Summary
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC
Costa Capers: A Retro Platformer Paradise
Released in 1989 for the ZX Spectrum, Costa Capers is a charming and challenging platformer that has stood the test of time. Players take control of P.C. Pepe, a police officer on vacation in the sunny Costa del Crime, who must use his wits and agility to defeat a variety of enemies and collect stolen treasure.
The game is set across six colorful and varied levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. Pepe must jump, shoot, and climb his way through each level, collecting keys to open doors and avoiding hazards such as spikes, pits, and enemy fire.
One of the things that makes Costa Capers so enjoyable is its tight and responsive controls. Pepe is a joy to control, and the game’s physics are perfectly tuned to provide a challenging but fair experience. The level design is also top-notch, with each level offering a unique and memorable experience.
Another highlight of Costa Capers is its charming graphics and animation. The game’s characters and environments are full of personality, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s lighthearted atmosphere.
Overall, Costa Capers is a fantastic retro platformer that is sure to please fans of the genre. It’s a challenging but fair game with charming graphics, tight controls, and a catchy soundtrack. If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic platformer to play, then Costa Capers is definitely worth checking out.
Gameplay
Costa Capers is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls P.C. Pepe, a police officer on vacation in the Costa del Crime. Pepe must use his wits and agility to defeat a variety of enemies and collect stolen treasure.
The game is played across six levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. Pepe must jump, shoot, and climb his way through each level, collecting keys to open doors and avoiding hazards such as spikes, pits, and enemy fire.
Pepe can attack enemies by shooting them with his gun or by jumping on their heads. He can also collect power-ups that give him special abilities, such as the ability to shoot faster or jump higher.
The game’s difficulty increases as Pepe progresses through the levels. The enemies become more numerous and difficult to defeat, and the levels become more complex and challenging. However, Pepe also becomes more powerful as he collects power-ups and upgrades his weapons.
Development
Costa Capers was developed by the Spanish video game company Dinamic Software. The game was designed by Carlos Granados and Paco Menéndez, and the graphics were created by Juan Carlos García.
The game was originally released for the ZX Spectrum in 1989. It was later ported to the Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, and MSX computers.
Costa Capers was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its tight controls, challenging gameplay, and charming graphics. The game has been cited as one of the best platformers of its era.
Legacy
Costa Capers has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and charming graphics have inspired many other platformers, and it is still enjoyed by retro gaming fans today.
In 2010, Costa Capers was re-released on the Wii Virtual Console. The game was also included in the ZX Spectrum Next mini console, which was released in 2021.
Conclusion
Costa Capers is a classic retro platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s tight controls, challenging gameplay, and charming graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic platformer to play, then Costa Capers is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7.5/10
