enemies. Columbus can walk, run, jump, and use his trunk to grab objects and swing across gaps. He can also collect fruit to restore his health and power-ups to enhance his abilities.
The levels are set in a variety of African environments, including jungles, savannas, and deserts. Each level is filled with unique challenges, such as pits, spikes, and enemies. Columbus must use his skills and agility to overcome these obstacles and reach the end of each level.
Story
The story of CJ’s Elephant Antics is simple but heartwarming. Columbus Jumbo is a baby elephant who has been separated from his herd. He must now make his way back to Africa, facing many dangers along the way.
Along his journey, Columbus meets a variety of animal friends who help him on his quest. These include a wise old owl, a friendly giraffe, and a playful monkey. With their help, Columbus overcomes the challenges he faces and eventually finds his way home.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in CJ’s Elephant Antics are colorful and detailed, with vibrant colors and smooth animations. The game’s world is full of life, with lush jungles, sprawling savannas, and towering mountains. The character designs are also well-done, with Columbus and his animal friends being particularly charming.
The sound in CJ’s Elephant Antics is also excellent, with catchy music and realistic sound effects. The music is upbeat and adventurous, perfectly capturing the spirit of the game. The sound effects are also well-done, with each object and enemy having its own unique sound.
Controls
The controls in CJ’s Elephant Antics are simple and responsive. Columbus can be moved with the joystick or keyboard, and he can jump, grab objects, and use his trunk with the buttons. The controls are easy to learn and use, making the game accessible to players of all ages.
Difficulty
CJ’s Elephant Antics is a challenging but fair game. The levels are well-designed, with a gradual increase in difficulty. The game also offers a variety of power-ups to help players overcome the challenges they face.
Legacy
CJ’s Elephant Antics was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its charming graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. It was also one of the first platformers to feature a baby elephant as the protagonist, which made it stand out from the crowd.
CJ’s Elephant Antics has since been ported to a variety of other platforms, including the Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, and Nintendo Entertainment System. It has also been re-released on modern platforms, such as the Wii Virtual Console and the PlayStation Network.
CJ’s Elephant Antics is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Its charming graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of platformers and retro gaming.
Conclusion
CJ’s Elephant Antics is a delightful and challenging platformer that takes players on an epic journey through the African savanna. With its charming graphics, catchy music, and responsive controls, the game is sure to please players of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of platformers, retro gaming, or simply charming and heartwarming stories, CJ’s Elephant Antics is a game that you won’t want to miss.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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